Sociological Research in Pastoral Theology. Objectives and Execution

Abstract

The interdisciplinarity of scientific discourse is a common phenomenon in modern times. What is more, it is postulated that analyses conducted as part of theological research should take into account the achievements of other fields of knowledge and use the research methods and techniques they have developed. This is primarily because theology, and especially pastoral theology, must refer to other sciences, especially sociology, to solve certain research problems. Using sociological methods and techniques primarily requires diagnosing the current pastoral situation. With these methods, first credible conclusions and then realistic postulates can be formulated. The formulated postulates have a real value as they are based on confronting and verifying models, content, methods and forms used. The goal of this article is to present the main paradigms in the field of theology that require sociological research and then detailed sociological methods and techniques used in pastoral research. A specialist, technical knowledge of sociological measurements and praxeological interpretation of empirical data will be presented concerning the latter issue. Many studies in the field of pastoral theology require detailed sociological knowledge to create a research tool, select a research sample, perform research, and interpret its results.