Methodology: Tyron Inbody
Tyron
Inbody (1995) describes three methodological assumptions of empirical theology.[1] One, as a result of the general attitude of
the empirical thinker, empirical theology has an attitude of total openness
towards experimental evidence. Knowledge
is dependent on observable data supplied by evidence and experience.[2]
Two,
empirical theology uses a method of inquiry, and a way of organizing the data
that is experimental.[3] Empirical theology is not an appeal to
experience alone, but uses a method of inquiry with the use of data.[4] All public theological claims based on
empirical data are open to public inspection and correction.[5] If the data is deemed as common experience,
according to Inbody, it can be accepted as empirical theology.[6]
Three, empirical theology is an appeal to
common human experience as the source for justification for theological
assertions.[7] Empirical theologies appeal
to experience as the primary source and the empirical method as the primary
norm for justifying a theological claim.[8] From my perspective, I can acknowledge that
empirical methodology has to be open to empirical evidence,[9]
and I can tentatively accept Inbody’s first point.[10] With point two, I do not have a difficulty
with empirical data being open to public inspection,[11]
in fact I would welcome a public review of my findings in regard to theodicy.[12] With point three, within Reformed tradition,
I reason that revealed Scripture is the final authority for justifying a
theological claim,[13]
and therefore would see the empirical method’s evaluation of Biblical theology
as very important,[14]
but not primarily or singularly important in determining the truthfulness of a
doctrine. Although I reason that
Christian doctrine and practice must be grounded in revealed Scripture,[15]
this does not negate the fact that theodicy reviewed within this thesis can be
examined through the empirical data, and therefore my disagreement with Inbody
on his third point,[16]
does not in any way subtract from the effectiveness of this work.[17]
GRENZ, STANLEY
J., DAVID GURETZKI AND CHERITH FEE NORDLING
(1999) Pocket Dictionary of
Theological Terms, Downers Grove, Ill., InterVarsity Press.
INBODY, TYRON
(1995) The Constructive Theology of
Bernard Meland: Postliberal Empirical Realism, Atlanta, Scholars Press.
LINDSELL, HAROLD
(1976) The Battle for the Bible,
Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House.
[2] Inbody (1995: 215).
[4] Inbody (1995: 216).
[6] Inbody (1995: 216).
[7] Inbody (1995: 216).
[8] Inbody (1995: 216).
[12] Presenting the data in book, journal and
blog article format is another way of receiving public feedback, in particular
from those within the Christian community.
[13] This is called the Scripture
principle. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling
(1999: 106).
[15] Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999:
106). Lindsell (1976: 30-32).
[16] Inbody (1995: 216).
[17] A moderate conservative using empirical
data to evaluate and critique his own tradition and related sovereignty
theodicy, along with two other perspectives, should in my opinion be viewed as
a positive and open-minded academic development.
