Empirical Research, Theological Limits, and Possibilities

The rise of interest in empirical research has prompted important questions about the nature of theological knowledge. The tension between theology as a purely intellectual discipline and theology as a practical discipline becomes particularly acute for those of us who desire to use qualitative research as an aspect of our theological method. This chapter explores some aspects of this ongoing tension by focusing on the issue of epistemology. Qualitative research is empirical research that produces empirical knowledge. Qualitative research is more open to a plurality of cognitive approaches/thought styles. Qualitative research enables us to pay close attention to particular contexts and communities, and to explore the multilayered dynamics of personal belief, communal expression, and individual and corporate practice. The chapter explores something of what it means to come to know God and the ways in which qualitative research can contribute to such a complex task.