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In this paper, I report on a research study of women's faith development undertaken in the United Kingdom and reflect on the potential of qualitative methodology to elucidate key aspects of women's faith. My intention is not to provide a detailed account of the findings per se, but to discuss some of the methodological challenges and choices engaged by the study. My hope in doing so is both to illuminate significant features of women's faith and to contribute to the debate about methodology in social science research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the patterns and processes of the apophatic faith development in women. Information on the apophatic faith; Theory on faith development; Implications for educational and pastoral practice.

Drawing on Fowler's faith development theory and feminist theological and psychological studies of women's faith, as well as feminist research principles, open-ended interviews were used to explore the faith lives of 30 Christian or post-Christian women. Findings are presented in terms of two main categories. First, six processes of faithing are identified: these are strategies by which the women discerned and embodied shape, pattern and meaning in their life experience. Second, three major generative themes are identified which, it is suggested, represent key patterns in the women's faith. The three themes of paralysis, awakenings and relationality are described and discussed. The findings challenge Fowler's claim to provide a normative account of faith development, and reveal aspects of women's experience which require fuller attention in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination is made of the two methods of data analysis which form the basis of Goldman's developmental theory of religious thinking: content analysis and scalogram analysis. It is concluded that both methods are subject to grave limitation and weakness, and cannot substantiate Goldman's theory of religious thinking development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Goldman's influence on research in religious thinking is traced and his contribution to a theory of religious thinking development assessed. An examination of the model of religious thinking employed, the theoretical paradigm within which the research was conducted, and the research methodology reveals substantial inconsistencies and flaws which render many of Goldman's claims doubtful. Nevertheless, it is suggested that Goldman may still make a vital contribution to research by highlighting major issues for future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A consideration of the theological, historical and linguistic dimensions of the New Testament parables leads to a critical review of empirical studies of children's understanding of parables and the suggestion of new models for parable teaching and for future empirical research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. The author gratefully acknowledges information and assistance from the following: Professor Leslie Francis, Professor Ursula King, Ms Asphodel Long, Dr Peggy Morgan, Dr Eleanor Nesbitt, Dr Bernadette O'Keefe, Ms Ianthe Pratt, Dr Jill Robson, Mr Michael Shire and Rabbi Sheila Shulman. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]