The Science of Cathedral Studies: Exploring Demographic Profile, Motivational Intentions, and Perceived Impact among those Attending the Holly Bough Service in Liverpool Cathedral

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is a highly original piece of research which aims to assess people's attitudes and reactions to a large religious service.  The overview of the research literature is extensive and helpful.  The design of the research methodology is clearly stated and is logical.  The results are clearly reported and placed in context with other results in the area.  The conclusions are well drawn and there are pointers towards further research.  Overall this represents a highly creative approach to assessing the attitudes and reactions of worshippers at a large religious event.  There are helpful clues for organisers and pointers towards the future.  There is also an investigation of attitudes from many people who are not regular worshippers and so this research is important in suggesting ways that the unchurched can be attracted to church.  I was impressed by the research and could clearly follow the method used and engage with the results. The authors are to be congratulated for conducting and reporting important research in an excellent way and providing results that may well be of significant use to others.

Author Response

Reviewer 1 advised no changes apart from minor spell check. This has been done.

Reviewer 2 Report

Well documented, well written. This research provides a little window into the effect of beauty on the soul and may prove a resource for evangelization efforts.

My only recommendation is to enhance your conclusion, especially the final paragraph, a bit. Elaborate on what you think the meaning of your results is and the implications for Christianity practiced in a secular world. There is a lot to ponder here. 

Author Response

Reviewer 2 recommended enhancing the conclusion, especially the final paragraph. My response has been to extend the second of the three conclusions: see paragraph beginning ‘Second, the motivational profile’. Then I have developed the final paragraph, adding new material after the opening sentence (The present paper has not exhausted), and subdivided the original paragraph into two paragraphs.

Reviewer 3 Report

I think the attention to the interplay of demographics, motivations, and report of outcomes achieved by worship is important to note. Much recent work in the study of liturgical events still tends to the desire to seek meaning (see Martin Stringer who breaks this open in a sociological approach). I also think that this look at event-belonging has particular relevance to the interplay of restraining people from face-to-face corporate worship in the time of COVID-19 and desire to return to a physical place. Since you note this is not the classic Service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve, I wonder if some note as to what the readings or music or prayers are. That can have a particular influence on the affective dimension of the worship experience in the cathedral.

Author Response

Reviewer 3 required more information about the content of the Holly Bough service. I have responded to this by adding a new paragraph at the end of the ‘Research question’ section.