Theological Reflections

Theological reflection has its roots in the works of Bernard Lonergan, David Tracy, James and Evelyn Whitehead, John de Beer, Patricia Killen, Flower Ross, and Charles Winters. It provides a way of learning theology so that participants can develop congruence between life's experience, the world, and the Christian faith. the reflective methods are useful educational tools. Other discipline may find them useful to enhance the way seminars are organized as learning opportunities to discover meaning.

Here is a book for the millions of Christians who want to make a vital connection between their faith and their lives. The authors describe theological reflection as "the artful discipline of putting our experience into conversation with the heritage of the Christian tradition." Their practical book provides a way for all of us to experience greater meaning in life and a more tangible sense of God's creative presence.

A major and continuing problem for theological education and the practice of Christian ministry is how to best achieve a genuine integration between theory and practice, theology and experience. The key claim of this book is that theological reflection, beginning with experience, is a method of integration and that pastoral supervision is a vehicle for theological reflection. In establishing this claim, John Paver demonstrates that the model and method have potential to be a catalyst for reform within theological colleges and seminaries. Three different theological reflection models are developed and critiqued in this book, and their capacity to be developed in particular contexts is explored. This book does not stop at ministry, cultural and personal integration, but is bold enough to make recommendations for structural integration within the theological institution.

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

"Theological reflection is a form of theologizing that begins with lived experience, correlates this with the sources of Christian faith and draws out concrete implications for praxis. Robert Kinast finds five distinct types of theological reflection from within this common form: ministerial, spiritual wisdom, feminist, inculturation, and practical theology" "Each of these styles is analyzed in terms of the type of experience it favors, the way it connects this experience to theology and what sort of praxis it envisions. The end result is a succinct overview of this wide-ranging and diverse approach to theology."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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

I would urge everyone to receive this book with openness and understanding. Written by an African Christian woman, it is a serious attempt to speak of the fullness of the Gospel to the specific African context. As one individual's struggle to give account of the hope that lies in her, it is a passionate and sincere work, and a welcome contribution to the growing genre of religious literature known as liberation theology. The author seeks not only to speak to us but also to move us and bring us to different ways of 'hearing and knowing.' She has succeeded with me. -Lamin Sanneh Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard University This book is a remarkable synthesis of history, theology, and missions. It is one of the most important books of the decade because it is written by a Ghanian Christian woman who resides in Nigeria and has travelled the world-over demanding that we no longer allow traditional theological puzzles to go unexamined. Oduyoye's writings are like a breath of fresh air to women in ministry and in the church. -Katie G. Cannon Episcopal Divinity School Amber Oduyoye is Africa's leading woman theologian. In this book we meet a woman of faith reflecting in a scholarly and meditative way on Christianity in Africa. Learned in both the Western and African theological traditions, Professor Oduyoye brings constructive criticism to bear on each in the interest of promoting a wider community of wholeness. -Peter J. Paris Princeton Theological Seminary

Many people today are asking the "meaning-making" questions. We want our lives to have meaning. We want to know how our faith informs our work life, how our family life enhances our spirituality, and how we can feel less fragmented and more whole. These are the spiritual questions of life. They are wisdom-seeking invitations stirring within the depths of our souls. These are the hungers that theological reflection can help feed. This book offers an understanding of theological reflection--a model and a method. It will not only illustrate how readers may use theological reflection in their own spiritual development but will also show how to facilitate the process with others. --From the introduction In "Theological Reflection: Connecting Faith and Life," principles of theological reflection are presented to help the believer connect faith teaching and life. Catholic Basics: A Pastoral Ministry Series offers an in-depth yet accessible understanding of the fundamentals of the Catholic faith for adults, both those active in pastoral ministry and those preparing for ministry. The series helps readers explore the Catholic tradition and apply what they have learned to their lives and ministry situations. Includes study questions and suggestions for further reading.