THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS FOR MINISTRY I:

FOUNDATIONS FOR THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

Part 1 – Introduction: Practical/Pastoral Theology and

Theological Reflection (TR)

Table of Contents

Unit 1: Roots, Definitions, and Goals

Unit 2: Scriptural Metaphors and Themes for TR

Unit 3: TR as Formative for Ministers

Unit 1Roots, Definitions, and Goals

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this unit, students should have:– Learned the working definitions of several critical

concepts--“theology,” “practical theology,” “pastoral theology,” and “theological reflection”

– Formed a preliminary viewpoint regarding these definitions by critically comparing their initial understanding of these concepts with those of the instructor and those found in the assigned reading

– Generated key questions and insights to help guide further learning

– Acquired an initial sense of the way in which this course will proceed

Preparatory Questions

Please reflect on the following two questions and respond to them in your Learning Journal  prior to proceeding with this unit.

Description of Learning Journal

Learning Journal

Your Learning Journal is the place to record your responses to questions placed in each unit, as well as any notes that you take on the readings or in group discussions. These may be hand written or typed into a computer. Whenever possible, we encourage you to share your Learning Journal with other students in your own group and in other groups through the course’s online networking sites.

Preparatory Question 1

What does each of the following terms mean to you? You do not need a formal definition; descriptive words or phrases are fine. If the term means nothing to you, note that as well. theology pastoral theology practical theology theological reflection

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Preparatory Question 2

What factors have influenced your understanding of the meaning of these terms? For example: your seminary teachers, materials you’ve read, conversations with other students, experiences in your home communities, etc.

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Micro-Lecture

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Readings

• In your reading and discussion, keep in mind:– We are part of an open-ended journey of

learning.

– We should seek to learn from one another in appreciation of our rich and diverse experiences as revealed in our stories.

Readings

• In your reading and discussion, keep in mind:– We should evaluate the readings, notes and

concepts in relation to our particular contexts. – We should seek to learn from one another

through our conversation in groups and, if possible, through using the Internet for dialogue with others taking the course in distant locations.

Readings

“What Is Practical Theology?” Chap. 1 in Terry A. Veling, Practical Theology (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2005) 3-22

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Critical Concepts

Further Notes about Veling

Discussion Questions

While doing the readings, reflect on the following questions and respond to them in your Learning Journal.

Discussion Question 1

Recall the story of the homeless shelter in the micro-lecture. Do you think that it is an example of “practical theology”? What would Veling think?

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Discussion Question 2

Veling resists settling on a clear definition of practical theology. What are the most important characteristics that he identifies to help describe it?

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Discussion Question 3

From the descriptions of practical theology that Veling quotes from various authors on pp. 19-22, pick one that you think is especially helpful for you as student and minister. Why did you choose it?

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Closing Exercise

After the reading and discussion, take time to write in your Learning Journal: Has your understanding of the critical

concepts changed through your learning during this unit? If so, how?

What one or two important questions or insights will you carry forward from this unit?

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