Practical Theology



Practical Theology

Introduction

The practical theology has traditionally been understood as a branch of the theological discipline that encompasses matters relating to theology applied, the Christian education, preaching and worship, and church administration. Practical theology moves in the universe of what is happening, articulates their reflection in dialogue with the revealed truth and with theologically understood. Based on this reflection formulates objectives, taking into account the teaching and lands in the Christian imperatives field by operational proposals. Practical theology means a contemporary research that builds gradually been building on the critical analysis of believers, thus defining an epistemological own place: communication of the Gospel message through its forms and versions in the world today. "Practical theology is an integral part of all theological areas. Nevertheless, the fact that it lies at the confluence of two worlds (the practice and theory) gives a particular coloring.

For a practical grasp and realize a properly requires not only a good empirical knowledge of the subject, but a solid preparation for data interpretation. Practical theology today has two complementary ways: either as a specific discipline of theology, oriented towards the field of religious practices in the Church and in society, either as a comprehensive theological approach dominated by the reference to the praxis of believers. The characteristic common to both approaches is being transdisciplinary that is to say in dialogue with other areas of theology and the humanities. Practical theology is to study the individual or collective practices of believers. Initiatives - or take - to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the mystery, build community, support people and / or act in society, are all essential practices of pastoral theology Christianity that analysis, and accompanying criticism. This paper is a intensive integrative on Practical Theology after reading three book named as The shape of practical theology by Ray s.Anderson, The reconstructing pastoral theology by Andrew purves, and the pastoral theology by Richard R. Osmer. In addition it includes personal reflection which includes study impact on previsous assumptions, decisions and overall personality.

Discussion

Pastoral Theology aimed to fill a gap in priestly formation. Indeed, until the twentieth century it was conceived as a mere complement to the training given to the future pastor, in the form of practical guidelines in order to ensure the success of his ministry among the faithful. As essentially practical course, served to give a few recipes, but not as a true science, but was gradually making an effort to get out of the utilitarian conception to transform it into real practical theology.

The Shape of Practical Theology

Ray Anderson defined practical theology as “critical and constructive reflection on ecclesial praxis, is the process of ongoing critical reflection on the acts of the church in the light of the gospel and in critical dialogue with secular sources of knowledge with a view to the faithful transformation of the praxis of the church in the world”. This book offers surprises for a variety of readers. For the scholar who suspects that "practical theology" is an academic Trojan ...