By David Schneer, Author of Backbone: Surviving the Road Less Quantified – Toward a Deeper Understanding of Qualitative Research
3-Minute Read
Bridging Past and Present
“Wait, what? An Apostle conducting focus groups? Well, not quite, but not far off either. Before you conjure up images of St. Paul in front of a two-way mirror, let me explain. He is one of the greatest defenders of the Christian faith. Although some dispute the authenticity of the Apostolic Paul, I wondered if he was an Apologist or Anthropologist. My research confirms that he may have been both. I felt that the Apostle St. Paul used a form of qualitative research during his stay in Athens…and while he likely did not conduct any formal focus groups or in-depth interviews, he certainly was able to ‘dialogue’ with the Athenians on the streets during his stay there.” – Excerpt from Backbone: Surviving the Road Less Quantified
Timeless Human Inquiry
This excerpt from Backbone illustrates a crucial lesson: human inquiry is timeless. Historical figures like St. Paul, even unknowingly, utilized the core principles of qualitative research—engagement, observation, and dialogue. His methods remind us that the essence of understanding people has always relied on meaningful interactions, regardless of the era.
The Broader Context: Faith and Modern Discourse
As faith-based political discourse resurges in the United States, St. Paul’s approach holds contemporary relevance. Just as he engaged with Athenians to shape his teachings, leaders, both secular and otherwise, today use similar tactics, employing dialogue to gather insights and shape public sentiment. It’s a testament to the enduring power of qualitative inquiry in both ancient and modern contexts.
If this perspective on qualitative inquiry intrigues you, I encourage you to explore Backbone. The book delves into lessons from my career in qualitative research and beyond. Your thoughts and reviews could help others appreciate how historical narratives can enrich modern understanding.