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1.1.3 Formal and Informal Inquiry

In the Book of Luke, Chapter 15, Jesus tells a parable
about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One day, as he
was tending his flock, he noticed that one of his sheep was
missing. Concerned for the lost sheep's safety, he left the
ninety-nine in the wilderness and went out in search of the
one that was lost. The shepherd, being responsible for the
Formal Inquiry well-being of his flock, started a formal inquiry to find the
(The Shepherd) lost sheep. He carefully considered the gravity of the situation
and the potential dangers the sheep might face. In his formal
approach, he planned his search methodically, assessing the
landscape, weather conditions, and possible routes the sheep
might have taken. His concern for the sheep's welfare and
the entire flock led him to take this matter seriously and
diligently.

Meanwhile, back at the sheepfold, the other sheep and
the shepherd's community engaged in an informal inquiry.
The sheepfold was a close-knit group, and the news of the
missing sheep quickly spread among them. The community
Informal Inquiry members expressed their concern in a more relaxed and
casual manner. They shared stories and insights about the
lost sheep's behavior, its favorite grazing spots, and any
other relevant information that might help the shepherd in
his search. The informal inquiry allowed the community to
support each other emotionally and share their knowledge of
the lost sheep.

After a diligent search, the shepherd eventually found the
lost sheep, exhausted and frightened. He gently carried the
The Reunion sheep back to the fold, relieved that it was safe and sound.
The entire community rejoiced at the reunion, celebrating the
return of the missing sheep.

This anecdote from the Bible showcases the contrast
between formal and informal inquiry. The shepherd
exemplifies the formal approach by methodically searching
for the lost sheep, taking into account various factors that
could influence the sheep's whereabouts and safety. On the
other hand, the sheepfold community represents the informal
The Moral of the inquiry, where they share stories and insights in a more
Anecdote relaxed and casual manner, supporting each other during

the search. The parable emphasises the value of both formal
and informal inquiry in different contexts. It demonstrates
the importance of being diligent and methodical when
facing challenges, like the shepherd's formal inquiry. It
also highlights the significance of community support and

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