Date

9-25-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)

Chair

Matthew Vander Wiele

Keywords

faith, works, soteriology, theological perspective, credibility enhancing displays

Disciplines

Anthropology | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

The purpose of this two-phase qualitative research design was to explore the relationship between faith and works, as evidenced by manifest Credibility Enhancing Displays (CREDs), for electronic survey participants in the orthodox Christian community. Exploring the potential links between specific aspects of the theological narratives and the intentions that precede behavior was the central focus of the study. An expert panel was used to develop the Phase One survey. Phase Two retained the same expert panel members but presented them with the Phase One survey analysis to expand the interpretation of the results. At this stage in the research, CREDs were generally defined as the works that emerge from faith. This study further analyzes how theological perspectives shape understandings of faith by creating typologies of Propositional Affirmation, Virtue Actualization, and Participative Transfiguration. Findings indicate that theological perspectives influence the alignment between belief and behavior. Theologically motivated behaviors varied not only in reported frequency but also in meaning and intent, suggesting that theology operates as both a belief system and a behavioral ecology. The study contributes to theological anthropology, moral psychology, and Christian leadership by linking soteriological narratives to observable moral action. Practical implications include targeted discipleship strategies, improved pastoral formation, and refined approaches to religious behavior research.

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