Clash of Convictions: Examining Divergences Among Traditional and Progressive Christians in Contemporary America

Contemporary American Christianity is experiencing a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical interpretations. This study explored the interplay of personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance on biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Florida Christians. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study aimed to explore how personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance influence biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Christians in Florida in the context of a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical worldviews. Cognitive Dissonance and Social Identity theories provide psychological frameworks for understanding individual and group religious behaviors. Data collection involved a survey of 118 self-identified Christians and semi-structured interviews with 16 participants. Quantitative data underwent regression analysis, revealing significant associations between personality traits, Christian orthodoxy, and religiosity centrality. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using grounded theory, identifying five key themes: orthodoxy interpretation spectrum, faith centrality in identity, cultural integration approaches, personality factors in doctrinal adherence, and cognitive dissonance experiences. This study offers a nuanced understanding of intra-Christian divisions by integrating psychological and theological perspectives. Findings have implications for religious leaders, counselors, and policymakers seeking to foster unity within diverse Christian communities.