The role of leisure in the spirituality of new paradigm Christians

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated whether the leisure experiences of New Paradigm Christians were related to their spirituality. New Paradigm Churches are a recent development within Christianity which combines a contemporary style of service with a conservative Christian theology. An ethnographic approach utilizing participant observation and semi‐structured interviews was employed at two New Paradigm Churches in a small, Midwestern U.S. town. The data collection took place between May and August of 2005 and included 7 women and 10 men between 22 and 60 years of age. Three major themes emerged from this study. First, solitary leisure activities were described as spiritual. Second, leisure activities with both Christian and non‐Christian friends were considered as spiritual by participants. Third, leisure provided an opportunity to be in a natural environment created by God. The findings of this study are consistent with previous investigations and writings which suggest a relationship between leisure and spirituality.