Ecclesiology and Ethnography: An Unresolved Relationship

This article undertakes a critical exploration of the current relationship between ecclesiology and ‘ecclesial ethnography’. It begins by proposing that ecclesiology should be a realistic, critical and practical discipline and that in these respects it can learn from ethnographical principles. It go...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecclesiology
Main Author: Avis, Paul (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2018
In: Ecclesiology
RelBib Classification:FA Theology
NBN Ecclesiology
RA Practical theology
VA Philosophy
Further subjects:B Ecclesiology empirical theology ethnography induction-deduction practical theology theology and science theory and practice
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Description
Summary:This article undertakes a critical exploration of the current relationship between ecclesiology and ‘ecclesial ethnography’. It begins by proposing that ecclesiology should be a realistic, critical and practical discipline and that in these respects it can learn from ethnographical principles. It goes on to raise some questions about how the relationship between ecclesial ethnography and ecclesiology is presented in some recent literature, pointing out instances of over-drawn distinctions, exaggerated claims and methodological naivety. It concludes by affirming the vital role of ethnographical study to the overall theological investigation of the church and suggests that this would be strengthened if the weaknesses mentioned above were addressed.
ISSN:1745-5316
Contains:In: Ecclesiology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/17455316-01403006