Research Article

Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis

Number: 11 June 30, 2025
TR EN

Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis

Abstract

The psychology of religion is a specialized field that examines the effects of religion on individual psychology. Religious pedagogy, on the other hand, makes significant contributions as a practice-oriented discipline that transfers this knowledge into the educational context, particularly within the process of religious instruction. This article explores the disciplinary relationship between the psychology of religion and religious pedagogy from a theoretical perspective. While the psychology of religion investigates individuals’ religious beliefs, experiences, and attitudes through psychological processes, religious pedagogy focuses on the role of these beliefs and values in educational settings. Both fields aim to understand and support religious development, yet they differ in terms of methodology and research focus. This article analyzes the intersections and interactions between these two disciplines to offer a more comprehensive perspective on the study of religion. It discusses how the conceptual framework provided by the psychology of religion can be integrated into religious education practices, particularly emphasizing the connections between faith development theories and pedagogical applications. The article is based on qualitative research using document analysis. Core texts, academic articles, and relevant literature from both fields have been reviewed and analyzed. The paper examines the common research areas, methods, and theoretical approaches shared by the psychology of religion and religious pedagogy, as well as their differences. It also discusses how collaboration between these disciplines can deepen the exploration of both individual and social aspects of religion. The study evaluates how religious pedagogy can benefit from psychological insights to support individuals’ cognitive, affective, and behavioral development. Emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, the article presents a theoretical framework to identify shared domains between these fields. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of such collaboration in religious studies and offers suggestions for strengthening the connection between religious pedagogy and the psychology of religion, providing guidance for both scholars and practitioners.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The author acknowledges that she received no external funding in support of this research.

Ethical Statement

This study does not require ethics committee approval, as the data used were obtained from literature review/published sources. It is declared that scientific and ethical principles have been followed while carrying out and writing this study and that all the sources used have been properly cited.

References

  1. Allport, G. (1950). The ındividual and his religion: A psychological ınterpretation. Collier-Macmillian.
  2. Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.
  3. Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.
  4. Bandura, A. (1985). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice Hall.
  5. Barrett, J. L. (2004). Why would anyone believe in God? (Cognitive science of religion). AltaMira Press.
  6. Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.
  7. Berryman, J. W. (2009). Godly play: An imaginative approach to religious education. Augsburg Fortress.
  8. Beyers, J. (2016). The quest for the understanding of religious studies: Seeing dragons. Verbum et Ecclesia, 37(1), 1-9.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychology of Religion

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

June 29, 2025

Publication Date

June 30, 2025

Submission Date

March 23, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 19, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Number: 11

APA
Yıldız, K. (2025). Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi, 11, 145-178. https://doi.org/10.59379/tdpd.1663686
AMA
1.Yıldız K. Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi. 2025;(11):145-178. doi:10.59379/tdpd.1663686
Chicago
Yıldız, Kübra. 2025. “Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-Depth Analysis”. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi, nos. 11: 145-78. https://doi.org/10.59379/tdpd.1663686.
EndNote
Yıldız K (June 1, 2025) Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi 11 145–178.
IEEE
[1]K. Yıldız, “Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis”, Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi, no. 11, pp. 145–178, June 2025, doi: 10.59379/tdpd.1663686.
ISNAD
Yıldız, Kübra. “Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-Depth Analysis”. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi. 11 (June 1, 2025): 145-178. https://doi.org/10.59379/tdpd.1663686.
JAMA
1.Yıldız K. Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi. 2025;:145–178.
MLA
Yıldız, Kübra. “Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-Depth Analysis”. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi, no. 11, June 2025, pp. 145-78, doi:10.59379/tdpd.1663686.
Vancouver
1.Kübra Yıldız. Exploring the Theoretical Connections Between Psychology of Religion and Religious Pedagogy: An In-depth Analysis. Türk Din Psikolojisi Dergisi. 2025 Jun. 1;(11):145-78. doi:10.59379/tdpd.1663686

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