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Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0001-3825-7093

Publication Date

7-2026

Abstract

This paper investigates the interplay of ontological confusion and Evangelical Christian identity within the context of qualitative sport studies research. Employing a reflexive autoethnographic method, I explore my personal experiences as an Evangelical Christian and as a social scientist who grapples with the complexities of paradigmatic confusion. Personal vignettes highlight the influence of sporting spaces and figures such as Tim Tebow and Kurt Warner in shaping my faith, identity, and framework for understanding reality. The analysis delves into the challenges posed by competing paradigmatic orientations, including positivism and social constructivism. These paradigms reveal the inherent difficulty of aligning scholarly inquiry with personal belief systems. In the advent, the paradigmatic orientation of critical realism is identified as a potential resolution, bridging positivism’s emphasis on objective reality and social constructivism’s focus on subjective interpretation. This middle ground resonates with Evangelical Christian theology by acknowledging both the physical and spiritual realms, enabling the integration of faith and academic exploration. Moreover, the inquiry examines the sociocultural intersections of religion and sport in personal and professional identity formation. These intersections reflect broader dynamics that shape individual experiences in contemporary academic and religious spaces. By engaging with these influences, the work contributes to the ongoing dialogue about integrating faith and scholarship in qualitative research. The research emphasizes the value of reflexivity in resolving ontological confusion and argues that adopting critical realism can foster a more nuanced understanding of reality. The overall narrative demonstrates how integrating spiritual beliefs with academic practices can support scholars navigating the intersection of faith and social science. By reflecting upon these personal experiences and epistemological frameworks, this work provides insights into addressing the challenges of reconciling faith with the demands of academic inquiry.

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