Grounded theology: A new method to explore luck. Issue 2 (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stevens, Bruce A.
• Is Part Of: Theology today. Volume 73:Issue 2(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: grounded theology -- luck -- theological methodology -- grounded theory; Theology -- Periodicals; Calvinism -- Periodicals; Théologie -- Périodiques; Calvinisme -- Périodiques; 230.005
• DOI: 10.1177/0040573616650140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-5736

Abstract

The idea of luck has been explored, but not well developed, in three disciplines: philosophy, psychology, and theology. This article uses grounded theory to explore the theme of luck through 15 qualitative interviews with subjects aged between 60 and 75. The sample represented a variety of agnostic and Christian perspectives. The idea of luck was found to be a messy concept, but revealed aspects of participants' worldviews and how they make meaning. This led to two conclusions. The idea of luck is subversive and emotionally messy. This article introduces the idea that grounded theory might be useful as a theological methodology, which could be termed grounded theology.