Assessment

Continuous Assessment 45% + Essay 55%

Module Aims

This module provides an introduction to the key facets of Christian pastoral/practical theology as relevant in the contemporary Irish ecclesial context. Participants will explore a variety of pastoral theological approaches and methods to build awareness of self, the resources of the Christian tradition, and the reality of practical situations in contemporary Ireland. Practical theological activity undertaken in the module is intended to be transformative for both understanding and practice.

The aims of the module are to: (1) induct students in how to engage in academic theological reflection for ministry; (2) establish processes of reflection on issues of concern within the Church and contemporary society; (3) introduce students to the core tasks of Practical Theology; (4) explore what it means to be a pastoral theologian.

Indicative Syllabus

• What is Pastoral/Practical Theology?
• Becoming a reflexive practitioner.
• Theological Reflection.
• Models of reflection.
• Ministerial identity.
• Ministry in a wounded Church and a suffering world.
• Four tasks of practical theological interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

• — At the end of this course, students will:
• — MIMLO 1 value practical theological reflection as an academic exercise, as well as a method of supporting and sustaining lived discipleship and ministerial leadership.
• — MIMLO 2 Demonstrate an awareness of modes of understanding, and responding to difficult issues and situations in contemporary and concrete settings.
• — MIMLO 3 Develop the practice of interdisciplinary engagement, including dialogue with Social Studies, theology, art, science.
• — MIMLO 4 Undertake reflexive thinking, by examining their own life experiences, actions, and practices, questioning cultural and personal assumptions, and developing awareness and understanding that will lead to more pastoral action/response.
• — MIMLO 5 Exhibit an understanding of what it means to be a pastoral theologian.

Bibliography

• — Indicative Bibliography:
• — Ballard, Paul H. and John Pritchard. Practical Theology in Action: Christian Thinking in the Service of Church and Society. 2nd ed. London: SPCK, 2006.
• — Green, Laurie. Let's Do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology; Completely Updated and Revised. United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2009.
• — Killen, Patricia O'Connell and John De Beer. The Art of Theological Reflection. New York: Crossroad, 1994.
• — Lartey, Emmanuel Y. Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World. United States: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2013.
• — Osmer, Richard Robert. Practical Theology: An Introduction. Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 2008.
• — Thompson, Judith, Stephen Pattison, and Ross Thompson. SCM Studyguide to Theological Reflection. London: SCM Press, 2008.
• — Ward, Pete. Introducing Practical Theology: Mission, Ministry, and the Life of the Church. United States: Baker Publishing Group, 2017.
• — Woodward, James, Stephen Pattison, and John Patton. The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology. Oxford, UK;Malden, Mass;: Blackwell Publishers, 2000.