Throughout the Bible, we find people who engage in a variety of research methods, including qualitative inquiry and quasi-experimental approaches, to name a few. The Bible highlights core concepts within research, which include the following principles:
Inquiry is linked to discovery. Jesus spoke of this relationship when He said, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). While a spirit of curiosity is key (Exodus 3:2–3; John 12:9), the process of inquiry also requires an investment of effort. Solomon remarked that if we search diligently as if searching for hidden treasure, we will “find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4–5 NKJV).
Research builds on prior knowledge. In the book of Job, Bildad the Shuhite advised, “Ask the former generations. Find out what their fathers learned” (Job 8:8 NIV). In a similar vein, Paul wrote: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us” (Romans 15:4 NIV; see also, Deuteronomy 4:32; 1 Corinthians 10:11).
Research encounters limitations. There are certainly matters that transcend the capacity of research. The book of Job asks, “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7 NKJV; also, Deuteronomy 29:29 and Isaiah 55:8–9). Part of the problem is that we now “see in a mirror, dimly” and we know only “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV). Beyond these limiting factors, however, there are simply matters that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived (1 Corinthians 2:9), questions on which even the best research designs may come up short.
Peer review is needed. The Bible states that “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1 NIV). Similarly, Proverbs 11:14 notes that without verification one is prone to failure, but with counsel there can be greater assurance of success. In research it is likewise necessary that findings be replicated and perspectives be compared, so that through humble interactions, a consensus emerges.
God should be recognized as the source of all truth. A Christian can appreciate the scholarly contributions of those from a variety of worldviews, recognizing that every true discovery can ultimately be traced back to the Source of all truth. However, at the same time, since data requires interpretation and worldview can play a vital role in interpretation, it is necessary to depend on the “Spirit of Truth” to guide us “into all truth” (John 16:13 NKJV; also 1 Corinthians 2:6–16). This will help us align our scholarship with our commitment to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Accordingly, it is essential for a Christian to invite the Holy Spirit as a partner in research.
Research is a divine directive. Jesus stated that every disciple of His kingdom is to be like “the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:52 NIV). While all that proceeds from the storehouse is of value, some of this treasure is to be fresh knowledge, which can result from research. Solomon implies that research carries a divine endorsement. After stating, “I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 1:13 KJV), Solomon also adds that God has given us the difficult assignment of research, with the intent that we should actively “search things out” (Proverbs 25:2 ESV).
In Part 2 of this series, I will explain how these biblical principles can guide our personal research endeavors.
Author
John Wesley Taylor
John Wesley Taylor V, PhD, is Associate Director of Education at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has served as teacher and educational administrator in North America, Latin America, and Asia, and in elementary, secondary, and higher education settings. He is a friend of young people and a colleague of teachers.