Abstract
Christian colleges strive to nurture the religious faith of students. Our study examines the relationship of curricular and co-curricular activities on two dimensions of faith maturity—vertical and horizontal. Analysis of survey data from seniors at one Christian university showed that the factors of discussing religion with peers and spending time with people of the same faith are associated with higher levels of vertical faith maturity, and discussing meaning/purpose with peers and volunteering are associated with higher levels of horizontal faith maturity. Participating in religious retreats, food or clothing drives, and workshops on racial/cultural awareness are related to both forms of faith maturity. We conclude with suggestions for implementation.
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Notes on contributors
J. J. Burtt
J. J. Burtt is a PhD candidate in the Department of Sociology at Baylor University, Waco. His research interests are religion, technology, and social psychology.
Rory Jones
Rory Jones is a PhD student in the Department of Sociology at Baylor University, Waco. He studies spiritual practices.
Jonathan Cox
Jonathan Cox is a senior sociology major at Baylor University, Waco.
Dahron Mize
Dahron Mize is a 2021 graduate of Baylor University, Waco. His major was sociology.
Kevin D. Dougherty
Kevin D. Dougherty is an associate professor of sociology at Baylor University, Waco. Religious organizations are his expertise. His published research examines congregations, denominations, and religious colleges.
Perry L. Glanzer
Perry L. Glanzer is a professor of educational foundations at Baylor University, Waco. He studies moral education, faith-based higher education, and the relationship between religion and education.
Sarah A. Schnitker
Sarah A. Schnitker is an associate professor of psychology at Baylor University, Waco. Her research examines virtue and character development in adolescents and emerging adults.