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My nearly ten-year journey of researching and publishing, along with teaching Research Methodology and examining postgraduate research projects across various institutions in Africa, has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive research and writing guide tailored to theology and religious studies students. This recognition arises from a clear gap in current literature that fails to adequately address the unique challenges these students encounter in their research endeavours. The impetus for writing this book was further solidified by a recent invitation to teach a research methodology course at an East African institution.

The lecture notes I prepared for the course yielded two manuscripts which were subsequently published as A Guide to Academic Research and Writing in Theology and Religious Studies and An Essential Guide to Research Methodologies in Theology and Religious Studies. The purpose of these volumes is to bridge the existing gap and equip students with the skills needed for effective research. Students are advised to read both volumes together, even though each book can be studied independent of the other.

The present volume, An Essential Guide to Research Methodologies in Theology and Religious Studies, consists of six chapters. The book discusses diverse methodologies within theological research across different sub-disciplines, including biblical theology, systematic theology, historical theology, practical theology, mission, church, and society. Generally, each methodology begins with an overview, followed by the steps involved and an example to illustrate how it may be used to formulate the research questions for a given topic. This approach aims to empower students to discern and pose research questions aligned with a chosen methodological framework. Additionally, review exercises are included to further solidify understanding and application.

Chapter one focuses on methodologies in biblical studies; including historical-critical method, socio-rhetorical interpretation, socio-scientific method, and many others. The chapter illustrates how scholars utilise tools and methodologies like biblical criticism, archaeology, exegesis, text linguistics, and hermeneutics to extract fruitful insights from the sacred text. The second chapter completes the discussions on biblical studies by focusing on discourse analysis, text linguistics and Bible translation studies. The third chapter focuses on the methods employed in historical and systematic theology research, highlights a spectrum of approaches ranging from traditional Western methodologies to indigenous African methods like the Gardener-Theologian Approach. Each methodology offers unique insights, enriching historical and theological inquiries and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. The fourth chapter navigates through the terrain of Practical Theology research to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The chapter discusses various methodologies such as Osmer’s, Browning’s, and Lekgotla’s methods, among others, and offers researchers a repertoire of options to address real-world issues effectively. In chapter five, the focus expands to Missiology and Church and Society research to underscore the importance of the church’s interaction with wider societal contexts. This interdisciplinary domain explores themes such as the mission work of the church, evangelisation, and cross-cultural communication of the Christian gospel. The chapter proposes integrative research methods to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between faith communities and societal contexts. The last chapter proposes a unique approach to understanding the gospel and its interaction with recipient cultures. While acknowledging the nuanced debate surrounding evangelicalism, the chapter emphasises the importance of maintaining a high view of Scripture as the word of God, which is fundamental to evangelicalism.

I cannot say that I have mastered every methodology covered in the book. However, my educational career and work experiences have exposed me to nearly all the methodologies discussed. This exposure has equipped me with the knowledge and understanding necessary to compile comprehensive notes on these approaches.

Though the book is written with African students in mind, its value extends to students globally. It is written in a non-technical style to ensure accessibility for all readers. Each chapter is organised thematically with sub-headings and ends with a summary of key points and review questions to facilitate reflection and comprehension before progressing to the next chapter. There are suggested topics for research which can be modified to meet contextual demands. There are over 700 suggested research topics at the end of the book.

Universities and seminaries will find this book beneficial for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. I hope that it will empower researchers to navigate the complex terrain of theological and religious studies with insight, sensitivity, and rigour.

Isaac Boaheng, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics
Department of Theology,
Christian Service University, Ghana;
Research Fellow,
Department of Biblical and Religious Studies
University of the Free State, South Africa
 
June 2024.