Postcolonializing Practical Theological Methodology as Cartography of Boundary Dynamics

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee-Kyu Heidi Park
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Brownian Motion ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
17Th Century ◽  
Mathematical Understanding ◽  
Random Movement ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Theological Methodology ◽  
Boundary Dynamics

AbstractThis paper conceptualizes a postcolonializing practical theological methodology that maps out the boundary dynamics of spectrality that often characterize the lived experiences on the margin of the empire. It draws from the mathematical understanding of Brownian motion that calculates the random movements of particles, as exposed by quantum mechanics, to construct an image for the postcolonializing practical theology. Then the random movement is explored through the concept of spectrality, which is engaged in dialogue with a 17th century Korean novel, Jangwha Hongryun Jeon, cultural theories and theologies.

Anticipation in the Normative Task of Practical Theology

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-88
Author(s):  
Theodore James Whapham
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Theological Method ◽  
Main Thesis ◽  
Wolfhart Pannenberg ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Theological Methodology ◽  
Theology Of Tradition

AbstractThis essay seeks to make a contribution to Catholic practical theological methodology through a discussion of “anticipation” as developed in the theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg. Its main thesis is that an understanding of the proleptic and anticipatory character of revelation and tradition can help articulate the role of tradition in the normative task of a Catholic practical theology. The first section of the paper looks at the normative task of practical theology and how this is reflected in the Whiteheads’ Method of Ministry. Then it seeks to explain the notion of “anticipation” and its implications for a theology of tradition. Finally it draws out the implications of incorporating this concept into practical theological method.

scholarly journals The narrative turn in practical theology: A discussion of Julian M�ller�s narrative approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaco S. Dreyer
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Religious Practice ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Narrative Approaches ◽  
Human And Social Sciences ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Scientific Practical ◽  
Theological Methodology ◽  
Methodological Debate

The importance of narrative for practical theology is today widely recognised, both nationally and internationally. There is, however, disagreement amongst practical theologians regarding the scope and role of narrative in practical theological methodology. The practical theologian Julian M�ller made, and continues to make, an important contribution to the methodology of practical theology through his narrative approach. The aim of this article was to contribute to the ongoing methodological discussion about the scope and role of narrative approaches in practical theology. M�ller�s narrative approach was discussed against the backdrop of the narrative turn in the human and social sciences. It was concluded that M�ller�s narrative approach reveals some of the key tensions in practical theological methodology. His metaphorical narrative approach, as a representative of the poetic pole in the methodological debate, helps to guard practical theology from losing its transformative orientation and its vital connection with religious practice. Embracing a variety of approaches could help practical theologians to steer between the Scylla of a one-sidedly scientific practical theology and the Charybdis of the triumph of the immediacy of praxis.

scholarly journals The Openseminary Methodology: Practical Theology as Personal, Local and Transformative

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 652
Author(s):  
Brian Macallan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Technological Change ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Theological Education ◽  
The United States ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Education Today ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Theological Methodology

Theological education continues to be subject to rapid social and technological change, which is further exacerbated by the recent global pandemic. Practical theology as a discipline continues to grow, being well placed methodologically to engage with diverse contexts and these global realities. The task for theological education is whether it can meet these challenges and be part of the transformation required. Openseminary as a methodology and program was developed in the early 2000s by Wynand De Kock to enable students to both learn practical theology as a methodology, as well as reflect theologically in their own context. Over the last two decades, it has run in South Africa, at Tabor College in Australia, as well as Palmer Seminary in the United States. In what follows, the methodology and program are explored in terms of their genesis, history, and current articulation. It is argued that it is a practical theological methodology well suited to the personal, local, and transformative goals of theological education today.

scholarly journals Ta splanchna: A theopaschitic approach to a hermeneutics of God’s praxis. From zombie categories to passion categories in theory formation for a practical theology of the intestines

2011 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Empirical Approach ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Actions ◽  
Theory Formation ◽  
Strong Feeling ◽  
Ontic Status ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Theological Methodology

It is argued that both the traditional clerical paradigm of an ecclesial approach and the phenomenological paradigm of an empirical approach are not sufficient enough to describe and maintain a theological methodology in practical theology. This has led to the introduction of a theopaschitic paradigm in theory formation. It is argued that the normative task of practical theology implies a philosophical-hermeneutical dimension, that is, to interpret under girding paradigms as related to meaning and being. It also implies a theological dimension; to reflect theologically on the praxis of God as an influential factor within human actions (inhabitational theology.) With reference to ‘the pneumatological praxis of God’, a practical theology of the intestines is proposed. Bowel categories reveal a divine intentionality (teleology) and describe a modus of God’s praxis, the how of God within the vulnerability and suffering of human beings. This divine ontological mode should operate as a practical theological paradigm determining being qualities (ontic status) within human actions and processes of communication. The under girding theological presupposition is that ta splanchna [strong feeling of mercy and compassion expressed by the intestines] denotes a compassionate praxis of co-suffering (the passio Dei). Passion in practical theology emanates in parrhesia and instills a vivid hope: fides quaerens spem [faith in search of hope].

scholarly journals Die noodsaak daarvan om metateoretiese vertrekpunte ten opsigte van werklikheidsbeskouing in praktiesteologiese wetenskapsbeoefening uit te spel

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F.W. De Wet
Keyword(s):  
Sixteenth Century ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Previous Article ◽  
Protestant Reformation ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Horizontal Dimension ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Contemporary Context

The necessity of explicating metatheoretical assumptions regarding the view on reality in cientific practical theological research This article is the second in the research project “Metatheoretical assumptions in Practical Theology”. In this project – as indicated in the previous article − a group of reformed theologians is elucidating and discussing their metatheoretical and other perspectives regarding research in Practical Theology. In this article the necessity to explain metatheoretical assumptions concerning a view on reality, is discussed from a reformed perspective. The practical theological implications of a view on reality with its roots in the sixteenth-century protestant Reformation are critically compared with an alternative view on reality in the contemporary context which focuses more on the horizontal dimension of the action events taking place in praxis. This comparison is done with a view to responding to this alternative view in a responsible way. Essential characteristics of the sixteenth-century reformed view on reality seem to be its Scripture-determined vision and theocentric focus as well as the way in which human life and actions are represented as reflections of the “imago Dei”. The need to critically reflect on these characteristics and to newly align this view on reality with respect to challenges posed in the contemporary context, is explored.

scholarly journals Film as medium for meaning making: A practical theological reflection

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita L. Cloete
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Religious Identity ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
Theological Reflection ◽  
The Self ◽  
Practical Theological

The reflection on film will be situated within the framework of popular culture and livedreligion as recognised themes within the discipline of practical theology. It is argued that theperspective of viewers is of importance within the process of meaning-making. By focusing onthe experience and meaning-making through the act of film-watching the emphasis is not somuch on the message that the producer wishes to convey but rather on the experience that iscreated within the viewer. Experience is not viewed as only emotional, but rather that, at least,both the cognitive and emotional are key in the act of watching a film. It is therefore arguedthat this experience that is seldom reflected on by viewers could serve as a fruitful platform formeaning-making by the viewer. In a context where there seems to be a decline in institutionalisedforms of religion, it is important to investigate emerging forms of religion. Furthermore, theturn to the self also makes people’s experiences and practices in everyday life valuableresources for theological reflection. This reflection could provide a theoretical framework forespecially empirical research on how film as specific form of media serves as a religiousresource and plays a role in the construction of meaning and religious identity.

scholarly journals Vhuthu in the muta: A practical theologian's autoethnographic journey

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilhelm Van Deventer
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Interactive Narrative ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Church And Community ◽  
And Linguistics

A practical theologian constructs his autoethnographic and interactive narrative with Venda people and others. His own journey is integrated with those of church and community members. These joint lived experiences were shared in the households and families of the relevant co-participants. The concept of Vhuthu in the muta is explored in relation to its potential and problematics by means of auto ethnographic stories, relevant literature, art,poems and linguistics. The article appreciatively and critically reflects upon Vhuthu and its possible value for practical theology.

scholarly journals Die liminale ruimte vir inkongruensie tussen predikant en lidmaat: ’n Narratief gebaseerde prakties-teologiese ondersoek in gemeentes van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hein Delport ◽  
Julian C. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Suspension Bridge ◽  
Church Member ◽  
Specific Context ◽  
Liminal Space ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Social ◽  
Unresolved Conflict ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
The Church

Disagreements between pastors and church members in the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCH) require a unique space in the church in terms of a postmodern society. Different perspectives can easily lead to conflict in the Church. Unresolved conflict may jeopardise the work of the clergy in a congregation. In this research, I follow a contextual approach to the pursuit of practical theology. A postfundamental practical theological framework is followed in the research. The social construction discourse and narrative epistemology offer new perspectives for developing a liminal space where more than one perspective can exist. Within a society characterised by secularism and privatisation, I examine the possibility of a space of unity amid diversity in the Church. I involved six fellow researchers who have experienced conflict in a specific context within the Church. We also examined the possibility of an alternative space where moments of communitas can once again occur in these stories. The research found space for this in the description of two metaphors, namely the liminal suspension bridge of grace and the dance of peace. The stories of the fellow researchers are retold within these two metaphors. My research highlights the important contribution of an interdisciplinary conversation in research. In the study, the journey theme plays an important role, and the reader is invited along with the fellow researchers into a (liminal) space to explore the conflict between the church minister and the church member.

scholarly journals Coding and data analysis during qualitative empirical research in Practical Theology

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petria M. Theron
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Qualitative Empirical Research ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Practical Theological

I dedicate this article to Prof. George Lotter, who has been instrumental in the formation of more than 90 postgraduate students in practical theological studies at the North-West University (NWU). Under his guidance, a significant amount of empirical research has been conducted. This is in line with a movement among scholars, both national and international, towards a more empirical approach in Practical Theology. It is therefore indispensable that both lecturers and students in Practical Theology should further develop their empirical research capacities. In this article, it is argued for a more systematic approach during the coding and data analysis phase of qualitative research and the article concludes with a proposed model for coding and data analysis in practical theological studies.Kodering en data-analise tydens kwalitatiewe empiriese navorsing in Praktiese Teologie. Hierdie artikel word aan prof. George Lotter opgedra. Deur die jare was hy instrumenteel in die vorming van meer as 90 nagraadse studente in Praktiese Teologie by die Noord-Wes Universiteit (NWU). Baie empiriese navorsing het onder sy leiding plaasgevind. Dit is in ooreenstemming met die nasionale en internasionale tendens van ’n meer empiriese benadering in Praktiese Teologie. Dit is dus van die uiterste belang dat Praktiese Teologie-dosente en -studente se vaardighede in empiriese navorsing verder ontwikkel moet word. In hierdie artikel word aangetoon dat ’n meer sistematiese benadering gevolg moet word tydens die kodering en die data-analisefase van kwalitatiewe navorsing. ’n Model vir die kodering en data-analise vir navorsing in Praktiese Teologie word ook voorgestel.

scholarly journals ‘Black Pain is a White Commodity’: Moving beyond postcolonial theory in practical theology: #CaesarMustFall!

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Postcolonial Theory ◽  
Kingdom Of God ◽  
Missio Dei ◽  
Images Of God ◽  
Civil Unrest ◽  
Basic Hypothesis ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Theological Thinking

Postcolonialism and decolonising campaigns are expressions of human pain on the level of identity confusion (inferiority), ideological abuse (cultural discrimination) and structural oppression (imperialistic exploitation). The slogan ‘Black Pain is a White Commodity’ in the #MustFall campaigns is critically analysed within the framework of postcolonial theory and imperialistic power categories. The basic hypothesis of the article is that in early Christianity, pantokrator images of God were influenced by iconography stemming mostly from the Roman Emperor cult and Egyptian mythology. The power (omnipotence) and dominiumship of God directly and indirectly played a role in Christian imperialistic thinking regarding the expansion of the Kingdom of God and missio Dei strategies during times of European and colonial expansionism. In order to address the quest for ‘moving beyond’ in postcolonial theory, the impact of pantokrator-images of God on ecclesial thinking is researched. In order to contribute to sustainability and stability within the complexity of cultural diversity and current civil unrest on campuses in South Africa, the paracletic notion of compassionate being-with is developed within the framework of practical theological thinking. Instead of a Caesar-depiction, the theological notion of passio Dei is proposed: the decolonialising (post-imperialising) God.

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