The Effect of Feto Coup Attempt on Young People’s Religion and Congregation Perception: Sample of Trabzon Faculty of Theology

Abstract

Religion is one of the most exploited phenomena in human history. The most dramatic sample of the religion abuse in Turkey's recent history is Gulenist Terror Organization's (FETO). The military coup attempt carried out by a group of FETO members in July 15, 2016 has caused many negative effects in terms of sociological, psychological, economic and religious aspects. In the July 15 coup attempt, 248 citizens were killed and 2196 were injured. This coup attempt was carried out by a group known to the public as a religious group / community, service and education movement. The fact that the coup attempt was carried out by a religious group led to classical conditioning in humans, leading to concepts of congregation and religion, which initially produced neutral or positive emotions, into concepts that led to feelings of suspicion, fear and hatred. In our study, the effect of FETO coup attempt on the community and religion perception of the students of theology faculty was examined and the following conclusions were reached. Compared to the 18-21 age group, the concept of religion after FETO coup attempt in the age group of 22-37 suggests more negative emotions. FETO coup attempt women's views on congregation/sectarian leaders were more adversely affected than those of males. After the FETO coup attempt, the concept of congregation evoked in the sample in 63.5% doubt, in 20.4% hate, in 6.7% fear in in 9.4% confidence, while the concept of religion evoked in the sample in 49.7% doubt, in 4.1%, hate, in 3.9% fear and in 42.2% trust. After the FETO coup attempt, it was determined that the religious perception of those with low religiosity was affected more negatively. After the FETO coup attempt, it was determined that the concept of congregation aroused more negative feelings in both low and higher religious groups...