Theological Reflection Methods 2nd Edition

Theological Reflections: Methods, offers a comprehensive collection of models of theological reflection. By bringing this diverse collection together in one place, the editors create a unique reference work that allows a clear and visible contrast and comparison as each model is treated formally and in a standard format. Throughout each chapter the distinguishing features of the model are examined, the geneology and origins are discussed, worked examples of the model applied to contemporary theology are provided, and critical commentary, future trends and exercises and questions are provided. Now firmly established as an essential text on theological reflection, this new edition has been revised and updated with a new introduction, updated examples, and refreshed bibliographies

Theological Reflections: Methods, offers a comprehensive collection of models of theological reflection. By bringing this diverse collection together in one place, the editors create a unique reference work that allows a clear and visible contrast and comparison as each model is treated formally and in a standard format. Throughout each chapter the distinguishing features of the model are examined, the geneology and origins are discussed, worked examples of the model applied to contemporary theology are provided, and critical commentary, future trends and exercises and questions are provided. Now firmly established as an essential text on theological reflection, this new edition has been revised and updated with a new introduction, updated examples, and refreshed bibliographies

What would theological reflection look like if scripture were the starting point? For many, beginning the process of formation the bible is already a natural place to begin, and models of theological reflection which start in other places can be hard to swallow. All too often, as a result, they reject the idea of reflecting theologically altogether, an outcome which is damaging for their future ministry and for the church as a whole. This book to re-discover the theological heart of the discipline of practical theology and develop new methods which take scripture and tradition more seriously. Offering an alternative to the usual models of theological reflection, this careful and helpful guide demonstrates to students the possibilities which emerge when the starting point for theological reflective practice

'Writing Methods in Theological Reflection' offers a stimulating, provocative and accessible book that will be of use to students and practitioners who are seeking ways to use their own experience in the work of spiritual and theological reflection. This work is intended for use by the many students of theology/ministry/chaplaincy who are charged with the task of producing works of theological reflection upon placements, life experiences and faithful practiceIt will also be of general interest to a wide range of readers trying to correlate their life experiences with their spiritual beliefs.

Practical Theology used to be a subject where students were left to fend for themselves, using what they had learnt from their scholarly studies in history, biblical and systematic theology and applying it where they could. Things have moved on however and practical theology is a growing discipline in its own right, and the latest thinking in practical theology; of how to use theological learning in practical situations, is fully explored in this textbook. This text examines methodologies of the social sciences and questions how they can enable the task of theological reflection. They begin by tracing the development of practical theology as a discipline and comment on current methodological practices, and trace the movement from practical theology as applied theology, ie a discipline which simply takes data from the other theological disciplines (historical, systematic and biblical theology) towards a model which understands the practical theological task in terms of the theology of practice. The authors examine the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods and highlight the significance of both for the task of practical theology. They also take the reader through the actual process of developing and carrying out a research project using the author's own research as case study examples. Case studies include: the rise in spirituality; the decline in church attendance, evidence-based medicine compared to needs-led assessments, the growth in chaplaincy and how it is understood as separate from parish ministry.

Making faith-sense is a new term for an ancient practice. It is what the early Christians called mystical or wisdom theology: understanding life in the light of God's participation recorded in the Gospels, recognizing the signs of God's presence in everyday events and shaping one's life accordingly. In Making Faith-Sense, Robert Kinast shows all who seek to unify their life experience around their belief in God how to follow that ancient practice. Drawing upon the award-winning process he has used with students for the ministry, Father Kinast explains how to make sense of family, work, and cultural experience from the perspective of Christian faith. Each chapter contains numerous real-life examples and practical guidelines that can be used privately or with a group.

The book provides models for theological reflection that include personal and collaborative approaches. It begins by asserting that theological reflection is a conversation that can become dialogical under certain conditions. The notion of dialogue is based on South American educational theorist Paulo Freire's work. Theological reflection is a conversation among participants including God, others and oneself. As the theological models are presented and developed, the impetus of the book is respect for well-known pillars of Christian theological inquiry that include Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience. All four of these aspects of inquiry are used and developed as a means for helping people think theologically. The book includes the use of specific Scriptures as the basis for educational theories presented. In terms of its reliance on Tradition, the practice of Lectio Divina is explained and developed. The book distinguishes healthy from unhealthy reason and outlines the trajectory of reason during the twentieth century that tended to undermine confidence in the role of faith in Christian experience. It also picks out an error made by secular theorists that's at the root of modern assault on the reasonableness of faith. Throughout, the book helps the reader apply personal experience to the practice of theological reflection. In addition, Conversations offers a framework and method for working across cultures to help the reader recognize how Scriptures need to be interpreted in different cultural settings. This culturally-based model and case study invites a reader to reassess taken-for-granted assumptions that populate ordinary experience but that are no longer reliable as one encounters Otherness presented by those who don't share individual, social, family or country of origin experience. In addition, the book introduces a model for collaborative theological reflection that captures the essence what's necessary when people who differ from one another begin to work together as they think theologically and as they actually create dialogical, collaborative reflection based on Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience.