EESTIMAALASTE ARUSAAMAD USU- JA MORAALIKÜSIMUSTES 1990–2010

Data presentation and methodology Among the opinion polls on the religious beliefs of Estonians, the first independent study was the European Values Survey (EVS) conducted by TNS EMOR in June-August 1990 in the then Soviet Estonia. The most recent study that we will focus on in this article is Life, Religion and Religious Life 2010 (EUU 2010). The data used in this article are the results of surveys commissioned and largely conducted by the Estonian Council of Churches. Comparatively, data from other value studies conducted in Estonia over the past 20 years are also provided (EVS and World Values Survey). In defining faith, one must consider the context in which faith is manifest or not manifest. Examples include personal perceptions, actions and collectiveness. In addition, the conditions and environment in which respondents live and work. Belief and unbelief can be manifold. When the tradition is interrupted or absent, they go where it is more interesting, more meaningful, more spirited. For churches, it is necessary to think about how to meet people's needs and what the relationship between the individual and the church will be. The EVS 2008 survey revealed that in recent years (2005-2008), the percentage of congregants who believe in religion is low, which may reflect both insecurity among individuals and the general attitude of the community towards religion, but may also indicate secularization of the church. Whether someone's religious belief is disapproved or negatively valued by society and is based on learned myths (rather among Estonians) also requires a separate explanation.