No 142

Doing Practical Research downunder: a methodological reflection on recent trends in Aberdonian practical theology

Steve Taylor

Abstract: This paper conducts a geographical meditation on recent trends in practical theological methodology and emerges out of the author's unique position, doing practical theology in Auckland, New Zealand, while supervised by John Drane in Aberdeen, Scotland. This paper reflects on two recent practical theology texts from within the University of Aberdeen and the manner in which the use of human narrative allows a conversation with the Christian tradition within a missional and communal framework. The paper then explores how these methodological trends were employed downunder, in a New Zealand community research project. This doing of practical theology generated further methodological meditation, firstly on the place of the local and secondly on the ethics of entertaining the Other. The argument is made that methodologically, practical theology must seek a more nuanced understanding of the local, and both embody and articulate a gospel imperative.

Developing 'post-religious' practical theology

Gordon Lynch

Abstract: British practical theology is arguably in a healthy and flourishing state. The mainstream of the discipline has a strong ecclesiastical and pastoral focus that reflects the model set out in Hiltner's Preface to Pastoral Theology. The article suggests that there is another model for practical theology, of which the author is one practitioner, which is more consciously 'post-religious' and which seeks to engage with beliefs, issues and practices beyond those relevant to the pastoral ministry of the Church. Core elements of this 'post-religious' approach to practical theology are then summarised.

The fight for children: practical theology and children's rights

Pamela D. Couture

No abstract

Who cares and what's different?

Barabara Weiskrantz

Abstract: What difference does it make to those seeking help for psychological problems if the counsellor has an active faith in a transcendental God? This article describes one counsellor's journey to the Christian faith and the impact of the Clinical Theology Association, (now known as the Bridge Pastoral Foundation) on her work. Frank Lake's dynamic cycle, and John Bowlby's attachment theory and its development in narrative psychology, are considered as useful ways of repesenting man's dependence on God. The goals of continuing professional effectiveness for the counsellor are outlined and seen to overlap in many important essentials with the goal of spiritual maturity in general.