A Narrative Analysis of Christian Spiritual Transformation in Adulthood
博士 === 國立中正大學 === 成人及繼續教育研究所 === 103 === Church attendance in most Western countries has been in decline since the 1970’s. The downward trend has accelerated in recent years leading to a rise in the number of forced church mergers and closures. Many churches have responded by intensifying their effo...
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| Format: | Others |
| Language: | en_US |
| Published: |
2015
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| Online Access: | http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/60934454957082838271 |
| Summary: | 博士 === 國立中正大學 === 成人及繼續教育研究所 === 103 === Church attendance in most Western countries has been in decline since the 1970’s. The downward trend has accelerated in recent years leading to a rise in the number of forced church mergers and closures. Many churches have responded by intensifying their efforts to recruit children and youth. Adults are usually overlooked because research has demonstrated very few people join the church after the age of 30. Yet new research shows that spirituality remains strong and vibrant in adulthood. This study explored the process of Christian spiritual formation through the analysis of faith narratives provided by 20 Australians who became Christians in adulthood. Transformative learning theory provided the research framework for this study. Although successfully applied in a wide range of disciplines, transformative learning theory has rarely been applied to narratives of adult Christian conversion. Specific insights gained from this study include the following:
• Christian spiritual transformation was often but not always associated with a life crisis which sometimes had its origins in childhood.
• Participants often made a spiritual commitment to Christ before they began an intensive study of the Bible.
• A sense of community and relations with other Christians became an important part of the convert’s new life.
• Participants developed a new sense of self identity, improved self-confidence and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
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