Research: The Delight of Studying God’s Creation

Listening to all people is imperative.

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Research Introduction

Honesty in research is imperative in research. In order to be honest one must examine a broad range of literature in any field to assess any and all points of view. Researching perspectives theologically necessitates reading these points of view to discover what one believes. Holding a theological position demands both a robust defense to substantiate one’s own beliefs and a rigorous investigation to evaluate the beliefs of another.

Biblical Theology of Research

All research begins with presuppositions. Research by Christians should begin with the presupposition that God is eternal. Everything temporal—reality, knowledge, ethics—comes from Him (Isa. 44:24; 45:7; Jn. 1:3; Acts 7:5; 14:15; 17:24; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 8:6). Since God is The Creator of all things (Pro. 16:4; 26:10; Eph 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 2:10; Rev. 4:11; 10:6), humans do not create but simply discover truth. All things are created through, by, and for God (Ps 8:6; Jn. 13:3; 1 Cor. 15:27, 28; Eph.1:22; Ph. 3:21; Heb. 2:8).

God’s world is coherent; all things fit together in it (Col. 1:15-17). The complexity of all disciplines is under the jurisdiction of God (Heb. 1:3). Learning benefited from the fact that God created this world as stable, ordered, structured, and consistent (Ps. 111:2). The researcher depends upon the “uni-verse”. As such the diversity of all things is understood within unity (Ps. 104).

The personal, eternal, Triune Creator, who has revealed Himself in His Word, His world, and His works, prompts the passion of the researcher to learn (Eph 1:15-23; Phil 1:9-11; Col 1:9-10). As theological researchers we ponder what God has done (Ps 64:9), stand in awe of His wonders (Ps 65:8), benefit from all His works (Ps 66:5), all of which cause a fear of Him to spread throughout the earth (Ps 67:7). The Christian researcher acknowledges Truth wherever it is found, whomever discovers it, while pressing for the unity of all truth under the authority of God (1 Chr 29:11-16; Neh 9:6; Ps 33:6-11; 50:9-12; 89:11). Truth for the people comes from common grace (Pro. 25.2; Acts 14).

The next presupposition of Christian research after God’s eternality is the fallen nature of humanity that includes finitude. Any research must begin with an acknowledgement of limitation. The finite cannot define the infinite; the imperfect cannot understand the perfect. God can be known but human knowledge of God and His work is necessarily incomplete (Job 26.14; 28).

Biblical Philosophy of Research

1. God is the source and unity of His creation, therefore all truth is God’s Truth wherever is found, from whomever it is stated (Ps 119:152, 160; 1 Kgs. 3:1-15; 4:29-34; 10:1-9) in accordance with the previous presuppositions.

2. Multiple perspectives of peer review is essential. Experts in a field of study must evaluate the work of others for honesty, accuracy, and fairness. Research is better for the analysis and critique of others.

3. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research are necessary for theological study. Qualitative research acknowledges the various interpretations of individuals and their experiences. Quantitative research gathers data, substantiating points of view with numerical analysis. Mixed-methods provide more complete analysis.

4. Listening to people (all ethnicities, all experiences) is imperative. Some Christians believe Scripture is their sole source of authority in life. Other Christians believe that Scripture is the final authority in life but also accept Christian tradition (writings of other believers in Church history), human reason controlled by Revelation, and experience (prompted by The Holy Spirit or Providential movements) as valuable adjuncts to biblical teaching.

5. Statistics can be useful within proper boundaries but can also be made to substantiate any position. Multiple sources, multiple reviews can function as a frame within which numerical points of view can be validated. Mathematical precision is contained within the wisdom of creation. Properly mined, data can unearth jewels of truth (Pro. 8).

6. Verbal clarity is crucial.  Words must be used carefully. Definitions need to be agreed upon to have a coherent dialogue (Col. 2.2-3; cf. 1.9, 2.4, 8).

7. Validity is vital in any research. Valid research means the study has worth, strength, value, truthfulness and effectiveness. A standard of measurement for any endeavor that will be accepted by all people, in all places, at all times is the aim of valid research.

8. Humility is the essence of knowledge. The researcher remembers how much is unknown (Job 11:7; Isa 55:9-11; Ph. 2:1-4).

9. Joy can be the result of both the opportunities and outcomes of research (Ps. 111:2; Ecc. 5:18-20).

10. Thankfulness should pervade the spirit of the researcher who knows that it is by The Spirit’s work within the person and creation that allows any opportunity in this life. God has crowned the researcher with honor, who then reflects all glory back to God for His works and His work in the researcher (Deut. 8:11-20; Ps 8:5; 115:1; Rom. 11:33-36; Eph 5:20; 1 Thes. 5:18; 1 Tim. 6:17).

Christian Practice of Research

Creational beneficence for all people, God’s common grace, is the basis for all research (Gen. 39:5; Ps. 107:8, 15, 21, 31, 43; 145:9, 15-16; Mat. 5:44-45; Acts 14:16-17).  God’s generosity to nations through creation is the reason Christians can celebrate their research with others.

The Church fulfills Jesus’ great commandment through research: loving God means loving others by sharing truth that is discovered (Mk. 12:30-31). The research of creation is a direct response to loving God (Gen. 1:28). Vocational commitments because of The Spirit’s gifts to God’s people allow the practice of research. This shows love for others.

The Church and its leaders bear the responsibility of defending those who cannot defend themselves via research that counteracts cultural error and deception (Pro. 2:1-6; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Ti. 1:9; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Jn. 4:1).

Other Helps

Robert W. Pazmino, Doing Theological Research: An Introductory Guide for Survival in Theological Education (Eugene, OR, Wipf and Stock, 2009).

Cyril J. Barber and Robert M. Krauss, Jr., An Introduction to Theological Research: A Guide for College and Seminary Students, 2^nd ed. (Millburn, NJ, University Press of America, 2000).

“Theological Research” © is one of 17 articles included in The Encyclopedia of Christian Education, Rowman & Littlefield by Dr. Mark Eckel.