Practical Theology and Qualitative Research - second edition / Edition 2

by John Swinton, Harriet Mowat

Overview

Practical Theology is a growing discipline in its own right, and the latest thinking in practical theology; of how to use theological learning in practical situations, is fully explored in this new edition of an established textbook.

The authors examine methodologies of the social sciences and questions how they can enable the task of theological reflection; examine the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods and highlight the significance of both for the task of practical theology. They also take the reader through the actual process of developing and carrying out a research project using the author's own research as case study examples.

Previous case studies include: the rise in spirituality; the decline in church attendance, evidence-based medicine compared to needs-led assessments, the growth in chaplaincy and how it is understood as separate from parish ministry.

In this second edition, case studies and all bibliographies have been updated plus a new chapter has been added.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780334049883
Publisher:	Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd
Publication date:	10/30/2016
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.37(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

John Swinton is Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care in the School of Divinity, Religious Studies and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen.

Harriet Mowat is an honorary Reasearch Fellow in the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability at the University of Aberdeen and the Managing Director of Mowat Research Ltd, Aberdeen.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Theoretical Foundations

1. What is Practical Theology?
2. What is Qualitative Research?
3. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research Methods

Part 2: Research Projects

4. Researching Personal Experience: Depression and Spirituality
5. Researching a Local Church: Exploring an 'Emergent Church'
6. Researching Ministry: What do Chaplains Do?
7. Researching Pastoral Issues: Religious Communities and Suicide
8. Participatory Research: Researching with Marginalized People
9. Action Research: Researching the Spiritual Lives of People with Profound and Complex Intellectual Disabilities

Conclusion: Practical Theology as Action Research

Editorial Reviews

'John Swinton and Harriet Mowat's Practical Theology and Qualitative Research has established itself as a classic text for every one concerned with theologically orientated ethnography. Now in a Second Edition it is must read for all students in Practical Theology and anyone setting out to do empirical research in the area of Theology and Ministry.'
-- Pete Ward

From the Publisher

"The best way to learn how to do qualitative research in practical theology is by walking in the footprints of those who do it well themselves and who are skilled at teaching others. The new material in the second edition of this valued resource adds further clarification and greater depth to the book."

Leslie J. Francis