Scant in Spirit: Relationship Between Pneumatological Development and Faith Departures

Abstract

In America, Christian faith wavering and church departures are on the rise. Unfortunately, people departing from both the Christian church and Christianity altogether in America can sometimes be met with an air of indifference—attributing the departures to the work of the enemy or end-time prophecy fulfillment. While reasons for departure vary, common patterns have surfaced in data. Recent research has identified significant biblical and theological comprehension deficiencies. Also, diverse pneumatological interpretations and practices in the areas of Christian theology, local church practices, discipleship and evangelism may further exacerbate faith and church departures. This thesis will review research on those considered in the dechurched, deconstructing, and deconverted populations while contrasting the results with the comprehensive theological understanding of those who consider themselves active and literate American Evangelicals.