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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.
