Onderzoek bij leerkrachten als spiegel voor de praktische theologie. Een reflectie vanuit de sociale wetenschappen

Samenvatting

Experiences resulting from an empirical study into spirituality of teachers provide a critical reflection on elements of the definition of practical theology and the so-called ‘Reformed perspective’ (as presented elsewhere in this volume). Some aspects of the definition can be applied to several social sciences, as well. Core elements held to be specific for practical theology seemingly are the ‘practice of believing’ and the ‘usefulness for the congregation.’This article questions the utility of adding the aspect of ‘empirical orientation’ as constituting an aspect of practical theology itself. A more useful approach would be to focus on the hybrid character of the discipline where conceptual sources and empirical sources are held in balance.