The Science and Theology of Godly Love

Nine—Socialization, Empirical Studies, and Godly Love: A Case Study in Survey Research

Nine SOCIALIzATION, EMPIRICAL STUDIES, AND GODLY LOVE A Case Study in Survey Research M A R K J . C A R T L E D G E This chapter is situated at the interface of theology and social science. It is written by a theologian who uses empirical research methods within the discourse of theology, but who also uses social science theory to inform that discourse. In other words, while the overall approach is driven by the desire to offer a theological account of religious life, nevertheless it takes seriously the contribution that social science makes to this endeavor. In the course of this approach, social science theories are considered and instruments developed in the same manner as a sociologist or social psychologist might develop them in order to establish valid and reliable measures of beliefs, attitudes, and practices. This is the approach associated with the International Society for Empirical Research in Theology, of which the author is a member, and the Journal of Empirical Theology (Brill), which disseminates research from this sector. The society encourages scientifically informed empirical research in theology, but also theologically informed empirical research in social science. This means that it provides a context in which theologians and social scientists are able to dialogue about ways in which qualitative and quantitative research methods can be used to explore and test various theoretical perspectives among religious 184 T h E S C I E N C E A N D T h E o L o G Y o F G o D LY L o V E groups. The key person associated with this scholarly tradition in recent times is Johannes A. van der Ven from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.1 he has pioneered this approach and firmly established it in the field of practical theology.2 The author’s own perspective has built upon this tradition and extended it by connecting it to the field of pentecostal and charismatic studies.3 It is therefore from within this scholarly tradition that the chapter is written, even if its focus for the purpose of this volume is the social scientific dimension, particularly its implications for the newly emerging study of Godly love. This study considers one theory, namely socialization, and charts how the author has developed a measure to test the influence of this theory on the acquisition of specific theological understandings of glossolalia and the nature of God, before considering its impact on the acquisition of experiences of Godly love. In this way the author’s disciplinary perspective of empirical theology and his experience of researching socialization in relation to theological themes are used to research Godly love as a distinct field of inquiry. The chapter outlines socialization theory before considering the way in which aspects of the theory were tested among charismatic Christians and theology students. From these studies an instrument was developed to test socialization factors with respect to experiencing a relationship of love with God among pentecostals. Finally, the author offers some reflection upon this instrument and outlines some preliminary findings that suggest further analysis and future research. Socialization Theory and Factors Socialization refers to the process whereby individuals become members of a particular social group and adopt certain roles and behavior, in other words, become actors or agents in the various scenarios of life in particular cultures. It is a process that usually begins within a family context (referred to as primary socialization) and continues throughout the life-span of individuals as they move through formal education and on into the world of work (referred to as secondary socialization). Standard sociological textbooks normally outline a number of theoretical perspectives , for example, role theory, associated with the structural-functionalist tradition, symbolic interactionism, and psychoanalytic theory.4 Sociologists of religion are usually concerned with the ways in which beliefs, values, attitudes, and behavior are transmitted, either generationally or as individuals join new religious groups, thus moving from the outside to the inside.5 The process enables a particular religious subculture to be maintained as the person adapts to the new culture and fits into its ethos.6 CARTLEDGE / Socialization, Empirical Studies, and Godly Love 185 It is through a set of ongoing relationships within the group that shared attitudes and accepted roles can be maintained and indeed owned by the newcomer.7 It is in this process of integration that beliefs owned by the group also become beliefs owned by the individual...