Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Program

Educational Psychology, Ed.D.

First Advisor

Donna J. Habenicht

Second Advisor

Lenore S. Brantley

Third Advisor

Jimmy Kijai

Abstract

Problem. This study sought to explore how the concept of salvation and assurance of salvation develop in Seventh-day Adventist children and adolescents who have been educated only in public schools.

Method. Using a developmental, cross-sectional design, semi-clinical interviews were conducted with 91 subjects 7 to 18 years of age. Subjects also completed a demographic information survey and drawings. Parents were also interviewed. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results. Three of the eight sub-concepts of salvation were age-related in their development (the impact of sin on one's relationship to God, baptism, and being saved). The most growth in understanding of salvation occurred from 8 to 11 years of age. No significant differences in levels of understanding on the assurance of salvation were found among age groups.

Subjects' and fathers' baptismal status was positively related to understanding of salvation. Time out as a form of discipline and videos used for religious education in the home were negatively related to understanding of salvation. Subjects' baptismal status was positively related to assurance of salvation and time out was negatively related to assurance of salvation.

Conclusions. (1) Understanding of some of the sub-concepts of salvation appears to be age-related. Assurance of salvation is not age-related. (2) Baptism positively relates to understanding of salvation for SDA children and adolescents who attend public schools. (3) Having a father who is a church member positively relates to understanding of salvation. (4) The use of religious videos in the home negatively relates to understanding of salvation. (5) Compared with results from previous studies, SDA children and adolescents who attend public schools have a less developed understanding of salvation than those who attend church schools.

Subject Area

Children--Religious life, Youth--Religious life, Salvation

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.32597/dissertations/235/

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