Doing Theology with Photographs - by Sarah Dunlop (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book is the first of its kind to fully explain how to use visual methods for research within Practical Theology. An essential tool for anyone exploring how visual material can shed light on their research questions, the book functions as a guide to using the methods well. It includes a rationale for using visual methods within the emerging field of empirical work within theology, which is useful for students or others within the academy who need to justify using a visual approach for their research projects and dissertations"--

Book Synopsis

This book is the first of its kind to fully explain how to use photographs for research within Practical Theology. An essential tool for anyone exploring how visual material can shed light on their research questions, the book functions as a guide to using the methods well. It includes a rationale for using photographs within the emerging field of empirical work within theology, which is useful for students or others within the academy who need to justify using a visual approach for their research projects and dissertations.

Drawing on the author's own experience of using visual approaches, the book covers a variety of visual methods, including photojournalism, different types of photo elicitation, photo voice and studies of visual social media. Each chapter illustrates the method under discussion via a case study and photographs and contains a practical guide to using the method well and avoiding pitfalls. Additionally, the book explores how photographs can be used to resource theological reflection and spirituality, thus linking research and faithful practice within the rational for using visual material.

Designed for the classroom use, each chapter contains:
- Chapter summary (learning points)
- Background information
- 'how to' with examples of research projects
- Advantages and limitations of the method
- Conclusion

Review Quotes

Doing Theology with Photographs is an exceptional exploration of visual methodologies. This book not only delves into the intricacies of visual analysis but also seamlessly connects theory with practice, making it an invaluable resource for qualitative research and ministry.

In a digital culture heavily characterised by visuals, Doing Theology with Photographsemerges as an indispensable resource, shedding light on the vital role of visual communication within theology. This book is essential for recognising the profound significance of visuals as a communicative medium in theological discourse. In essence, this book invites readers to journey beyond the confines of traditional theological discourse and embrace a more holistic approach to understanding faith and spirituality. By recognising that theology extends beyond listening, reading, and speaking, this book opens new avenues for theological exploration and reflection.
Sabrina Müller, University of Bonn, Germany

Sarah Dunlop has provided both practical theologians and ministers an exciting approach for doing theology. Doing Theology with Photographshelps us all think about lived experience and the necessity of theological reflections around it. This book needs to be wrestled with.
Andrew Root, Luther Seminary, USA

This book provides an engaging companion on the road for those wishing to use photography in theological research and ministry. Those of us blessed with sight are sometimes overconfident that we see what is there. Sarah Dunlop shows us how doing theology with photographs can enable us to access a humility that reflects before it interprets and interprets before it claims insight.
Helen Cameron, University of Oxford, UK

About the Author

Sarah Dunlop is Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley Hall and Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, UK.