PM856
Banks/Staff
PM856: THE SHAPE OF PRACTICAL THEOLOGY. Robert Banks and Staff.
SEMINAR DESCRIPTION:
- The seminar will introduce students to important recent studies of
practical theology and examine its relation to other theological
disciplines--especially biblical studies, systematic theology and Christian
ethics. It will also develop a model of practical theology that makes room for
reflection of, by and for the people of God. The hermeneutical implications of
a praxis based theology of ministry will be considered, along with reflection
upon the normative sources for a practical theology that is engaged in God's
mission within the church and the world. A Trinitarian approach to
spirituality, community and vocation will form a vital part of these
explorations.
SEMINAR OUTCOMES:
- Participants will develop an understanding of what is distinctive
about practical theology and of the range of methodologies that are appropriate
to it. This will yield critical and constructive criteria for priorities in
ministry at the level of spiritual resources, church renewal and servant
leadership.
SEMINAR FORMAT:
- The seminar will generally meet for three hours once a week during
the quarter, with each student presenting a book report or case study
reflection at some point. There will be a focus on both theory and practice,
and a search for the best theological and pedagogical ways of relating these in
the class.
REQUIRED READING:
- Students will read approximately 3,000 pages of relevant materials,
including the following books:
- Anderson, Ray. Ministry on the Firing Line: A Practical Theology
for an Empowered Church. InterVarsity, 1993.
- Augsburger, David. Pastoral Counseling Across Cultures. Westminster,
1986.
- Banks, Robert. God the Worker: Journeys into the Mind, Heart, and
Imagination of God. Judson Press, 1994.
- __________. Redeeming the Routines: Bringing Theology to Life.
Victor, 1993.
- Browning, Don. A Fundamental Practical Theology: Descriptive and
Strategic Proposals. Fortress, 1991.
- Browning, Don, ed. Practical Theology: The Emerging Field in Theology,
Church, and World. Harper & Row, 1983.
- Dyrness, William A. Invitation to Cross-Cultural Theology.
Zondervan, 1992.
- Mouw, Richard. Consulting the Faithful: What Christian Intellectuals Can
Learn from Popular Religion. Eerdmans, 1994.
- Mudge, Lewis S. and James N. Poling, eds. Formation and Reflection: The
Promise of Practical Theology. Fortress, 1987.
- van der Ven, Johannes. Ecclesiology in Context. Eerdmans,
1996.
SEMINAR ASSIGNMENTS:
- In addition to seminar presentations, a major seminar paper of
around 40 pages, along with a one page annotation of each book read for the
course and participation in one of three case-studies during the course.
Students should choose an area for their major paper that will contribute to
refining their dissertation topic, and through that develop a model for
practical theological reflection that will guide their approach.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.