2005
Anne Gavin Ritchie
Invisible Believers: An Analysis of the Spirituality of the Unchurched With Implications for Parish Evangelism
This thesis is based on a survey of one hundred people who have no current institutional religious affiliation. The survey was designed to test the premise that those who are “spiritual but not religious” carry on intentional spiritual discipline and practice. However, in reading the sometimes voluminous comments volunteered by these respondents, the author’s focus shifted to their expressions of disappointment, hurt and anger. They report rejecting religious environments that are rigid, doctrinaire and judgmental. This thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of their responses as well as a plan for intentional parish evangelism from a theologically progressive point-of-view.