Product Description

Provides an overview of pastoral and practical theology in the form of articles and extracts with commentary.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #685138 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 360 pages

Review
"This is a textbook to be recommended. The whole spectrum of practical theology, including the feminist perspective, is covered." Norbert Mette, International Journal of Practical Theology

"An invaluable book for teachers and students of pastoral theology, this is a 'must' for any serious student of pastoral theology” Journal of Beliefs and Value

“As a resource for students and teaches in the field, this is a Reader that is practically de rigueur for a theological library or personal bookshelf…The editors and Blackwell publishers should be congratulated on this very fine contribution to theological enquiry and practice.” Australasian Catholic Record

Since the days of Aquinas, students of theology have been seen as thedorks of the religious world, scholars who'd rather calculate how many angels can dance on the head of a pin than think about the messy problems of living a life informed by faith. But the editors of this rich collection of essays take pains to differentiate "pastoral" or "practical" theology from the more academic, arcane variety. What it means, they say, is finding ways to link religious teaching to everyday practice, to move from being a student of the Gospels to teaching, living and working guided by its teachings. The book is at its best when addressing the theological problems which confront the modern minister: how to grapple with issues of sexuality and relationships, how ministers should deal with therapists and the mental health community, how clergy should approach politics, what to think about business writers who cite the Bible. The book is most useful for those who play a leadership role in their religious communities, but anyone who cares about linking the abstractions of faith to life in the world should find it worthwhile. (Beliefnet, June 2000) -- From Beliefnet

From the Back Cover
The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology focuses on the theoretical background and the theological foundations of pastoral theology in order to give both undergraduate and graduate students all the information necessary to become competent in the field.

A preface by John Patton and a comprehensive introductory section, provide a critical overview and introduction to the field of pastoral studies within the context of modern theology, together with a historical perspective on the development of the discipline in the modern era. Further sections focus on the methods of pastoral theology, relating theory to practice, and on the evaluation of pastoral theology. Classic, contemporary and newly commissioned articles together with an extensive bibliography and reference section make this collection an invaluable resource.

About the Author
The Revd Dr James Woodward is Master of the Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson, Temple Balsall, and is the Bishop's Advisor for Health and Social Care in the Diocese of Birmingham.

Dr Stephen Pattison is currently Senior Research Fellow in Pastoral Theology, University of Wales, Cardiff.

John Patton is Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, Georgia.