Insider and Outsider Knowledge: Etic and Emic Perspectives on Empirical Missiological Research and Its Consequences for Theological Education

Abstract

This article discusses the need for a distinction between an outsider’s and an insider’s perspective in missiological research. It uses the concept of etic and emic that has been developed by the linguist Kenneth Pike, demonstrating the need from the historical example of the representation of Indian life and religion in Europe as well as some epistemological questions that evolve from the topic. Here, an outsider’s perspective led to a misunderstanding of Hinduism that has persisted to the present day. This contribution introduces recent research examples that illustrate the integrating etic and emic perspectives in research. After some practical considerations, the article concludes with consequences for theological education for missions.