Mark J. Cartledge

Empirical Theology: inter‐ or intra‐disciplinary?

Abstract This article seeks to reflect on the methodology of what has come to be called ‘empirical theology’. In particular it considers the question of how theology might relate to the social sciences. The more established expression is what is called the ‘inter‐disciplinary’ approach. This has been advocated by both sociologists and religious educationalists. In contrast, Johannes van der Ven, Professor of Practical Theology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen, advocates an ‘intra‐disciplinary’ approach. This approach is innovative in seeking to incorporate social science methods within a theological framework. The contention of the article is that while some forms of inter‐disciplinary approaches are potentially more rigorous they are not without difficulty. Theologians, however, have been given a valuable model of how theology might relate to the social sciences by means of van der Vens approach. It now remains for the practical theological community of scholars to assess it.

God, Gender and Social Roles: A Study in Relation to Empirical-Theological Models of the Trinity

This study aims to investigate the relationship between gender, gender-specific language about God, social roles and their influence upon empirical-theological models of the Trinity. It is the third study emerging from a survey of theology students in the UK conducted in 2003-2005 (N = 244). The findings suggest that there is an attitudinal different between men and women, with men preferring masculine images and women feminine images, which also tend to be associated with specific social roles and models of the Trinity. In particular, feminine imagery for God and a positive attitude towards the ordination of women are statistically significant predictors of a positive attitude towards the Transgender model of the Trinity.

The Use of Scripture in Practical Theology

Abstract This study analyses how academic practical theologians actually use the Bible within their theological approaches and constructions. From a survey of the literature, written by established academics in the field, a six-fold typology was identified. The typology includes the following approaches: (1) the employment of an a priori conceptual grid; (2) the use of proof texts; (3) a strategic selection of a key passage or passages; (4) some measured of sustained engagement of a number of biblical passages; (5) a critical reading from historical, theological or ideological perspectives; and (6) the strategy of excluding biblical texts altogether. A discussion of The Bible in Pastoral Practice project follows in the light of these findings before a critical reflection on academic practice is offered. The study invites academic practical theologians to examine their own use of Scripture in the light of these findings and to respond.

Pentecostal healing as an expression of godly love: an empirical study

This study examines questionnaire data collected from a congregational survey of worshippers among the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Pentecostal denomination (N = 1522). It is part of a larger study that considers the influence of a perceived relationship of love with God upon benevolent attitudes and action. This paper explores the influence of religiosity and socialisation upon healing experiences and practices. This is because engagement with healing practices is regarded by Pentecostals as a form of benevolent action. A causal model is presented that suggests healing experience can be explained by means of specific background variables (gender, age and ethnicity directly; marital status and education indirectly), religiosity (Sunday worship and all-age Sunday school) and socialisation factors (significant others and perceived influence of a direct encounter with God). The significance of these findings for understanding healing practices among Christians in relation to religion and health is subsequently discussed.

Pentecostal Experience: An Example of Practical-Theological Rescripting

Abstract This article offers a reflection on the nature of Pentecostal experience. The practical-theological methodology is used to explore, analyse, reflect upon and theologically rescript an account of a persons experience of Baptism in the Spirit. An interview with a person attending a New Church in the UK is used in order to demonstrate how disciplined attentiveness to a personal account can be an important step in appreciating the nature of spiritual experience for Christians. The analysis considers biographical, social and contextual information that enables the experience to be situated and understood via philosophical and sociological insights. The implicit or ‘ordinary’ theology contained in the account is rescripted in the light of the doctrine of the Trinity, the Christian life and sacramental theology.

Charismatic theology: approaches and themes

Ever since the irruption of Pentecostal spirituality within Protestant and Roman Catholic denominations, there has been a gradual emergence of what might be called ‘charismatic theology’. To be sure a lot of this theology is and has been written at a popular level, but within the last twenty years there has evolved a distinct theology with discernable approaches and common themes expressed at an academic level. This survey article seeks to articulate such a charismatic theology and discusses some critical questions en route.

Trinitarian Theology and Spirituality: An Empirical Study of Charismatic Christians

This article tests whether distinct theological conceptions of the Trinity are held by charismatic Christians in the Merseyside area of the UK. A sample of 633 respondents from 29 different churches completed a questionnaire that contained Trinitarian questions. The main finding of this research is that respondents in the sample hold beliefs that are consonant with a social doctrine of the Trinity.

Affective Theological Praxis: Understanding the Direct Object of Practical Theology

Zusammenfassung Dieser Artikel erörtert Wesen und Aufgabe der Praktischen Theologie unter Fokussierung auf das Objekt ihrer Vermittlungsbemühungen. Bis heute ist das Studium der Praktischen Theologie vor allem auf die zeitgenössischen Glaubenseinstellungen und -praktiken religiöser Subjekte, auf die theologische Praxis also ausgerichtet, wobei freilich auf die in diese Praxis eingebetteten emotionalen Aspekte kaum Bezug genommen wird. Gleichwohl geht man von einer engen Verwobenheit von Gefühlen und Affekten mit Glaubensüberzeugungen und religiösen Handlungsweisen aus, und die Forderung ist weit verbreitet, dass die Forscher heutzutage ihre besondere Aufmerksamkeit eben dieser Dimension zuwenden sollten, wenn sie sich mit der gegenwärtigen religiösen Situation beschäftigen. In der Tat deutet nach Ansicht des Verf. vieles darauf hin, dass die Affekte eine spezifische Integrationsfunktion für Glaubenseinstellungen und -praktiken haben und die nähere Untersuchung dieses Zusammenhangs für das Verständnis des Gegenstandes der Praktischen Theologie unverzichtbar ist. Dieser Gegenstand der Praktischen Theologie ließe sich infolgedessen als affektive theologische Praxis bestimmen. Ein solche Fokussierung der praktisch-theologischen Theoriebildung auf Funktion und Bedeutung der Affekte stimmt mit wesentlichen Aussagen der Heiligen Schrift überein, fand bislang jedoch im Rahmen eines überwiegend rationalistischen Theologieverständnisses zu wenig Beachtung. Der Artikel illustriert anhand einer Analyse von Interviews, die einer Fallstudie zur charismatisch-pfingstlerischen Praxis der Glossolalie bzw. „Zungenrede” entnommen sind, wie die praktisch-theologische Forschung sich dem Problemzusammenhang der Affekte nähern könnte. Dabei werden Antworten auf Fragen, die sich auf Gefühle und Affekte beziehen, zur Reinterpretation von Antworten herangezogen, die auf Fragen gegeben wurden, welche sich auf die Erhellung von Glaubensüberzeugungen und Handlungsweisen richteten. Daraus lassen sich Rückschlüsse auf die integrative Funktion von Affekten ziehen. Unter der Voraussetzung, dass Glossolalie als ein Symbol für das Aufeinandertreffen von Gott und Mensch verstanden werden kann, werden die Kommentare der Interviewpartner kritisch untersucht. Weitere derartige Forschungsbeiträge, zeigt sich Verf. überzeugt, sind erforderlich, um eine breitere Zustimmung für die Erneuerung einer affektiven theologischen Praxis zu gewinnen.

Renewal Ecclesiology in Empirical Perspective

Recent discussions in ecclesiology have highlighted the difference between abstract models and concrete ethnographic studies. It is all too common for these two different approaches to be self-contained without any interaction between them. In the light of this context, this study considers recent Pentecostal ecclesiology and identifies two strands of thought, namely, ecumenical and retrieval approaches. Both of these approaches are classified as blueprint approaches and neither of them draws upon concrete studies of congregations. In order to address this weakness, and make a constructive proposal, the discussion draws on studies of congregations to provide empirical perspectives with which to engage. The outcome is a recommendation that renewal ecclesiology should be understood as a distinct strand that includes four core features, namely: the location of pneumatology as central rather than peripheral, the importance of relationality, the rediscovery of sacramentality, and the impact of doxology for mission.

Family Socialization, Godly Love, and Pentecostal Spirituality: A Study among the Church of God (Cleveland, TN)

This study explores data from a congregational survey of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Pentecostal denomination (N = 1,522). It considers the relationship between family socialization and the concept of Godly Love, understood as a perceived relationship of love with God and neighbor, in relation to Pentecostal spirituality. This research discovered that the home is an important context for conversion and that married women in particular are socializing agents of Godly Love and Pentecostal spirituality. They are supported in this key role by other family members. They are also key agents within congregational expressions of Pentecostal spirituality. These are important findings and lend further support to the understanding that women are empowered by Pentecostal spirituality even if they are in tension with aspects of Pentecostal patriarchy. These findings have implications for the role of marriage, gender relations, and religious experience in American society. Keywords:Church; Family Socialization; gender relations; God; Godly Love; marriage; Pentecostal spirituality