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Methodology: Alistair Campbell
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.
However, Brown believes the Bible teaches that there is hope for those
in the world who are poor and oppressed.[7] Brown explains that if God sided with these
suffering persons in Biblical times, he also does today.[8] I can grant this proposition,[9]
and state that although the salvific work of Christ for humanity should remain
the core of Christian faith and philosophy, simultaneous to this Christians
must help in an earthly physical sense, those they are attempting to assist in
a spiritual sense. This is an important
and essential way of making theology practical.
Three, practical theology has a
relationship to other theological disciplines which is ‘lateral’ rather than
‘linear.’[10] Practical theology, by
Campbell’s methodology, is not in a linear fashion following a canon of
relevance as he describes it,[11]
nor is it connected to some type of orthodoxy.[12] My methodology and approach is somewhat
different than Campbell’s.[13] 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, these types of theological
approaches may at times follow, in a linear manner,[14]
theoretical theology, even if it was not the original intention of the
practical/empirical work. I therefore am
not as convinced as Campbell that practical theology will often lead to
theological conclusions that are inconclusive and ambiguous.[15] I must add if one assumes the theoretical
nature of philosophical theology that is under review is inconclusive and
ambiguous,[16]
it is quite possible this will be the same result deduced from the related practical
and empirical findings.[17] 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.[18] Since it is constantly seeking out and
presenting new situations,[19]
it cannot present a comprehensive theology of itself.[20] These are strong words from Campbell,[21]
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.[22] Practical and empirical
theology is a theological approach that examines theological systems, and is
not a system in itself.[23]
Five, practical theology should result in
concrete proposals developed to restructure the Christian Church in life,
witness, fellowship and service.[24] This should be true for the work of Christians
within secular structures in society as well.
BROWN, ROBERT
MCAFEE (1984) Unexpected News,
Philadelphia, The Westminster Press.
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).
[7] Brown (1984: 14).
[8] Brown (1984: 14).
[12] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).
[13] Campbell (2000)(2007: 84-85).
[15] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
[16] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
[20] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
[23] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
[24] Campbell (2000)(2007: 85).
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