The implications of a pneumatologically determined theoretical framework for methodology in practical-theological scientific research

Practical theological research operates from a unique vantage point on the research terrain of human actions. This particular research finds its main point of focus at the intersection between God-initiated elements and human elements in understanding, explaining and indicating criteria for change in the praxis of faith. In the first part of this article an attempt is made to develop a pneumatologically determined theoretical framework for practical theological scientific research. The author reasons that this particular framework enables the researcher to comprehensively describe both human and God-initiated elements present in the field of research and that it provides critical anchors for keeping research results from falling into unscientific speculation and one-sidedness. In the second part of this article a case is made out for an infra-disciplinary approach to utilisation of research methodology of human sciences in practical theological scientific study. The author argues that the pneumatologically determined theoretical framework necessitates re-orientation and adjustments in research methodology utilised in the descriptive, hermeneutical-normative and strategic phases of a practical theological study.