Content area

Abstract

This study explored how leaders who are religious experience openness to religious diversity. The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) was used to select participants capable of recognizing and appreciating cultural differences generally. From that population a sample of leaders who described themselves as religious was chosen for semi-structured interviews. Analysis of these interviews revealed four distinct expressions of openness to religious difference. These approaches were described as, "true for me," "in tension," "respectful dialogue," and "no corner on truth." Further analysis of these perspectives suggests they represent three "paths" toward an openness concerning other religions. These "paths" are: adopting a belief in relative truth, embracing a worldview that says they do not have a corner on truth, and committing to a practice of respectful dialogue.

Details

Title
Same direction - different paths: A mixed methods examination of leaders' openness to religious difference using the Intercultural Development Inventory
Author
Phipps, Kelly A.
Year
2009
Publisher
ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
ISBN
978-1-109-49026-8
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
304942200
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.