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| Atrani, Italy, Travel+Leisure, Facebook |
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
My Collections: Questionable Buys/Degrees & Methodology: Alistair Campbell
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| Castle Conwy, Wales |
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.
[2] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).
[3] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).
[6] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84).
[8] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).
[9] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).
[10] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
[11] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
[15] 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.
Saturday, June 07, 2014
My Collections: Academic Library & Methodology: Pattison and Woodward: Finale
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| Menorca, Spain, Facebook |
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.
Monday, June 02, 2014
My Collections: Mahavishnu Orchestra And Libertarian Chuckles
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| Maple Ridge |
Uncle Chuckles shares his views on the legalization of marijuana in Maple Ridge, one of the pothead hotbeds in the universe.
On the way home this evening I saw a man sweeping the Lougheed Highway here in Maple Ridge...yes you read that correctly.
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