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Practical Theology
ОглавлениеTheology has never been a solely academic pursuit. Rather, it has always involved “the work of the people” turning to, responding to, and even arguing with God in various contexts for diverse purposes.13 Recognizing theology as an embodied practice, practical theology in its broadest sense seeks to facilitate the goal of living faithfully in the present “on behalf of God’s future.”14
Practical theology also refers to a method of understanding or analyzing theology in practice and to a curricular area in theological education. Finally, practical theology refers to an academic discipline pursued by scholars to sustain and support the first three understandings.15 These four facets, identified by practical theologian Bonnie Miller-McLemore, are of course interdependent, as exemplified by this research. My research takes place within the academic discipline of practical theology, makes use of practical theology methodology, and seeks to contribute to the lived expression of faith in the present and on behalf of God’s future, in and through authentic friendship.
The term practical theology has been used interchangeably with pastoral theology. Practical theology is generally understood to have a broader focus, which includes matters of importance both in and beyond the church. The scope of this field includes shaping social transformation and public policy, along with other aspects of the church’s engagement with the world.16 Pastoral theology, with its focus on care, is best seen as a valued sub-discipline of practical theology. The embrace of a broader paradigm of practical theology does not diminish concern for personal and communal spirituality.
Ultimately, practical theology is both normatively and eschatologically oriented.17 As well as describing how people live within communities and society, practical theology considers how people may do so “more fully.”18 Moreover, practical theology seeks to reintegrate theology into “the weave and fabric” of life, in such a way that theology becomes a way of life.19 Practical theology is a theological theory of action that emerged as a theory of crisis, contributing to restoration and renewal.20 It considers the reciprocal relationship between theology and everyday life, including how everyday life influences theology and how knowledge of love and love for the divine shape everyday life. The wider aim of practical theology is to “enrich the life of faith for the sake of the world.”21 This research seeks to reflect these understandings of practical theology, as it advocates for the fostering of holistic private-public friendships that contribute to restoration, renewal, and reform.