Content area
Abstract
This dissertation traced the development of the bimodal construct and applied the paradigm to historical case studies. The central purpose was to utilize bimodal consciousness theory to develop a new paradigm of religious experience.
Chapter one introduced the research, including a statement of purpose, delimitations, justifications, and definitions. It gave background information and delineated the methodology and organization.
Chapter two presented the psychology of bimodal consciousness, including a general comparison of the right and left hemispheres of the human brain. After examining the development of the bimodal theoretical construct it explored recent controversies surrounding the theory. Finally, it summarized the way the bimodal construct would be utilized in order to create a new bimodal paradigm of religious experience.
Chapter three presented an introduction to the Shakers by examining their history, theology, and religious experience. It highlighted expressions of religious experience which characterize the Shakers such as: visions, glossolalia, dance, music, art, manufacture, and feminine equality. These manifestations were viewed through the bimodal lens and characterized as demonstrating a right-brain preference. Chapter 3 also examined Shaker impact on others.
Chapter four presented four individual Shaker case studies: William Byrd, Frederick Evans, Rebecca Cox Jackson, and Thomas Brown, which examined their background and religious experience through a bimodal lens. A three stage morphology was developed and became the criteria by which the cases were evaluated. It included: (1) inner religious experience generally expressed in right-brain manifestations; (2) participative confession; and (3) a holistic salvation process.
Chapter five presented Shaker inspirational art as a case study, reviewing its background and emergence. It offered an art interpretation to demonstrate well-being, not pathology, using categories of: form-composition, content, style-creativity, purpose, color, the analyst's perspective, and aesthetic or therapeutic benefit.
An analysis of the material and a summary of the new bimodal paradigm of religious experience were presented in the concluding chapter as a contribution to the method of psychology of religion. Chapter 6 explored implications for current religious experience such as acquiring a balance of modes and the incorporation of right-brain and feminine approaches to religious experience. Areas for further research were enumerated.
