Pieterse, Hendrik J.C. (Hennie)2011-04-292011-04-292010Pieterse, HJC 2010, 'Metatheoretical decisions for the grounded theory research of sermons on poverty and to the poor as listeners', NGTT: Dutch Reformed Theological Journal / Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, vol. 51, no. 3 & 4, pp. 104-113. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_ngtt.html]0028-2006http://hdl.handle.net/2263/16396The challenge of working with metatheoretical assumptions in a postmodern situation of a plurality of scientific-theoretical approaches is taken up in this article. The question whether the researcher must, in a practical-theological study, begin with theory analysis first or with praxis analysis first, is discussed. In sermon analysis with a grounded theory, abductive approach, the question is whether we have to begin with a blank mind. In order to answer this question the theory-praxis relationship is discussed. This leads to the argument of the article that wherever we begin the researcher cannot work without a theological perspective and in the case of homiletics, without a homiletical-theoretical framework.enFaculty of Theology, Stellenbosch UniversityMetatheoretical assumptionsTheory-praxis relationshipTheological perspectiveHomiletical-theoretical frameworkTheory (Philosophy)Practice (Philosophy)Research -- MethodologyPreachingArticle