My Collections: Academic Library & Methodology: Pattison and Woodward: Finale

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My Collections: Academic Library

Clarification on the James Boice text. It is a relatively new text in my library from my previous Reformed Presbyterian Church and it is important as a continual in mind Presbyterian reference, as opposed to something used frequently on the blogs. It was not used in my PhD. Therefore I mentioned it.

Also with with the Greek New Testament, the manuscripts are used for translations from Greek to other languages for New Testaments, so therefore Greek to English translations which is what was meant, for example.

It is D.Z. not D.W....the joys of live...

Methodology: Pattison and Woodward Finale

Nine, practical theology is often reflectively based. Persons are encouraged to analyze their own life and experiences. Theological reflection should be an integral part of both theoretical and practical/empirical approaches. 

In my view, revealed theology to be understood reasonably well in theory and practice requires a person to pray and reflect on this over time. God must be contemplated. Followers should reflect on Biblical, theological and other truths in order to hopefully lead to correct practical applications.

Ten, practical theology, in its interrogative nature, unlike traditional, orthodox theology, is not primarily interested in staying within confined thought, but asks good questions concerning the nature of reality. Although I have stated that I am not interested in overturning primary Christian orthodox theology, at the same time this theology must be critically analyzed in order that persons within the Christian Church are being taught and understand concepts correctly.  Perhaps in some cases this is because Christians, or persons that claim to be Christians, possess Biblical and theological knowledge, and yet have not seriously interacted with material to have a reasonable understanding of how knowing the Biblical God should lead one to treat fellow human beings with love and respect.

Eleven, practical theology is interdisciplinary, meaning it uses methods from academic approaches that are not overtly theological. Although I reason none of these other disciplines[1] should alter essential Biblical theology, 

I can agree with Pattison and Woodward when they explain that disciplines such as economics, sociology, and psychology could impact practical theology. As noted earlier, truth can be found outside of the Bible, and I deduce that other academic disciplines can certainly be used to help those in the Christian Church better understand theology. Christian theology in regard to theodicy is already relying on the related, but different discipline of philosophy. If theology can rely on philosophy for assistance in regard to theodicy, it can rely on disciplines such as sociology, psychology, and science as well.    

Twelve, practical theology is analytical and constructive, meaning it analyses situations and attempts to provide constructive ideas for change. Christian faith and philosophy needs to have a progressive, practical nature, which seeks to find problems in the Christian life, and with God’s help sets out to change and improve things, both on an individual and corporate level.  The antagonism should not be against the world, but opposed to acting in worldly ways which promote evil, instead of promoting God inspired goodness.  Christian ministry to be effective should not hold animosity toward persons it is attempting to reach, but should present the gospel respectfully. 

Thirteen, the authors comment that practical theology is dialectical and disciplined. There is a creative tension within the discipline with theory and practice, religious tradition and contemporary experience,[2] written texts and present experience, theology and other disciplines, and the religious community and outside communities. Here it can be admitted that although I reason the Bible is God’s revealed word for humanity and the Church, what is written in disciplined conversation can allow practical and empirical theology to discern at times where certain church groups and related organizations are not perhaps representing Scripture in the best way possible.

Fourteen, for the final point, practical theology is noted to be skillful and demanding. The authors explain that there is much to learn concerning the different methods involved in this approach. The hope is that through difficult study and research practical theology can be both genuinely practical and authentically theological. 

WOODWARD, JAMES AND STEPHEN PATTISON (2000)(2007)(eds.), The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing.

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[1] Pattison and Woodward (2000)(2007: 15).

[2] Pattison and Woodward (2000)(2007: 15-16).