Values of the Christian Studies Program at UNT
Solid Academic Research: Christian Studies will promote work that is conducted with acceptable academic methods. We expect the bulk of the writings of researchers afflicted with the center to be peer-reviewed by qualified academics in their area of study. The scholarly rigor of this work is critical in building the legitimacy of the Christian Studies Program to other researchers and to make sure that aid provided to Christians and their institutions is based on solid research.
A Critical, but Nonhostile, Attitude towards Christianity – The Christian Studies Program is not an organization that cheerleads for Christianity. To aid Christians and their organizations there is often a need to critique some of the elements within Christianity. But this criticism should not be done with an eye towards denigrating, Christians, and reducing their influence in the larger society, but rather with the notion of helping Christians become better able to serve those in the larger community.
Research that has Applied Implications – The work done in Christian Studies is geared towards helping Christians being in a better position to serve the larger society. While some of this work may be theoretical in nature, much of it must also have applied uses as well. Work that focuses on making society better by equipping Christians to serve in that society will be encouraged.
Nontheological in Nature – Theology is a worthy discipline that deserves attention. However, the program will avoid theological debates so that it is possible to serve the largest number of individuals possible. There will also not be a “religious” test for those who wish to participate in the program, although such individuals will be expected to abide by the values stated in this document.
Accessibility – While the Christian Studies Program will facilitate academic work, there is also a value for disseminating this work to nonacademics. Speaking and/or nonacademic writing are but two ways in which such a dissemination can take place. However, individuals connected with the program are expected to make themselves available to the nonacademic community in ways that are comfortable to them.
Possible Topics of interest include but are not limited to:
How do Christian beliefs affect environmental attitudes?
What are the empirical keys to Christian church growth?
What are the social sources of anti-Christian animus?
What is the effect of the media on perceptions of Christians?
Can multiracial Christian churches reduce the level of racial alienation in the United States?
Where do Christian leaders gain their information about society and how does it affect their ministry?
Which elements of Christian philosophy are most desirable to younger cohorts and which elements are the least desirable?
Under what conditions are different innovative types of church organizations (i.e. multi-site, multiple congregations in the same building) most effective?
What is the role of Christian religiosity in the shaping of romantic relationships?
Under what conditions are Christian faith-based organizations most effective in reducing poverty?
What are the elements of Christian religiosity that reduce criminal actions?
What are the processes within Christian belief that can produce possible positive psychological health outcomes?
How does Christian beliefs effect a person’s spending habits?
How have Christians dealt with changing gender norms in the United States?
Do Christians handle interpersonal conflict differently than non-Christians?
Do Christians alter their sexual behavior due to abstinence programs?
What are the characteristics of Christian churches that are most effective in serving their communities?
What are the mechanisms that shape the fertility attitudes of Christians?
What is the best way for Christian clergy who have been divorced to recover from this trauma?
What are the characteristics of Christian churches that are successful in meeting the needs of immigrants?