Who studies theology nowadays? Insights into recent empirical research about motivation and religiosity of theology students

Abstract

This article summarizes the quantitative empirical findings on study choice motivation and religiosity of theology students, protestant and catholic, in German-speaking countries. The pedagogical interest is the major reason for studying theology in a teaching degree and is significantly more important to female students than male students. Interest in theology ranks second, and is significantly more important for students aiming to become secondary school teachers. In terms of religiosity, theology students consider themselves to be more religious than the German population, although there is a wide range, particularly with regard to the frequency of prayer. At southern German locations religious socialization is rated as a significantly stronger reason for studying than at northern German locations.