Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and Comparative Perspectives
Empirical theology offers fresh and stimulating insights into the concerns of both the Church and the Academy. It does this by accessing relevant empirical evidence using the tools of the social sciences, and placing this evidence in the context of theological critique and contemporary debate.

In this pioneering collection of focused essays, leading experts of empirical theology illustrate key perspectives within this rapidly expanding discipline.

The first section of the book explores theoretical issues underpinning the main methods of obtaining empirical data, and the use of these data within theology. The other two sections display the role both of qualitative studies, and of the analysis of quantitative data, in exploring a range of theological beliefs and religious, social and educational concerns.
1112859717
Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and Comparative Perspectives
Empirical theology offers fresh and stimulating insights into the concerns of both the Church and the Academy. It does this by accessing relevant empirical evidence using the tools of the social sciences, and placing this evidence in the context of theological critique and contemporary debate.

In this pioneering collection of focused essays, leading experts of empirical theology illustrate key perspectives within this rapidly expanding discipline.

The first section of the book explores theoretical issues underpinning the main methods of obtaining empirical data, and the use of these data within theology. The other two sections display the role both of qualitative studies, and of the analysis of quantitative data, in exploring a range of theological beliefs and religious, social and educational concerns.
177.0 In Stock
Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and Comparative Perspectives

Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and Comparative Perspectives

Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and Comparative Perspectives

Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and Comparative Perspectives

Overview

Empirical theology offers fresh and stimulating insights into the concerns of both the Church and the Academy. It does this by accessing relevant empirical evidence using the tools of the social sciences, and placing this evidence in the context of theological critique and contemporary debate.

In this pioneering collection of focused essays, leading experts of empirical theology illustrate key perspectives within this rapidly expanding discipline.

The first section of the book explores theoretical issues underpinning the main methods of obtaining empirical data, and the use of these data within theology. The other two sections display the role both of qualitative studies, and of the analysis of quantitative data, in exploring a range of theological beliefs and religious, social and educational concerns.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9789004168886
Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers, Inc.
Publication date: 01/27/2009
Series: Empirical Studies in Theology Series , #17
Pages: 408
Product dimensions: 6.40(w) x 9.70(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Leslie J. Francis is Professor of Religions and Education within the University of Warwick. His original research concerning the connections between theology and the social sciences has been recognised by higher doctorates from the Universities of Oxford (DD), Cambridge (ScD) and Wales (DLitt).

Mandy Robbins is Senior Research Fellow in the Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of Warwick.

Jeff Astley is Directior of the ecumenical North of England Institute for Christian Education and Honorary Professorial Fellow in Practical Theology and Christian Education in the University of Durham.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

Introduction xiii

Part 1 Theoretical Perspectives

Chapter 1 Establishing Truth from Participation and Distanciation in Empirical Theology Jaco S. Dreyer 3

Chapter 2 Truth and Method in Empirical Theology Hans Schilderman 27

Chapter 3 Religious Identity in Comparative Research Johannes A. van der Ven 41

Chapter 4 Epistemological Reflections on the Connection between Ideas and Data in Empirical Research into Religion Chris A.M. Hermans 73

Chapter 5 Towards a Generic Model of Religious Ritual Hans Schilderman 101

Chapter 6 Comparative Empirical Research in Religion: Conceptual and Operational Challenges within Empirical Theology Leslie J. Francis 127

Part 2 Qualitative Perspectives

Chapter 7 Adolescents' Views of Denominational Identities and of Dialogical Religious Education: An Empirical Study from Germany Friedrich Schweitzer 155

Chapter 8 Ordinary Soteriology: A Qualitative Study Ann Christie Jeff Astley 177

Chapter 9 Narrative Competence and the Meaning of Life: Measuring the Quality of Life Stories in a Project on Care for the Elderly Thijs Tromp R. Ruard Ganzevoort 197

Chapter 10 The Theological Case for Christian Schools in England and Wales: A Qualitative Perspective Listening to Female Alumnae Tania ap Siôn Leslie J. Francis Sylvia Baker 217

Part 3 Quantitative Perspectives

Chapter 11 Faith or Morality? 'Theological Sediments' Depending on the Centrality, Content, and Social Context of Personal Religious Construct Systems Stefan Huber Constantin Klein 249

Chapter 12 Socialisation and Empirical-Theological Models of the Trinity: A Study among Theology Students in the United Kingdom Mark J. Cartledge 269

Chapter 13 Religious Socialisation in the Family: A Multi-dimensional and Multi-level Perspective Sabine Zehnder Grob Christoph Morgenthaler Christoph Käppler 291

Chapter 14 Apostolic Networks in Britain: Personality and Praxis William K. Kay 321

Chapter 15 Xenophobia and Religious Pluralism: An Empirical Study among Youth in Germany Hans-Georg Ziebertz Ulrich Riegel 339

Chapter 16 A Church Divided by Theology and Practice: The Case of the Admission of Children to Communion in the Church in Wales Keith Littler 365

List of Contributors 387

Name index 393

Subject index 401

From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Related Subjects

Bibles & Christianity
Religion
Christianity
Theology, Christian
Modern Christian Theology
Bibles & Christianity
Religion
Christianity
Theology, Christian
Modern Christian Theology

Customer Reviews