My Collections: Questionable Buys/Degrees & Methodology: Alistair Campbell

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Methodology: Alistair Campbell (PhD Edit)

Alistair Campbell (2000)(2007) also deals with several methodological issues concerning practical theology.[1]  One, practical theology is concerned with the study of specific social structures and individual initiatives from which God’s work can continue in the present world.[2] The hope is that this shall lead to renewal, and the source of this type of initiative and renewal can be found within or outside the life of the church.[3]  Basically, God’s work does not necessarily always have to be done within a Christian organization.[4]  A Christian for example, could be working for a secular organization feeding the poor, and/or working against numerous forms of social injustice. 

Two, Campbell explains that the functions of ordained ministry can no longer be seen as normative for the division of subject matter and the scope of work.[5] Campbell writes that acts of charity and such, which were in the past on the periphery of church work, need to move to the centre.[6]  I reason that the atoning and resurrection work of Christ for believers must remain an essential element of Christian preaching, teaching and ministry. 

Three, practical theology has a relationship to other theological disciplines which is ‘lateral’ rather than ‘linear.’[7]  Practical theology, by Campbell’s methodology, is not in a linear fashion following a canon of relevance as he describes it, nor is it connected to some type of orthodoxy.[8] My methodology and approach is somewhat different than Campbell’s.[9]  I agree that practical and empirical findings need to be objective in order to constructively critique theological systems, including Reformed theology in regard to theodicy and related issues.  I reason that if the theoretical, theological work in regard to theodicy is logically and reasonably done, it can contain truth.  As practical and empirical theology can also contain truth, I therefore am not as convinced as Campbell that practical theology will often lead to theological conclusions that are inconclusive and ambiguous.[10]  I must add if one assumes the theoretical nature of philosophical theology that is under review is inconclusive and ambiguous,[11] it is quite possible this will be the same result deduced from the related practical and empirical findings.[12] A traditional orthodox Christian perspective would be that Scripture, at least with primary doctrines, is not inconclusive or ambiguous, but trustworthy as the Holy Spirit inspired chosen persons to write the Scriptures and what is written is what God desired.

Four, since practical theology uses situation based methods, it is fragmentary and poorly systemized.[13]  Since it is constantly seeking out and presenting new situations,[14] it cannot present a comprehensive theology of itself.[15] These are strong words from Campbell,[16] but the critic should understand that this does not make empirical theology useless.  I can understand that Campbell is presenting an experimental theological approach in contrast to a theological system.[17]  Practical and empirical theology is a theological approach that examines theological systems, and is not a system in itself.[18] Within this thesis the practical and empirical approach and findings shall be used to critique and strengthen understanding of the theoretical theodicy discussed.[19]

Five, practical theology should result in concrete proposals developed to restructure the Christian Church in life, witness, fellowship and service.[20]  This should be true for the work of Christians within secular structures in society as well.[21] 

CAMPBELL, ALASTAIR (2000)(2007) ‘The Nature of Practical Theology’, in James Woodward and Stephen Pattison (eds.), The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing.

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[1] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).

[2] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).

[3] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).

[4] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).

[5] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).

[6] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).

[7] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).

[8] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).

[9] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).

[10] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[11] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[12] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[13] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[14] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[15] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[16] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[17] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[18] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[19] In particular in Chapter Six which discusses the questionnaire statistics.

[20] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

[21] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).

For balance, I will admit I found this useful years ago. Again life is not always black and white. Note I am at this point, early Saturday morning, uploading to You Tube/Blogger a second longer version of the 'buys' video... Thank you.