Page Range
5-31
Keywords
contextual, socio-cultural, personal experience, moral, intellectual, integrated
Abstract
Barriers to belief in God and Christianity in an increasingly antagonistic culture are considerable. Reasons for resisting belief were studied in an intellectually-driven population of educated atheists in Western culture (N = 50) through survey and interview analysis. This mixed-method research study evaluated a broad range of functional (socio-cultural, psycho-emotional, existential, experiential, moral, volitional) and substantive (intellectual and spiritual) variables influencing disbelief. Based upon extensive data collection, these findings advance the case for viewing obstacles to belief as diverse, interactive, and complex in nature. These barriers should not be easily reduced to broad brushed presumptions, but should be engaged thoughtfully, compassionately, and uniquely with each individual.
Recommended Citation
2021. "Barriers to Belief: Why do the Resistant Resist God?." Liberty Theological Review 5, (2). https://doi.org/10.70623/KURM5326.
Included in
Christianity Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons, Social Psychology Commons
