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- Title
How the Perception of God as a Transcendent Moral Authority Influences Marital Connection Among American Christians.
- Authors
Shichida, Toshi; Dollahite, David C.; Carroll, Jason S.
- Abstract
Dynamics that link individuals' perceptions of God as a transcendent moral authority and marital connection were analyzed in depth using qualitative data from a sample of 48 Christian spouses from California and New England. Thirty-six individuals expressed their perception of God as a transcendent moral authority, and compared to 12 who did not, they conveyed three distinctive religious-marital dynamics. These were all processes to promote marital unity that engaged God, namely: (1) spouses modified their individual behavior in marriage with reference to their God model, (2) they shared as a couple the goal to obey God together, and (3) they perceived that God strengthened their marital bond. Further, there were underlying common factors to these three dynamics: (a) the spouses' perception of God as a being who has an integrated personality of divine attributes--including demand for loyalty to God and interpersonal care, (b) their emulation of God, as well as having a relationship with God, in the form of obedience and receiving grace, and (c) their marriage being centered in God in a way that the relationship is characterized by their dealings with God. This structure was different from that of the individuals who did not view God as a transcendent moral authority. Specifically, these spouses focused more on individual autonomy, communication, or religion itself in regard to marriage; but not on God who has personality and authority. Thus introducing one unique vertical dimension, perceiving God as transcendent moral authority, to marriage appears to be associated with distinctive dynamics and a socio-psychological structure within the marriage relationship.
- Subjects
UNITED States; RELIGION &; marriage; CHRISTIANS; MARRIED people &; psychology; GOD; ETHICS
- Publication
Journal of Psychology & Christianity, 2015, Vol 34, Issue 1, p40
- ISSN
0733-4273
- Publication type
Article