ABSTRACT
This chapter expresses the authors‘ conviction that religious belief and practice, the discipline of theology and the pursuit of academic research should all aspire to enhancing and developing human potential and flourishing. To root oneself and one’s research commitments in the human situation is to acknowledge the imperfections and contingencies of the process; and we argue that research in practical theology is a highly sophisticated and multi-faceted activity in its intentions, processes and outcomes. In many ways, research project outputs (books, theses, articles, and so on) are simply maps of problems identified and often only partially addressed. They are interim statements about directions undertaken and destinations frequently unreached or changed as the research process has evolved. Research is a personally demanding and challenging activity at all points. Thinking about the values, world-views and convictions that motivate research, and how research might aspire to outcomes that are properly rigorous, accountable and responsible is an essential part of any methodology. Critical attention to our own practices as researchers is thus an essential part of acting with integrity within the context of engaging with a complex range of interests and questions.
