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Is it useful to treat the religious variable as multidimensional? Can correlational techniques identify separate dimensions? If so, are the dimensions like those proposed in the literature? A pilot study of Methodists using questionnaire data indicated "yes" answers to these questions. The study was repeated on a larger number of subjects from four denominations using a modified universe of items and similar factor-analytic and item-scale analyses. The earlier findings were confirmed. Ten scales, defining different dimensions of religious behavior and congregational involvement, west developed. Correlations with each other and with independent variables indicate that they may be useful, both in theoretical research and in denominational evaluation and planning. The dimensions thus defined are quite similar to those developed in the pilot study, some of which were like those hypothesized in the literature. Limitations of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The null-hypothesis that "religion" is unidimensional was tested on a local sample of Methodists. Relevant literature was examined for possible dimensions. Eleven were found or constructed and questionnaire items covering many aspects of individual belief and congregational involvement were selected as possible indicators. Factor and cluster analyses were used. Sixteen factors and twelve clusters of some interest were obtained. Agreements between the analyses led to the conclusions that: 1. For these data, the unidimensional view should be rejected; 2. Nine dimensions can be presented for further study, several of which awe similar to some previously proposed in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]