Dindarlık ve Ahlak Problemi: AYBÜ Öğrencileri Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma
The Problem of Religiosity and Morality: A Qualitative Study on AYBU Students

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to examine university students’ perceptions of religiosity and morality. The main research question is: “How do university students perceive religiosity and morality?”. The study is significant as it emphasizes the need to give greater attention to the topic of morality within the psychology of religion and seeks to make an original contribution to the existing literature. Method: The study employed a qualitative case study design. The study sample comprised 34 undergraduate students (17 female and 17 male) from various faculties at the Esenboğa Campus of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University. Data were collected through observation and semi-structured interviews conducted between April 21 and May 21, 2025. The findings were analyzed using thematic and descriptive analyses. Findings: The findings were analyzed under three main themes: perceptions of religiosity, perceptions of morality, and the relationship between religiosity and morality. Accordingly, while many participants associated ideal religiosity with adherence to religious commandments, the majority emphasized different aspects. When evaluating their personal religiosity, participants generally displayed an indecisive attitude and explained this by referring to their worship practices. Therefore, the element of worship emerged as a central aspect of participants’ perceptions of religiosity. Some participants, whose perceptions of morality were shaped by the value of honesty, did not appear to have sufficient knowledge of moral values. Nevertheless, all participants described themselves as moral individuals. Overall, the participants tended to perceive religiosity and morality as two distinct concepts, giving greater priority to morality in this distinction. Indeed, moral values were generally ranked higher than religious values. Furthermore, in social relationships, the morality of the interlocutor was considered more important than their religiosity. Finally, participants viewed the religiosity and moral condition of society quite negatively and expressed differing opinions regarding the possible reasons for this situation. In conclusion, the findings suggest that religiosity and morality are perceived as distinct domains among the participants. They tend to interpret religiosity as a personal choice grounded in commandments and rules, whereas they view morality as based on individual conscience and describe it as a social obligation. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that religiosity is predominantly associated with worship, whereas morality is mainly conceptualized in terms of ethical principles. This distinction helps to explain the profile of religious individuals who are consistent in their worship practices but exhibit low moral sensitivity. The study’s data provide a framework for both institutions and individuals involved in religious education, particularly those representing religious authority, such as the Presidency of Religious Affairs. The findings may serve as a starting point for rethinking and restructuring current religious discourse and practices in order to promote a more holistic understanding of religion.

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