De waarheid is praktisch. Empirische methode, praktische theologie en gereformeerde theologiebeoefening

Samenvatting

Truth is practical. Empirical methods, practical theology and reformed theology
In the first decade of this journal, the practical-theologian H. Jonker put forward the idea of the
realisation of truth. In Christian theology, truth is ultimately connected with the Person of Jesus
Christ and this truth must enter human existence and transform our everyday reality. Practical theological scholarship and research studies how this happens factually. In this article I deal with a few objections that might be raised against the empirical orientation of practical theology. Further, I provide two illustrations in the areas of worship and the ministry of healing. The article closes with four recommendations for reformed theology: reassessing theological language, an apologetic ambition, deferring normativity, and the appreciation of the ‘real world’.