A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experience of Spiritual Conversion in a Neo-Charismatic Evangelical Context.
Shannon K Johnson, Marilyn P Armour
Journal of Religion and Health October 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0672-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study (hermeneutic phenomenology) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Members of a Neo-Charismatic Evangelical church who experienced posttraumatic, born-again conversion |
| Keywords | Born-again conversion Christian conversion Hermeneutic phenomenology Posttraumatic growth Spiritual change Spiritual conversion |
| Key findings | The authors report six core constituents of posttraumatic, born-again conversion: catalysts for transformation, courses of spiritual conversion, relationship with God, receiving the love of God, being transformed by the love of God, and changes in relationships. They describe the essence of the experience as "confident knowing" and argue the findings can help mental health providers engage the topic of conversion less avoidantly. |
Abstract
Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to illuminate the lived experience of posttraumatic, born-again conversion among members of a Neo-Charismatic Evangelical church (n = 11). Data were analyzed using a six-step process that yielded six core constituents: (1) Catalysts for transformation; (2) Courses of spiritual conversion; (3) Relationship with God; (4) Receiving the love of God; (5) Transformed by the love of God; (6) Changes in relationships. The essence of the phenomenon was confident knowing. Methodological rigor was maximized via maintenance of an audit trail and memo-writing. Findings highlight the essence of a spiritual conversion experience that is central to the faith and lives of many people, but remains poorly understood. The insights provided can build understanding of conversion among mental health providers, thereby reducing avoidance of the topic and promoting informed assistance for individuals experiencing a conversion process.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Electrodermal Activity Implicating a Sympathetic Nervous System Response under the Perception of Sensing a Divine Presence—A Psychophysiological Analysis Psych February 3, 2023
- Neural network involvement for religious experiences in worship measured by EEG microstate analysis. Social Neuroscience June 1, 2022