Religious Involvement in Hearing Sermons. A Grounded Theory Study in Empirical Theology and Homiletics (Dissertation Summary)

Abstract

Christians worldwide listen to sermons. Despite the decline in membership and church attendance in the Western world, many believers still consider going to church as a vital means to maintain their faith in God. These ordinary listeners have been subject of empirical studies for several decades as the empirical turn in practical theology has also influenced the field of homiletics. My study, though, differs from these studies in at least three respects.