Religious Students Research Articles

A Gladdening Vision of a Dancing Christ: Findings of a Ritual Ethnography of Intercultural Icons

The cultural renaissance in 20th-century India has fostered an aesthetic integration of contemplative mysticism with popular religious practices, influencing various artistic and theological movements. This paper examines Christian artist Joy Elamkunnapuzha’s use of Indian classical and mythical elements in his religious artworks, particularly in two North Indian churches. These intercultural icons, which incorporate symbols from Hindu traditions like mandalas and mudras, have been central to the worship practices of local Catholic communities for over three decades. Through ritual ethnography, the study reveals how these visual representations mediate ritual affectivity and communal imagination, impacting identity formation and spiritual engagement in a multi-religious context. Respondents—including worshippers, ministers, and religious students—attest to the transformative impact of these images, as they negotiate between Christian metaphors and Hindu aesthetic traditions. The research is grounded in practical theology, liturgical theology, and ritual studies, contributing to the works of Indian Christian cultural activists like Jyoti Sahi. By exploring the creative dynamics of visual approach, visual appeal, and visual affinity within worship spaces, the study elucidates the complex processes of meaning making through symbolic mediation in interreligious environments.

Peningkatan Motivasi Belajar PAK Melalui Penerapan Problem Based Learnig Di Fase D Kelas VII SMP Negeri 2 Amandraya

The background that encourages this non-class research is the low learning motivation of grade VII students in Catholic Religion at SMP Negeri 2 Amandraya. The research that has been conducted by the author aims to determine the improvement of Catholic religious education outcomes through learning the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in 2024/2025. This researcher uses 2 cycle stages, each of which consists of 2 meetings. The conclusion of the study is that through the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model, it can improve the learning outcomes of Catholic religious students in grade VII (Seven). The suggestion from the researcher is that through this Problem Based Learning (PBL) model, hopefully it can make a better contribution to learning in the future.

Exploring patterns of evolution acceptance, evolution understanding, and religiosity among college biology students in the United States

BackgroundSome of the most consistent factors associated with college students’ evolution acceptance are how much they know about evolution (understanding), and the extent to which they identify as religious (religiosity). However, few studies explore how the relationship between understanding and acceptance can be impacted by student religiosity levels. Further, students show different levels of acceptance of evolution depending on the scale of evolution and context of evolution, but few studies explore how evolution understanding is related to acceptance at different scales and in different contexts. In this study, we analyzed survey responses from 11,409 college biology students sampled from across the United States. Using linear mixed models, we explored the relationship between students’ understanding and acceptance of evolution and how their religiosity impacted that relationship. We also explored how these relationships changed based on scale and context of evolution.ResultsWe found evidence of six different scales or contexts of evolution ranging from acceptance of microevolution to accepting that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor. We found that students were most likely to accept microevolution while they were the least likely to accept the common ancestry of life. Interactions between student religiosity and understanding of evolution were significant predictors of their acceptance of macroevolution, human evolution within the species, human common ancestry with other apes, and the common ancestry of life. Notably, among highly religious students, how much they understood about evolution was not related to how much they accepted the common ancestry of life.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for six different scales or contexts of evolution for which college students have different levels of acceptance. Students accepted the common ancestry of life the least indicating that this might be important to expand upon in future research. Further, we provide evidence that the relationship between evolution acceptance and understanding depends on scale and context of evolution as well as student religiosity levels. These results indicate that acceptance of evolution among college students is more multifaceted than previously thought and that highly religious students may find it particularly difficult to translate their understanding of evolution to their acceptance.

Analisis Permendkbudristek No. 46 Tahun 2023 Terhadap Kekerasan Struktural Yang Terjadi Pada Aliran Kepercayaan Sapto Darmo Di Kabupaten Kendal

Findings of structural violence in the world of education continue to occur today. One type of structural violence that often occurs in the educational environment is educational discrimination against minorities. Cases of educational discrimination were also experienced by the Sapto Darmo sect of faith in Kendal Regency, some of whom experienced difficulties in obtaining formal education. In fact, Kendal is one of the districts in Central Java Province which has 5 developing religious beliefs, one of which is the Sapto Darmo Belief. The purpose of this research is to find out whether Permendikbudristek Regulation No. 46 of 2023 can be used as a legal umbrella for adherents of the Sapto Darmo belief in Kendal Regency or whether this regulation is just a formality. The method used in this research is analyzing the policy results of Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 46 of 2023 on the Sapto Darmo belief sect in Kendal Regency using empirical juridical analysis. In particular, this research is targeted to be a reference source for the Kendal Regency Government in providing equal educational rights for adherents of the Sapto Darmo belief system. The results of this research show that Permendikbudristek No. 46 of 2023 has been implemented well for students who adhere to existing beliefs in Kendal Regency, especially the Sapto Darmo belief sect. The conclusion of this research is that the violence that was previously feared would befall religious students in Kendal Regency has gradually improved and there are no longer any reports of schools prohibiting religious students from entering school. If in the future there are still schools that prohibit this, the Kendal Regency Government and the Kendal Regency Education and Culture Office will seek mediation and legal action.

Overcoming Religious Prejudice Among Indonesian Students Through Islamic Education Based on Religious Maturity

Religious prejudice adorns socio-religious issues in Indonesia, including on state university campuses. Some Muslim student activists are very aggressive in calling non-Muslims and minority Islamic sects as infidels. Their negative prejudice is that Christians and Hindus are infidels because they have three Gods. The Shi'a are heretical because they prioritize Imam Ali over the Prophet. Ahmadiyah is not Islam because they believe in Mirza Gulam Ahmad as the Prophet. However, their accusations have no reliable basis. Meanwhile, mature and religious students have positive and tolerant attitudes. The research aims to counteract religious prejudice in Muslim students through Islamic education based on religious maturity—a mixed-method research method. The research instrument is an inventory of religious prejudice and religious maturity. The research respondents were 300 Muslim students in Bandung and Palembang. The research results show that the religious maturity approach in Islamic education has effectively prevented religious prejudice in students. Before college, half of the respondents had a prejudice against non-Muslims and minority Islamic schools. But after college, their unfavorable discriminations diminished. They say that among non-Muslims, some believe and deserve to go to heaven. Shi'a and Ahmadiyya are both Muslims. The implication is that Islamic education based on religious maturity needs to be implemented in universities.

Implementasi Kurikulum 2013 Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di SMP PGRI Tebedak

This research aims to analyze the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects at the Junior High School (SMP) level. The 2013 curriculum, introduced by the Indonesian government, prioritizes a competency-based approach with a focus on developing students' attitudes, knowledge and skills holistically. In the context of Islamic Religious Education, the implementation of this curriculum is expected to shape the character and personality of religious students and develop their understanding of Islamic teachings in a comprehensive manner. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach in several junior high schools in Indonesia. Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews with PAI teachers, and analysis of documents related to the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum. The research results showed that the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum in PAI subjects faced several challenges, including limited resources, teacher readiness, and diversity in student abilities. However, several schools have demonstrated success in adapting this curriculum well, especially through ongoing teacher training and the development of creative and contextual learning materials. Other findings from this research indicate that the use of active and collaborative learning methods, such as group discussions and projects, can increase student participation and understanding in PAI lessons. Apart from that, the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in the learning process also contributes positively to the effectiveness of implementing this curriculum. Overall, this research concludes that although there are various challenges in implementing the 2013 Curriculum for Islamic Religious Education subjects in junior high schools, efforts to increase teacher competency and use innovative learning methods can optimize student learning outcomes. Recommendations are given to the government and education stakeholders to continue to support teacher training programs, develop relevant teaching materials, and improve educational facilities and infrastructure to support the successful implementation of the 2013 Curriculum.

Predicting evolution acceptance among religious students using the predictive factors of evolution acceptance and reconciliation (pFEAR) instrument

Evolution is one of the controversial topics in biology primarily because of the perceived conflict between religion and evolution. Religiosity is one of the biggest predictors of evolution acceptance, i.e., the more religious an individual, the less accepting they are of evolution. Most students in the United States are religious, so how evolution is taught in the classroom is essential for a more inclusive experience. However, educators do not have a way to measure what factors influence students' evolution acceptance. We developed a survey instrument with validity evidence called the "predictive Factors of Evolution Acceptance and Reconciliation" (pFEAR). Using this measure, with data from eight religiously affiliated institutions in the United States, educators can understand how their religious and scientific worldview factors influence their students' views on evolution acceptance. Our study showed that religious influence was the most statistically significant predictor of evolution acceptance among religious students by a factor of 2, when compared to students scientific worldviews and the perceived conflict between science and religion. It also showed that perceived conflict between science and religion and being influenced by science were significant positive predictors of evolution acceptance. Further, this study identifies ways educators can use the pFEAR in the classroom to better understand their student's views and better modify how they approach teaching evolution in their classroom.

Interest of Students Toward Online Education: A Case Study of Religious Students

Interest of student is very Significant in open and distance learning (ODL) education because of its profound influence on pedagogical implications. Extensive research has been conducted on the interest of science students in ODL during the post-pandemic period. However, understanding religious students’ interests holds particular significance because of their unique beliefs, values, and needs. Therefore, a case study was conducted to investigate the interest of religious students in online education and identify the factors influencing their interest. A total of 123 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia participated in this study. All of them are third- and fourth-year students with experience in online learning. Data were collected using a structured Google form and analysed using appropriate statistical methods to gain insights into the participants’ interests and opinions. The results revealed that 85.4% of students had a positive attitude toward online learning, whereas 14.6% had an unfavourable attitude. Additionally, 73.2% preferred traditional learning, while 26.8% preferred online learning. Furthermore, 44.7% believed that online learning provided the same quality as traditional education, whereas 55.3% disagreed. These findings have significant implications for the development and implementation of future online learning strategies in Islamic education.

Manajemen Pengembangan Karakter pada Lembaga Pendidikan Islam

Islamic education plays a significant role in shaping the character of students through effective management to integrate character development into the learning process. The study aims to examine character-based management in Islamic educational institutions. This research employs a qualitative method with a literature study approach. Data were collected from scientific journals and books. The results show: (1) management is a series of planned actions from planning to evaluation. (2) character development is the process of combining values or components into something. (3) Islamic educational institutions are schools based on Islamic religion to shape religious students. (4) character development management in Islamic educational institutions is a framework for organizing and managing education, considering Islamic character development such as honesty, justice, and patience in the curriculum and classroom learning. Conclusion: character development management is able to shape students to become more Islamic in schools.

Aktualisasi Manajemen POAC Pondok Pesantren Bait Et-Tauhied dalam Membentuk Karakter Santri yang Religius di Era Globalisasi

This study aims to identify, analyze and provide updates to the actualization of POAC management of the Bait Et-Tauhied Islamic boarding school in the context of forming the character of religious students in the era of globalization. The research was conducted using field research methods with a qualitative approach. Data collection is done by observation, interviews, and documentation. Presentation, reduction, and verification are some of the data analysis methods that can be used. The results of the study show several ways POAC management is used in the Bait Et-Tauhied Islamic boarding school to shape the character of religious students in the modern era. Some examples are planning management that designs the vision, mission, and goals of Islamic boarding school education through character education programs, organizing management divides the main tasks and functions for each field implemented, and actuating management that uses habituation methods with activities involving religious activities.

Explanation of subjective well-being from school burnout or sensation seeking: which is the biggest predictor for religious students

The purpose of this study was to prove the relationship between positive and negative emotions from subjective well being with school burnout and sensation seeking in religious students.. This is a survey or non-experimental study using a cross-sectional technique on a sample of religious students (n = 205) taken by convenience sampling. Data collection was taken with the classical arrangement of each class in the school after approval of research procedures and ethical codes from the research institute. Data were taken from the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule scale, School Burnout Inventory and Brief Sensation-seeking. The results in this study explain that positive emotions have a negative relationship with school burnout but simultaneously a stronger positive relationship than negative emotions with school burnout. Then sensation seeking is positively related to positive emotions and it is also positively related to negative emotions, these results also provide recommendations for further research on whether sensation seeking can be a mediation to increase or decrease the relationship of two other variables such as the relationship between positive and negative variables because it supports positive and negative emotions.

Creating welcoming and supportive campus climates for Buddhist students: Barriers and opportunities

AbstractThere is scant available research and scholarly discourse related to the unique needs and experiences of Buddhist students in US higher education—even in the small but growing body of literature on religiously minoritized college students. In this chapter, I summarize what little research does exist on Buddhist students, and explain the broader historical, societal, and cultural factors that serve as important context for making sense of that research. Focus points include curriculum, institutional policy, and student affairs. In the end, I offer recommendations to faculty, administrators, and student affairs professionals regarding what they can do to help create more welcoming and supportive campus climates for Buddhist students.Practical Takeaways Buddhism is internally diverse and Buddhist students often understand religion and express religiousness in ways that greatly differ from Christian and many other religious students. For that reason, creating welcoming and supportive campus climates for them looks different from common ways institutions attempt to do that for students from other religious groups. Creating a designated Buddhist prayer space on campus may not be very helpful to Buddhist students. Things that are more likely to help include: providing religious literacy education to all students, creating an inclusive religious accommodations policy and interfaith calendar, permitting the use of incense in residence halls, hiring a full‐time student affairs professional dedicated to working with Buddhist students, regulating proselytizing on campus, avoiding appropriation of Buddhist traditions, and engaging with Buddhist students directly.

Manajemen Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Melalui Program Pelaksanaan Sholat Dhuha di SMP IT Ad Durrah

This study aims to determine the management of Islamic religious education learning through the dhuha prayer implementation program at smp it ad durrah. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques in the form of in-depth direct observation, interviews and documentation. The location used as the object of study at SMP IT Ad Durrah. In this study, four data analyses were used, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The research findings show that principals and religious teachers plan religious learning through curriculum development and meetings. Religious learning through habituation of dhuha prayers at AD DURRAH IT Junior High School is carried out with good management. This is indicated by the enthusiasm of the students to do wudhu and perform dhuha prayers. Dhuha prayers are performed in Islamic Education subjects. Dhuha prayers are performed by students in grades 1 to 3 of junior high school. However, the place of worship is inadequate. Evaluation is routinely carried out at teacher meetings. The conclusion of this study is that the management of Islamic religious education learning through the dhuha prayer implementation program at AD durrah IT Junior High School provides important learning to students and provides continuous learning for them so as to give birth to religious students not only carrying out the obligatory but living the Sunnah of the Prophet.

Integration of Religion and Spirituality Into Culturally Responsible School Psychology Practice

Religion and spirituality (RS) are distinct, often overlapping constructs that are deeply meaningful to many people in the United States. In this conceptual review, the importance of RS in school psychology is highlighted based on the Culturally Responsible Dual Factor Model of mental health, which emphasizes well-being along with symptom reduction. Given that RS are positively associated with several measures of well-being and negatively associated with many risky or harmful behaviors, RS can be supported in the school system as a protective factor. Equally important is, through a culturally responsible lens, psychological services can be readjusted to foster a safe school climate for students marginalized based on their religious orientation and provide opportunities for religious students to use their beliefs and communities as a resource. After presenting examples of RS integrated tiered services, recommendations are provided in relation to school psychology training and research. Impact Statement Religion is an essential factor of cultural responsibility due to its substantial influence on the values, beliefs, identity, and behavior of students, families, school personnel, and community members. Fostering spiritual development can be an effective way to promote well-being among students.

Implementation of Curriculum Management and Mulok Kks Learning to Improve Students' Al-Qur'an Reading Standards

The Covid-19 effect is still felt today. One reason for the decline in the quality of religious students is because they cannot read the Qur'an in accordance with the requirements. So that local content of the study of the Scriptures becomes a new discovery. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of how the management of the Local Content Curriculum Study of the Scriptures (KKS) is implemented in SMP Negeri 2 Salatiga. The use of qualitative research methods, as well as ways of collecting data using observation, interviews, and documentation. Miles and Huberman models are applied to data analysis. In testing the validity of data, using triangulation of sources and techniques. The findings of this research are: 1) The Mulok KKS curriculum planning process requires the making of instructional material and working with various parties, 2) classifying students into different groups for the curriculum, 3) applying the curriculum on Saturdays, and 4) curriculum evaluation, which seeks to be improved.

A Focus on the Psychological Well-Being of Muslim Religious Students from Low-Income Families in Malaysia

Purpose: The psychological well-being of students plays an important role that needs to be examined as it revolves around aspects of internal psychology in a less tangible manner. While a student’s external behavior may provide several insights into well-being, it does not reflect the internal psychological state of a student. This study will be carried out to give a detailed picture of the psychological well-being of primary school students. Methodology: An in-depth interview method was used to collect data. The individuals involved in this study consisted of 10 primary school Muslim Religious students in the residential area of Pahang, Malaysia. Findings: The analysis of these interviews revealed several key themes, including strength in oneself, social involvement, and family support system. The findings of this study can be used as required certificates to help practitioners understand the diverse perspectives on psychological well-being. These themes can be used to enhance family functionality to achieve and maintain psychological well-being and academic achievement in confronting life’s challenges. Implications for Research and Practice: Firstly, it is important to develop customized strategies that teachers, school counselors and professionals can use based on the findings of this study. These strategies should aim to improve the welfare of elementary school students from low-income backgrounds. Additionally, involving families in the process can be incredibly beneficial in creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for students. Lastly it is crucial to provide social skills training that incorporates activities promoting peer relationships, teamwork, and effective communication.

Pengaruh Puja Bakti Terhadap Kecerdasan Spiritual Siswa Agama Buddha

This article covers aspects of prayer in the development of spiritual intelligence. The study aims to investigate the impact of the practice of puja bakti on the spiritual intelligence of Buddhist students at Bhakti Karya Kaloran High School. The study involved research subjects such as Buddhist religious students at Bakti Karya Kaloran High School in 2023 who were selected as samples of research. The research method used is a quantitative method with a correlational approach. The correlation value between the variable puja bakti to spiritual intelligence is 0.712. This value can be predicted that the relationship of the two variables tested is in the strong category. The results of the study showed a significant correlational relationship between the performance of bakti puja and the spiritual intelligence of students with evidence of a significance value of 0.003 < 0.05 and a t-count value of 6.251 > t-table 2,021, also contributing 49.6%. The recommendation from this study is to implement morning prayer routine and targeted in the school environment to enhance the spiritual intelligence of students.

Academic Cheating: The Significance of Religion

The role of cheating religion in academic cheating is the focus of this study. This study included 137 Fajar University Makassar students who attended lectures during the Covid-18 outbreak. In this investigation, saturated samples were used. Questionnaires were used to gather the data, which was then analyzed using path coefficient analysis using the Smart PLS tool. The result of this study is that academic pressure effects academic cheating behavior; opportunity does not influence academic cheating behavior; rationalization influences academic cheating behavior; capacity to influence academic cheating behavior; ethics According to the findings of multigroup study, religiosity is modest and reduces academic cheating, but not significantly. Religious students are more likely to avoid academic cheating while being under less pressure in terms of opportunity, talent, justification, and ethics. At Fajar University Makassar, there are several ways to prevent academic cheating, including conducting outreach activities about cheating and its consequences, informing students that cheating will be caught and announced, and ensuring that students do not work in an unsatisfactory manner. fraud, demonstrating that any fraud would be penalized, educating kids to write without cheating, and encouraging them to conduct ethically.

Religious Students' Experiences in Secular Public Space: The Case of METU

Bu makale, Türkiye'de Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi'nin (ODTÜ) kamusal alanındaki öğrencilerin dindarlık deneyimlerine dair kapsamlı bir araştırmanın sonuçlarına dayanmaktadır. Araştırma, tarihsel olarak seküler bir gelenekle şekillenen bir akademik kurum bağlamında dindar öğrencilerin uyguladıkları çok yönlü davranış pratiklerini, kategorilerini ve taktiklerini incelemektedir. ODTÜ'deki dindar öğrencilerle yapılan derinlemesine görüşmeler yoluyla bu çalışma, bu öğrencilerin kampüsteki kamusal yaşama nasıl katıldıkları, kamusal alanda kendilerine nerede yer buldukları ve kasıtlı olarak kaçındıkları alanları incelemektedir. Çalışma, bu bireylerin dini kimliklerini nasıl koruduklarını, dini duygularını ve aidiyet duygularını nasıl sürdürdüklerini ve nihayetinde ağırlıklı olarak seküler bir ortamın ortaya çıkardığı zorlukları nasıl aşmaya çalıştığını anlamaya çalışmaktadır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından fenomenolojik yaklaşım ve amaçlı örnekleme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Veriler, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığıyla ODTÜ’de öğrenim gören 18 adet öğrenci ile yapılan derinlemesine görüşmelerden elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilere dayanarak, dindar öğrencilerin uyguladıkları davranışsal uygulama ve taktikleri merkez, çevre ve yarı-çevre olmak üzere üç farklı alanda kategorize edilmiştir. Bu alanların her birinin farklı kültürel özellikler, kendi aralarındaki ilişkiler ve çeşitli varoluş biçimleri sergilediği görülmüştür. Bulgular, ODTÜ kamusal alanının seküler ve kültürel olarak dışlayıcı karakterini korumakta ısrar ederek, dinsel aktör ve pratiklerin siyasi ve kültürel olarak dahil edilmesine direndiğini vurgulamaktadır. Seküler bir geleneğe sahip bir kurum olarak ODTÜ, "öteki" olarak görülen dindar öğrencilerin siyasi ve kültürel olarak marjinalleştirildiği seküler bir kamusal alan geliştirmiştir. Veriler, bu kamusal alanlardaki egemen kültür ve yaşam biçimlerinin dindarlıktan önemli ölçüde uzak olduğunu ve bazen aşırı tepkilere, marjinalleşmeye ve dışlanmaya yol açtığını ve bunun da seküler olarak nitelendirilebileceğini göstermektedir. Makale, bu bölgelere yerleşmiş dindar bireylerin benimsediği tipolojilerin ve taktiklerin ayrıntılı bir incelemesini sunarak, onların ODTÜ'nün seküler kamusal alanı içindeki deneyimlerine ilişkin anlayışımızı daha da güçlendirmektedir. ODTÜ’nün kamusal alanının merkezinde var olmayı tercih eden öğrenciler buradaki seküler aktör ve pratiklerin etkisiyle mevcut pratiklere uyumlu bir tipoloji sergilemektedirler. Diğer taraftan çevreye yerleşmeyi tercih eden öğrenciler ise ODTÜ’nün seküler aktör ve pratiklerinden olabildiğince uzak durmayı ve oldukça dindar pratikler sergileyerek uyum göstermeye direnmektedirler. Bu iki alanın ortasına yerleşmeyi tercih eden öğrenciler ise bağlamsal ve melez bir benlik geliştirmişlerdir. Bu öğrenciler bazen uyum bazen de direnç göstermekte hem seküler aktör ve pratiklerle hem de dindar aktör ve pratikler ile uyumlu bir yaşam tarzı ortaya koymaktadırlar. Bu şekilde alanlara göre değişen aktör ve pratikler zaman zaman birbiriyle etkileşim kurmakta ve birbirinden etkilenmektedirler. Dolayısıyla geliştirilen tipoloji ve pratikler bağlama göre değişkenlik gösterebilmektedir. Ancak ortaya çıkan bir gerçek şudur ki, İslami yaşam tarzlarının bu kamusal alanların merkezindeki temsili, seküler yönelişlere kıyasla oldukça zayıf olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. İslam’ın serbestçe ve gerilimsiz olarak yaşandığı alanların mescit gibi mekanların yer aldığı çevresel alanlar olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, seküler kamusal alanlarda tek tip bir dindarlık ve pratikler yerine, birbirinden oldukça farklı dinsel tipoloji ve pratiklerin geliştirildiği ortaya çıkmıştır.

Research Supervision as a Spiritual Ministry: A Confluence of Object Relations, Psychodynamics and Grace

Abstract The changes in the pedagogy of research supervision in the university context are now reflected within the practices of theological seminaries and accredited colleges. A neglected analytical framework that could illuminate the supervisory relationship is provided by Winnicott’s Object Relations Theory and Bion and Diamond’s Organizational Psychodynamics, as they interconnect identity, stress and creativity – factors that are germane to the researcher experience. Object Relations also parallels faith development. Given the significant personal investment demanded by research, a crisis of identity for the religious student is simultaneously a crisis of faith. Conversely, a Christian faith experience could sustain the research journey through the appropriation of divine Grace. Some suggestions are provided as to how this could be manifested within the research culture.