EFM: Education for Ministry, New Zealand
Theological Reflection

The Microscope Method of Theological Reflection

When first learning Theological Reflection it is important to work through all the steps in an explicit manner, but as your seminar group becomes more adept and familiar with it, a larger degree of flexibility can be introduced. 

 

You will see in the description below that the Microscope Method of TR uses metaphors.  For some people, metaphors initially may be hard to grasp. In the Common Lessons and Supporting Materials handbook, there is helpful information and exercises on metaphors, and how they can help make theological learning come alive.

 

The Steps of the Microscope Method

 

Phase 1: Identifying

  1. Present an incident: someone in the group offers a short account of a personal experience.

  2. List the shifts in action and select one for a focus
    The group, which has listened carefully, assists the presenter in deciding at which point in the incident the energy is most intense and focuses on this point.

  3. Recapture the thoughts and feelings at the moment of focus
    Members of the group help the presenter to express these; there will likely be numerous thoughts and feelings; they may be contradictory or even disturbing.

  4. Group members identify with the feelings and thoughts.

 

During the process of Theological Reflection, the mentor or a group member writes down key points of the discussion on a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard that all can see.  The Common Lessons binder (page 2-1-13) includes a work sheet with a format many groups have found useful for this purpose, particularly when using the Microscope Method.  For a diagram of this format and an example of how it is used, click here. A printable version is here.

 

Phase 2: Exploring

  1. Generate a metaphor.
    Brainstorm until the group finds an image/metaphor that expresses the story's key point.

  2. Explore the world of the metaphor.
    The focus moves off the story to the metaphor, which becomes a way to broaden the discussion to look at the human condition more generally.  The group applies theological categories to the metaphor.

 

  • Creation: What is life like in the world of the metaphor?
  • Sin: What is destructive or alienating in this world? What causes stress or tension?
  • Judgement: What gets your attention, shocks you, or sheds new light?
  • Repentance: What indicates a change of heart?
  • Redemption: What brings reconciliation and new life?  What is a cause for celebration?

 

To see a chart that some EFM groups have used to explore and examine the metaphor they have generated, click here. A printable version is here.

 

  1. Explore a portion of Tradition.
    How does our faith Tradition connect with the metaphor?
    Find a passage of Scripture (or some other aspect of the Christian tradition, such as a Creed, a well known hymn, or a passage in the Prayer Book), that responds to the metaphor, either confirming it or challenging it. 

 

Phase 3:  Connecting

  1. Consider the Culture Source.
    What does our society and culture have to say about the world of the metaphor?  The group considers areas such as literature, media, popular songs, customs, slogans and sayings, politics, economics, family life, etc. Once again, the culture may contradict the metaphor in whole or in part, or it may agree with it.

  2. Bring in the Position Source.
    Each group member considers their own position and how they stand with regard to the various views considered. Do you side with one point of view, or are you torn?  Are your beliefs challenged?  Use “I” statements to express these personal views.

  3. Open a dialogue among the sources.
    Compare and contrast the viewpoints developed in steps 6-9

 

Phase 4:  Applying

  1. Identify insights and questions.
    What have you learned?  What beliefs have been affirmed?  Use “I” statements.

  2. Decide on implications.
    Look to the future; What will you do as a result of what you have learned?  What actions do you need to take?

 

You should see that there are not “right” or “wrong” answers for any of the steps.  It is important that group members respect each others’ points of view, which may vary greatly.  Each group member has a chance to explore their own beliefs and express his or her own viewpoint, and also to listen to the ideas of the other participants.    Through the sharing of perspectives, members learn from each other. 

|Theological Reflection | Methods of TR | Microscope Method |

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