| This phenomenological study examined the Christian identity development of college men between ages 18 and 25 at a small, private, secular, liberal arts college in upstate New York. Inquiry into the religious and spiritual development of college students is a growing research interest of many practitioners and scholars in student affairs. This study's central research focused on how the Christian identity development for each man was impacted by the institution. The phenomenological research design provided rich personal narratives providing insight into the experience each man has had related to this stage of his Christian identity. The interviews were taped and transcribed, allowing for the data to be organized and analyzed for emerging themes. Key emerging themes included a life-defining event, influence of key people, and living a life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The men in the study were firmly grounded in their Christian beliefs and how those beliefs shaped their college experience. |
