Roger ErdvigFollow

Date

11-2016

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

James Swezey

Keywords

Biblical, Emerging Adult, Evangelical Christian, Worldview Development

Disciplines

Christianity | Comparative Methodologies and Theories | Education | Other Education | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a model of Biblical worldview development during emerging adulthood for Evangelical Christians, ages 18-23. Participants (N = 20) were Christian emerging adults who were nominated as having strong Biblical worldviews. Data was collected via personal worldview development timelines, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group session with select participants. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing Corbin and Strauss’ (2015) grounded theory analysis protocol. The model generated in this study suggests that maturation in Biblical worldview results from employing various means to process the different prompts that Christian emerging adults encounter. This process is influenced by several factors from individuals’ past experiences. Additionally, the model provided further insight into the makeup of a maturing Biblical worldview, including growth in Sire’s (2015) three dimensions of worldview and demonstration of the three worldview dispositions: awareness of one’s worldview, ownership of the process of worldview development, and a commitment to meaningful processing. This new Model for Biblical Worldview Development in Evangelical Christian Emerging Adults suggests several important theoretical and practical implications for stakeholders dedicated to helping emerging adults develop a Biblical worldview.

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