

Università Cattolica Aperta
Studio di ricerca ufficiale
Centro di ricerca e studio COU


12 agosto 2025
Between Taboo and Transparency: Church Culture and Dealing with Doubts of Faith in the Pentecostal-Charismatic Context
Abstract:
This original qualitative study, Between Taboo and Transparency: Church Culture and Dealing with Doubts of Faith in the Pentecostal-Charismatic Context by Sora Pazer (IU International University of Applied Science), investigates how doubts of faith are experienced and processed within Pentecostal-charismatic congregations. Drawing on ten narrative interviews from three German churches, the research reconstructs the triggers, dynamics, and transformative outcomes of crises of faith. Results show that doubt often arises from biographical ruptures, theological dissonances, and unmet congregational expectations, leading to spiritual dryness and psychological stress. The key factor shaping outcomes is church culture: tabooing doubt intensifies destructiveness, while transparent dialogue fosters resilience and deeper faith. This study highlights the importance of creating pastoral and communal spaces where honesty and ambivalence are accepted. The findings provide valuable insights for theology, psychology, and pastoral practice, offering a model of “faithfulness in non-understanding” as a constructive response to doubt.

Questo studio di ricerca riflette il lavoro accademico e le conclusioni dell'autore, che sono di sua esclusiva responsabilità. Il Catholic Open University Research & Study Center non avalla necessariamente i risultati, le interpretazioni o le opinioni espresse. I ricercatori sono incoraggiati a pubblicare i loro studi nell'ambito della nostra missione volta a promuovere la conoscenza, promuovere lo scambio accademico e supportare la crescita intellettuale.

