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Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of students, administrators, and faculty at two universities within the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) regarding the extent, nature, and impact engagement with people of other faiths had on student faith development. The findings confirmed that constructive engagements with people of other faiths do indeed have a strong and positive impact on faith development. Significant barriers, however, were found that serve to impede the extent and quality of interactions with people of other faiths on the campus. At the same time, institutional leaders, including student development professionals, were found to play a pivotal role in promoting the extent and positive impact these interactions can have on student faith development by: a) modeling a posture of openness toward the “other;” b) preparing students how to respectfully engage people of other faiths prior to formal activities involving such encounters; and c) supporting students who feel like the other at these universities.

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