EFFECTS OF READING SCRIPTURE AND HAVING A DAILY 1
Effects of Reading Scripture and Having a Daily Spiritual Experience
Results
40 participants were recruited from author’s church and job, but only 20 participants
were surveyed for the study. f The following demographics were reported for the 20
participants: Biological Sex (male or female), Age and Martial Status. The study contained
50% male and 50% females. 20 adults completed the survey aged 25-62 [M=5.33; S= 22.64].
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between reading scripture
and having a Daily Spiritual experience (DES). As shown in Table 1, a Pearson’s r
correlation revealed there is no statistically significant relationship between reading scripture
and having a Daily Spiritual Experience (DES), r (18) = 0.022, p >.464 (one-tailed). The null
hypothesis is rejected; .05% of the variation in daily spiritual experience is accounted for by
reading scripture. f There is no relationship between reading scripture and having a daily
spiritual experience (DES), see Figure 1.
Table 1
Pearson’s r correlation for Daily Spiritual Experience (DES) and Reading Scripture
EFFECTS OF READING SCRIPTURE AND HAVING A DAILY 2
Figure 1
Scatterplot for Reading Scripture and Daily Spiritual Experience (DES)
Note. Reading scripture scores were measured from 0-60, 0 representing no minutes and 60
representing 60min and the max. DSE was averaged and ranged from 1-6, with higher values
indicating a DES. There is no relationship between reading scripture and having a daily
spiritual experience (DES).
Discussion
This study sought to answer the question does reading scripture have an impact on a
daily spiritual experience (DES) by examining the relationship between the two. Based on
statistical analysis there was no relationship found between the variables. The data revealed
that it doesn’t matter the amount of time spent reading scripture a daily spiritual experience
(DES) can still happen.
EFFECTS OF READING SCRIPTURE AND HAVING A DAILY 3
Qomaruddin & Indawati (2018) research suggest that in a society where so many
people are in a sense lost or seeking guidance, the relationship with God is extremely
important to experiencing a DES. However, these are not the results experience in the current
study conducted. Konening and colleagues noticed that people who had low relationship God
was also low on their DES, thus providing that they could room for experience is having a
higher DES (Koening et al, 2016). However, neither study mentioned measured how reading
scripture impacted a DES, although DES was developed in other ways. However, this is good
for the field as it provides multiple resources that will aide in the achievement of a higher
DES.
Reading scripture matters to the field because this a way as a to be able to provide
research on what factors impact a daily spiritual experience within the population. Knowing
these factors are crucial on how address social issues within the field of psychology and what
resources are beneficial. Reading scripture allows for an understanding of God’s word but
more importantly his character. Reading scripture should be inclusive to rereading the same
chapter, versus, and parables to obtain f deep perspective (Muto, 2012). How can a spiritual
experience be experienced without knowing the character of God who the experience is
meant to happen with?
The question above leaves for room in the field to study more in debt the DES
through an actual relationship and dare it be said an intimate relationship God. Deepening the
research of a person’s relationship with God may be able to provide accurate results when it
comes to measuring a person’s DES. In addition, another variable to measure can be the
comprehension of reading scripture versus only reading scripture. As comprehension provides
more detailed information of understanding the information presented. It would be interesting
EFFECTS OF READING SCRIPTURE AND HAVING A DAILY 4
to see the results of this study as it is more in depth and detailed and using the full version
of the DES.
References
Koenig, H. G., Pearce, M. J., Nelson, B., & Erkanli, A. (2016). Effects on daily spiritual
experiences of religious versus conventional cognitive behavioral therapy for
depression.
Journal of Religious Health, 55 (5), 1763-1777. DOI:10.1007/s10943-016-0270-3
Muto, S. (2012). The art and discipline of formative reading: Revisiting holy scripture with
humble receptivity. Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 5(1), 100-116.
https://doi.org/10.1177/193979091200500106
Qomaruddin, M. B. & Indawati, R. (2018). Spiritual everyday experience of religious people.
Journal of International Dental and Medical Research,12 (2), 823-827.
