A Biblical Framework for Research

I believe that the Bible presents a framework for research, which on our campus and elsewhere can and should be a purposeful inquiry that seeks to advance knowledge and understanding.

Specifically, throughout the Bible we can find cases of persons actively engaged in various aspects of research.

For example, in the Old Testament, the patriarch Job stated, “I was a father to the needy, and I investigated the case which I did not know” (Job 29:16 NASB).

Solomon conducted research across different disciplines (1 Kings 4:33), saying: “I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things” (Ecclesiastes 7:25 NIV). When the prophet Daniel received a perplexing vision regarding the sanctuary (Daniel 8:14, 27), he endeavored to resolve the mystery by researching historical documents, including the writings of the prophet Jeremiah (Daniel 9:2).

In the New Testament, we can read that the believers in Berea were commended for not simply accepting matters at face value, but for comparing new data they received with existing knowledge (Acts 17:11). All Christians are more broadly counseled to participate in data gathering, careful analysis, and the formulation of sound conclusions. “Examine everything carefully,” Paul wrote, “hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 NASB).

The Bible also documents various approaches to research throughout its pages, including aspects of historical, descriptive, quasi-experimental and qualitative methodologies.

For example, the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts incorporate historical research. In the introduction to the first volume, Luke highlights the use of primary sources and the organized presentation of findings (Luke 1:1–4). Similarly, a portion of King Solomon’s 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32) seems to have resulted from a process of historical research (Ecclesiastes 12:9).

Numbers 13 documents a descriptive approach to inquiry. When Moses sent representatives of the 12 tribes to search the land of Canaan, he defined for them the purpose of the study and its delimitations, as well as the various facets to be considered. Moses concluded by requesting those carrying out the study to gather samples (Numbers 13:17–20).

The book of Daniel records an early example of a quasi-experimental approach to research, by using a single-factor post-test design. Confronted with the prospect of Nebuchadnezzar’s dietary regime, Daniel and three fellow students responded by proposing a comparative study. They then set out the research protocol, which included treatment and control groups, a defined timeframe, and independent assessors (Daniel 1:12–16).

The Bible also presents a number of instances of qualitative inquiry. Luke, for example, became a participant observer in Paul’s missionary journeys, reporting events that he himself experienced. We can notice, for instance, the transition to first person references beginning in Troas until Philippi, and then several years later, from Philippi onward to Rome (see Acts 16:10–40; Acts 20:6; 28:31). Similarly, Nehemiah’s nocturnal inspection of the ruins of Jerusalem was used to triangulate interview data (Nehemiah 1:2–3; 2:11–17).

The Bible also 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). 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 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).

With this in mind, how do the instances and principles of research that we find throughout the Bible guide our own research endeavors at Andrews University?

First, we believe that research is vital, a key result of our commitment to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World. We also hold that truth loses nothing by close examination. Rather, both reason and faith can and will be strengthened by a God-centered approach to research.

At the same time, we also acknowledge that research has inherent limitations. Although we endeavor to safeguard the truthfulness of our conclusions, we recognize that we cannot arrive at certainty based on empirical data. Rather than state, “Research has proved … ”, overstating the certainty of the findings, we should instead speak in terms of evidence that bears “witness to the truth” (John 18:37).

We must each, therefore, model authenticity and humility as we conduct research. This includes recognizing the limits of our knowledge, being honest about our deficiencies, and expressing the tentativeness of our conclusions. It also implies openness to input from others and a passion for continued growth. In the end, it suggests that as believing scholars, we must come together, under the guidance of the Spirit, to build a dynamic Word-based community in search of truth.

As Christian researchers, we in turn must conduct research ethically and responsibly, following biblical principles of beneficence, justice and respect for persons. We must also interact directly with the repositories of truth, revealed through Scripture, in the person of Jesus Christ, and in God’s world. Above all, we must communicate confidence in the trustworthiness and importance of special divine revelation—a “more sure word” (2 Peter 1:19 KJV), which we do well to heed.

As the prophet Daniel surveyed the broad scope of history, he observed that an increase in knowledge would be a defining characteristic of “the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4 NIV). At Andrews University, we are committed to being at the forefront of the surge in research and scholarship that is characteristic of our day. 

Consequently, while recognizing that research has inherent limitations and constraints, at Andrews University we hold research to be a valuable and valued tool for discovering, understanding and appreciating God’s truth, an activity to be carried out within a Christ-centered frame of reference (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17).

John Wesley Taylor V
President, Andrews University