Ken A. Curtis

Abstract

This thesis represents an attempt to contribute toward the emerging discussion of the importance of crisis in religious development. In this attempt, a number of sources, representing the fields of psychology, sociology, theology, and the more specific area of religious development, have been consulted in order to gain a clear picture of the relationship between crisis and growth in religious experience.

Following the introductory considerations, the thesis begins with a suggested framework for understanding this crisis-growth relationship. This includes a look at the basis and origin for crisis experience, the types of situations in which crisis occurs, and the dynamics involved in a crisis experience. Particularly noted are the religious nature of crisis, the role of God in crisis, and the experience of vulnerability. This is followed by an examination of the proposed framework in light of the scriptures. Included in this section is a look at significant concepts, and particular case studies, in both the Old and New Testaments. Next, the implications of this understanding for worship are noted, with particular emphasis on how crisis and worship interact, the significance of liturgy and ritual, and the community context. The last chapter notes the implications of the proposed view of crisis for religious education, with emphasis in the areas of curriculum, the educator, and how the similarities between religious education and worship contribute toward a fuller understanding of the significance of crisis.

In short, this thesis suggests that crisis arises from the experience of anxiety in either/both situational or maturational contexts, that it is by nature a religious experience, that it must be resolved by either growth or shrinking back, and that God is involved in the process. Further, this view of crisis and growth is clearly reflected in both the Old and New Testaments. And finally, that this view has definite implications for worship, especially in the areas of its nature, its liturgy and rituals, and the community context in which it occurs, and for religious education, particularly in the areas of its nature, curriculum, the religious educator, and ultimate reality.

LLU Discipline

Religion

Department

Religion

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

V. Bailey Gillespie

Second Advisor

T. Richard Rice

Third Advisor

Charles Teel, Jr.

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

1983

Date (Title Page)

8-1983

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Christian life; Spiritual life; Dialectical theology

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vi; 91

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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