In recent years, Practical Theology has taken a very significant methodological turn towards the qualitative approaches. At the same time there has also been a parallel and related development which emphasises the importance of life writing as a theological resource and autoethnographical ways of constructing practical theology are receiving increased scholarly attention.

"Practical Theology Beyond the Empirical Turn" offers a radical intervention and an attempt to respond to the challenge of engaging with both these significant developments. Walton explores a changing research landscape in which creativity is increasingly valued as an epistemological resource. Demonstrating the significance of life writing, arts-based research and ‘practice as research’ for theological reflection, this book links the growing creative agenda for practical theology with wider developments within constructive theology and theopoetics