De retheologisering van de empirische theologie. Of het tegoed van een protestantse praktische theologie

Samenvatting

This article offers an evaluation of the contributions to this volume. It demonstrates how
the tensions that are detected by the authors, particularly related to the theological nature
of intradisciplinary empirical research have been brought to the fore for almost forty years now. Practical theology has been quite nervous about its identity. A reformed perspective however strengthens and highlights the tensions. How to deal with the living presence of God in the research domain? Does this presence only influence the evaluative or normative phase in the inquiry? Or does it shape the description too? The author states that research should be founded upon the openness for the possibility, the promise of Gods action. Precisely because of the relational nature of faith there is the necessity to uphold the distinction between God and people. In openness toward the moment that God acts, the article sees the potential of a protestant practical theology. The reality is observed from the perspective of Gods promises.