Can Empirical Research Predict the Future of the Church?

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Can Empirical Research Predict the Future of the Church? "
Friedrich Schweitzer, Wolfgang Ilg

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1072286
Doc. No	:	LA115915
Call No	:	‭10.1163/15709256-12341360‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Friedrich Schweitzer
	:	Wolfgang Ilg
Title & Author	:	Can Empirical Research Predict the Future of the Church? [Article]\ Friedrich Schweitzer, Wolfgang Ilg
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Journal of Empirical Theology
Date	:	2017
Volume/ Issue Number	:	30/2
Page No	:	198–217
Abstract	:	This article first discusses the question of how empirical research can contribute to the ongoing discussions concerning the future of the church. Among others, German research on church membership is used as a case study for gaining insights into the interplay between theoretical assumptions, empirical research and designing strategies for church development. The need for comparisons over time, for longitudinal studies and the identification of long-term predictors is discussed. Against this background, recent research on confirmation work in Germany and Europe is taken up as an example. The article draws on data from a European study on confirmation work with a longitudinal research approach. The results show that confirmation work, as one of the major educational programs of the Protestant Church, can influence adolescents’ views of Christian faith and the church. Predictors for future commitment to the church in terms of believing, belonging and volunteerism are not only dependent on religious socialization in childhood but also on experiences and activities during confirmation time in adolescence.
Descriptor	:	church membership
Descriptor	:	confirmation
Descriptor	:	History of Religion
Descriptor	:	longitudinal research
Descriptor	:	multi level analysis
Descriptor	:	Religion Society
Descriptor	:	Religious Studies
Descriptor	:	Social Sciences
Descriptor	:	youth work
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/15709256-12341360‬