GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The scientific writing of a dissertation is a rigorous process that is
based on a well-defined methodology. It allows you to produce structured,
well-argued work that complies with academic standards. This course
offers an in-depth exploration of every step of the process, from
fundamental concepts to advanced techniques. At the doctoral level, it is
a rigorous approach that combines theological reflection, critical analysis
and respect for academic standards.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
- Define a relevant and original research problem.
- Structure a dissertation in accordance with academic standards.
- Apply methodologies adapted to theology and the humanities.
- Write according to international standards, in particular the APA 7th
edition format.
- Integrate African perspectives into their work.
In other words, it is a question of learners acquiring the
methodological skills necessary to write a doctoral thesis in theology,
respecting the scientific standards and particularities specific to
theological research. A particularity that requires consideration of the
types of research to be carried out:
- Systematic theology: it is a question of a coherent organization of
Christian doctrines, addressing themes such as the Trinity,
Christology or eschatology.
- Biblical Theology: Biblical research speaks of the interpretation of
Scripture according to its context and theological message. She
focuses on the study of sacred texts using exegetical, linguistic, and
historical methods to understand their context and meaning.
- Historical theology: study of the evolution of theological thought
through the ages. In other words, it is an approach that examines the
evolution of religious doctrines, practices, and institutions
throughout history.
- Practical Theology: This is a reflection on ecclesial and pastoral
practices. It explores how faith and doctrines can be applied in daily
life, especially in areas such as pastoral care, ethics or spiritual
accompaniment.
- Comparative Theology: It puts Christianity in dialogue with other
religious traditions to explore similarities, differences, and points of
convergence.
- Contextual theology: It integrates specific cultural, social and
geographical perspectives, such as African theology or liberation
theology, to respond to the needs and realities of local communities.
- Moral Theology and Ethics: This research deals with contemporary
ethical issues in the light of theological teachings.
Interdisciplinarity in theological research is an approach that
enriches the understanding of theological issues by integrating
perspectives and methodologies from various disciplines.
Theology dialogues with:
- Philosophy (argumentation, ontology, ethics). This dialogue
explores the ethical and metaphysical foundations of religious
doctrines.
- The human sciences (history, sociology, psychology). In sociology,
for example, it allows us to study how religious practices influence
social structures or vice versa. In history, this dialogue allows us to
analyze the evolution of theological ideas in their historical context.
- Ancient languages (to access texts in their original form).
Theology can interact with other fields such as philosophy,
sociology, history, the humanities and even the natural sciences to deepen
reflections on faith, morals and spirituality.
By combining tools and perspectives from multiple disciplines,
researchers can address complex issues, such as the role of religion in
society, with a more comprehensive view. In doing so, it uses a holistic
approach.
Interdisciplinarity, however, requires a mastery of the different
disciplines involved and an ability to synthesize sometimes divergent
perspectives.
Theological research is also based on fundamental pillars such as
faith and reason. These pillars provide a solid foundation for exploring
spiritual and intellectual truths.
The doctoral student must learn to articulate personal faith with the
critical demands of the scientific method, according to the principle "fides
quaerens intellectum" (faith in search of intelligence). In other words,
research requires a particularly sharp epistemological vigilance because
of the proximity between the researcher and the object analyzed, which
may seem particularly familiar insofar as it is close to his interests and
values. Hence, an imperative requirement to break with commonplaces,
pre-notions and ready-made ideas. In other words, the researcher must
demonstrate "axiological neutrality".