Abstract The main goal of this study was to examine the relationship between different types of extrinsic mo-tivation for religious behaviors as conceptualised within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) and Wulff’s (1991) framework of literal versus symbolic approaches of religious contents. Results from a Belgian sample of active believers (N = 186) show that the internalization of one’s reasons for performing religious behaviors was positively associated with an open, symbolic interpretation of religious belief contents and a stronger adherence to Christian be-liefs. Moreover, internalization was also positively related to general well-being and frequency of prayer but unrelated to church attendance. It is concluded that individuals who en-gage in religious behaviors because of its perceived personal significance will show more cognitive flexibility and open-mindedness towards Christian belief contents, a stronger ad-herence to this message, higher well-being and more frequent engagement in specific religious behaviors.