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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1989

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department / School

English

First Advisor

Harold Widvey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine meanings given to specific words and phrases used by evangelical Christians. The study attempted to determine if any differences in meanings were detected among denominations. This study used the semantic differential technique to measure the intensity of responses that the individuals have toward selected concepts. The hypothesis of the study was stated in null hypothesis form. "There is no difference among denominations in meanings given to selected terms and phrases used by evangelical Christians." This hypothesis was subdivided into null hypotheses for each of the concepts and compared the direction and intensity of the responses between denominations. The following nine hypotheses were used in the study. 1. There is no difference in response to the concept of "saved" between denominations. 2. There is no difference in response to the concept of "prayer" between denominations. 3. There is no difference in response to the concept of "born again" between denominations. 4. There is no difference in response to the concept of "redeemed" between denominations. 5. There is no difference in response to the concept of "Christian" between denominations. 6. There is no difference in response to the concept of "love of God" between denominations. 7. There is no difference in response to the concept of “eternal life" between denominations. 8. There is no difference in response to the concept of "sanctified" between denominations. 9. There is no difference in response to the concept of “righteous" between denominations.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Christianity -- Terminology

English language -- Religious aspects -- Christianity

Evangelicalism

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

103

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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