Theology as a challenge to social science

The domains of modern theology and social science are often regarded as autonomous from each other. Social science frequently ignores theology, and most practising Christians in social science regard this as an acceptable situation. These conventional contemporary views are contested. Case studies are cited to show that theology is capable of considering the social implications of its belief framework. These examples of theologically-based social investigation generate their own unique readings and explanations of socio-economic behaviour on the basis of their interpretations of Christian thought. The argument holds further that theologically-based social investigation is a requirement of the Judeo-Christian belief system. Finally, it suggests that secular social science has yet to demonstrate that it can generate more valid descriptions or explanations of human socio-economic behaviour than theologically-based social investigation.