Challenges in the study of religious values

Abstract

There have been calls to take the transcendence and sacred in African thought seriously. The purpose of the discussion in this paper is to highlight some of the difficulties faced by researchers in their investigation and measurement of religious orientations: Broad areas discussed include theoretical, methodological, and ethical problems associated with social research in general but particularly with religious studies in Africa. The awareness of the theoretical, methodological, ideological and ethical dilemmas involved in social research may enhance the work of researchers in their contribution to knowledge and understanding of cultures.