Truth and significance: a 3N model (needs, narratives, networks) perspective on religion

Abstract In this chapter, we analyze religion through the lens of the 3N (need, narrative, network) model of ideological involvement. Particularly, we assume that people’s religiosity stems from two fundamental needs, that is, the epistemic need to know and the need for personal significance. We further analyze the factors responsible for the ability of religion to satisfy the two needs in question by referring to the narrative and network components. Narrative relates to the belief system one endorses and thus identifies the goals to pursue in order to satisfy one’s needs and the means of their attainment. Network validates the narrative, rewards behavior in line with it, and punishes deviants. We argue that religious narratives and networks possess characteristics that make them particularly suitable for satisfying epistemic and significance needs. The proposed model answers the questions of why people believe, what they believe in, and how religious involvement is sustained.