The purpose of this study is to examine the most significant reasons evangelical Christian faith is compelling to its adherents. Through the interviews of nineteen Evangelical Christians, it becomes clear that evangelicals see the Bible and Christian theology in a literal and factual way. Thus, contrary to some strains of contemporary thought and scholarship, evangelicals affirm that the claims of the Bible and Christian theology should be taken at face value. Even though such claims are implausible to the modem mind, it is precisely through seeing the Bible and theology in this light that evangelicals enter into their powerful faith lives. In addition to this literal-factual orientation, evangelicals are empowered by their relationship with God in Christ. Along with analysis of interview data, brief studies of evangelical approaches to the Bible and spiritual-psychological development will further serve to explicate evangelical faith. / Graduation date: 2003

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

This study was designed to investigate the function of an individual's level of Christian conservatism and one's current attitude toward seeking professional psychotherapeutic help.