Ecclesial Practices Unit and Practical Theology Unit

Creative Research Methodologies in Practical Theology

The intersection of Practical Theology and qualitative research methodologies presents a rich terrain for exploration and discovery. We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to contribute to a dynamic session focused on creative qualitative research methodologies, including in contexts of teaching and learning and creative ways of combining/integrating/interpreting theological perspectives with social scientific research methods, in Practical Theology.

Key themes for possible presentations:

• Embodied Approaches: Explore methodologies that engage the researcher's own lived experiences and bodily presence in the field.
• Visual and Performative Methods: Investigate the use of visual arts, performance, and other creative mediums as tools for theological inquiry
• Digital Religion(s) and Theology: Examine how digital platforms and technologies can be utilized in qualitative research within the context of practical theology.
• Postcolonial Perspectives: Interrogate traditional research paradigms and introduce postcolonial frameworks to enrich the understanding of practical theology.
• Feminist and Womanist Methodologies: Investigate how feminist and womanist theories and methodologies can be integrated into practical theology research, challenging and expanding current approaches.