Engaging Theory in Research: A Cogent Approach to Rigorous Scholarship in Religion and Development

Abstract

The debate on the role of religion in development remains inconclusive despite numerous research efforts and claims that religion is integral to effectiveness of development interventions. Lack of engagement with relevant theoretical frames in research is one of the major setbacks encumbering scholarship advancement in the field of religion and development as many researchers do not go beyond reporting field observations in their ethnographic studies. Indeed, many researchers report raw data that is not critically analyzed. As much as many researchers claim that religion is integral to development, their research evidence does not bear the weight of their claims because their methodologies do not pin down the specific variables that can be studied further to allow for such generalized claims. This paper critically reviews Pentecostal studies literature to reveal their methodological flaws and effects on knowledge advancement in the field of religion and development. The paper recommends theory-driven thinking in the research process including design and data analysis to gain better insight into the role of religion in development. Steps for choosing a germane theoretical frame are provided.