Theory and Praxis

This excerpt delves into the  evolution of 20th-century theology , by Stanley and Olson, specifically tracing the ongoing tension between divine  transcendence  (God as distinct and above the world) and  immanence  (God as present and active within the world). The text begins by situating this theological discourse within the legacy of the  Enlightenment , which profoundly shifted focus from divin...

This collection of essays by Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore,  Christian Theology in Practice: Discovering A Discipline , explores the evolving field of practical theology, particularly its sub-discipline of  pastoral theology . The author emphasizes a significant shift from the concept of the "living human document"—focusing on individual experience—to the  "living human web,"  whic...

Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into Tanya M. Luhrmann's "How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others." This book challenges traditional views of religious belief, proposing that faith is an active, effortful process of "real-making." We'll explore Luhrmann's distinction between "faith frame" and "belief," discus...

Explore the crucial role of theological method in shaping theological conclusions. This briefing document, based on Mary M. Veeneman's "Introducing Theological Method," surveys contemporary theologians and their approaches. Delve into core methodological concerns, examining primary sources like the Bible, tradition, reason, and experience. Unpack diverse theological movements, from R...

Discover the intimate and experiential world of American evangelicalism with anthropologist Tanya M. Luhrmann, author of "When God Talks Back." This episode delves into how evangelicals, particularly in the Vineyard movement, cultivate a "best friend" relationship with God, perceiving a divine presence through specific mental and emotional "practices." Explore the &qu...

Join us for a deep dive into Pete Ward's "Introducing Practical Theology," where we explore how theology is lived out in everyday Christian life. This episode unpacks Ward's distinctive approach, moving beyond traditional academic boundaries to highlight practical theology as an inclusive, ecclesial discipline. We'll discuss how believers are "skilled practical theologia...

Delve into F. Schleiermacher's revolutionary "Brief Outline of Theology as a Field of Study," a cornerstone of modern theological thought. This episode explores Schleiermacher's vision of theology as a "positive science" with a distinct practical aim: to cultivate effective leadership within the Christian church. Discover his tripartite organization of theological studi...

Delve into F. Schleiermacher's revolutionary "Brief Outline of Theology as a Field of Study," a cornerstone of modern theological thought. This episode explores Schleiermacher's vision of theology as a "positive science" with a distinct practical aim: to cultivate effective leadership within the Christian church. Discover his tripartite organization of theological studi...

This podcast episode delves into Gustavo Gutierrez's seminal work, "A Theology of Liberation," exploring its profound impact on theological thought and social justice. We'll examine how Gutierrez redefined theology as a "critical reflection on Christian praxis," emphasizing its roots in the lived experiences of the oppressed in Latin America. Join us as we uncover the c...

This podcast episode delves into Gustavo Gutierrez's seminal work, "A Theology of Liberation," exploring its profound impact on theological thought and social justice. We'll examine how Gutierrez redefined theology as a "critical reflection on Christian praxis," emphasizing its roots in the lived experiences of the oppressed in Latin America. Join us as we uncover the c...

This podcast episode dives into Clodovis Boff's "Theology and Praxis," a foundational work that doesn't just do  liberation theology, but rigorously explores how  theology can be truly theological—and not just ideology. We unpack Boff's epistemological project, examining his three key "mediations": how theology engages with the social sciences, interprets sacred scr...

This podcast episode dives into Clodovis Boff's "Theology and Praxis," a foundational work that doesn't just do  liberation theology, but rigorously explores how  theology can be truly theological—and not just ideology. We unpack Boff's epistemological project, examining his three key "mediations": how theology engages with the social sciences, interprets sacred scr...

Dive into the complex world of David Tracy's "The Analogical Imagination," a seminal work exploring how Christian theology navigates pluralism. This episode unpacks Tracy's core argument: that theology is inherently public discourse, engaging with society, the academy, and the church. We'll examine his groundbreaking theory of the "classic," revealing how enduring w...

Dive into the complex world of David Tracy's "The Analogical Imagination," a seminal work exploring how Christian theology navigates pluralism. This episode unpacks Tracy's core argument: that theology is inherently public discourse, engaging with society, the academy, and the church. We'll examine his groundbreaking theory of the "classic," revealing how enduring w...

Dive into Jürgen Moltmann's groundbreaking "Theology of Hope," a work that redefined Christian thought by placing hope at its core. Published in 1965, Moltmann asserts that Christianity is fundamentally eschatological, viewing hope not as an optional belief but as the "universal horizon of all theology." This episode explores how Moltmann's theology challenges tradition...

Join us as we explore Thomas Groome's seminal work, Sharing Faith: The Way of Shared Praxis . This episode delves into Groome's comprehensive pedagogical framework for Christian religious education, highlighting its foundation in "shared Christian praxis." We'll unpack his concept of "conation" – a holistic learning outcome engaging "heads, hearts, and life-sty...

In this episode, we delve into the groundbreaking work of Don S. Browning, a pivotal figure in practical theology. We explore his comprehensive book, A Fundamental Practical Theology . Discover how Browning redefines theology as a "practice-theory-practice" movement, moving beyond traditional "theory-to-practice" models. We break down his influential four-movement model—descrip...

Join us for an insightful exploration of "Practical Theology: A Study Guide," where we delve into core concepts from main practical theologians. In this episode we'll discuss various theological methodologies, including the "empirical turn" in practical theology and the "fusion of horizons" in interpretation. Discover how figures like Paul Tillich, David Tracy, Gu...

In this episode, we dive into Edward Farley's seminal work,  Theologia , which critically examines the state of theological education, particularly in North American Protestant seminaries. Farley argues that the current challenges in clergy formation stem from the historical "disappearance" and "fragmentation" of  theologia —a unified, sapiential, and personal knowledge of...

Welcome to a concise dive into "The Essential Paul Tillich" edited by F. Forrester. This book unpacks the profound thought of a theologian who sought to bridge faith and modern culture. We'll explore Tillich's "method of correlation," his redefinition of faith as "ultimate concern," and the symbolic nature of religious language. Discover the "Protestant P...

Today, we're exploring Clifford Green's  Karl Barth: Theologian of Freedom . This book compiles excerpts from Karl Barth’s writings, focusing on God’s radical freedom and its liberating power. We’ll discuss Barth's journey from socialist pastor to his pivotal break with liberal theology. Learn how his Christocentric approach, seen in  Romans  and the  Church Dogmatics , redefined doctr...