When Saints Speak: Stories of Spirituality From Senior Southern Baptists
Date of Graduation
Spring 2003
Degree
Master of Arts in Communication
Department
Communication
Committee Chair
Charlene Berquist
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and develop an understanding of the perception and role of spirituality in the lives of senior Southern Baptists. Narrative paradigm was used as a theoretical basis for developing an understanding of the stories of spirituality offered by participants. Interviews designed to probe participant spirituality were conducted with 20 Southern Baptists over the age of 70. Participant narratives were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. In exploring the definition of spirituality, themes of relationship maintenance and two-way versus one-way relationship were discussed. Themes that emerged pertaining to the role of spirituality included internal versus external spirituality and altruism. Other themes included conversion and the Southern Baptist denomination connection with spirituality.
Subject Categories
Communication
Copyright
© Chad T Johnston
Recommended Citation
Johnston, Chad T., "When Saints Speak: Stories of Spirituality From Senior Southern Baptists" (2003). MSU Graduate Theses. 680.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/680
Dissertation/Thesis
