Date
10-2014
Department
Seminary
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Charlie Davidson
Keywords
hostages, missionary, POW, prayer, resiliency, spiritual
Disciplines
Christianity | Practical Theology | Religion
Recommended Citation
Schlenz, Jeff, "A Lonely Faith: Lessons in Spiritual Resiliency Learned From the Isolated, Captive, and Rescued" (2014). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 941.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/941
Abstract
Americans have always traveled abroad whether as merchants, military service members, missionaries, reporters, or simply, "tourists." Most return safely, but some have been taken captive by foreign governments, terrorists and criminal organizations. Though many have studied their struggles, no wide-scale attempt has been made to understand the role religious faith played in enduring their captivities. If understood, such information could be used in training those who may be exposed to similar circumstances in the future, and may have devotional value for others enduring crises. In this study, one hundred seventy-eight international travelers are surveyed, assessing their expectations of and preparation for, the spiritual dynamics of a potential captivity. Historic cases are presented, observations are made, and recommendations are presented for those at risk and those ministering to them.
