Table of Contents

Part 1: Theoretical Foundations

1. What is Practical Theology?
2. What is Qualitative Research?
3. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research Methods

Part 2: Research Projects

4. Researching Personal Experience: Depression and Spirituality
5. Researching a Local Church: Exploring an 'Emergent Church'
6. Researching Ministry: What do Chaplains Do?
7. Researching Pastoral Issues: Religious Communities and Suicide
8. Participatory Research: Researching with Marginalized People
9. Action Research: Researching the Spiritual Lives of People with Profound and Complex Intellectual Disabilities

Conclusion: Practical Theology as Action Research

About the Author

John Swinton is Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care in the School of Divinity, Religious Studies and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen. Harriet Mowat is an honorary Reasearch Fellow in the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability at the University of Aberdeen and the Managing Director of Mowat Research Ltd, Aberdeen.

Reviews

‘John Swinton and Harriet Mowat’s Practical Theology and Qualitative Research has established itself as a classic text for every one concerned with theologically orientated ethnography. Now in a Second Edition it is must read for all students in Practical Theology and anyone setting out to do empirical research in the area of Theology and Ministry.’
*Pete Ward*

"The best way to learn how to do qualitative research in practical theology is by walking in the footprints of those who do it well themselves and who are skilled at teaching others. The new material in the second edition of this valued resource adds further clarification and greater depth to the book."
*Leslie J. Francis, Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit*