Showing papers in "Practical Theology in 2021"
TL;DR: The authors examines the nature of Christian faith as inherently paradoxical, exploring its connection with ambiguity when operating as a military chaplain, drawing on personal accounts from an op-ed article.
Abstract: This article examines the nature of Christian faith as inherently paradoxical, exploring its connection with ambiguity when operating as a military chaplain. Drawing on personal accounts from an op...
15 citations
TL;DR: The authors argued for moral and religious ways of dying in face of medicalized and psychologised death, but impediments to dying as a spiritual process have not gone away; if a...
Abstract: Over thirty years ago, I (1988) argued for moral and religious ways of dying in face of medicalized and psychologised death. But impediments to dying as a spiritual process have not gone away; if a...
15 citations
TL;DR: The spread of the virus COVID-19 has caused many religious restrictions as mentioned in this paper, and as a result, the world faces unprecedented changes, theological, liturgical, and pastoral questions are arising.
Abstract: The spread of the virus COVID-19 has caused many religious restrictions. As the world faces unprecedented changes, theological, liturgical, and pastoral questions are arising. Sacraments and sacram...
12 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the connection between the disciplines of theology and counseling and how a person becomes over time, and explored the theological anthropology of a person's transformation over time in the context of counseling.
Abstract: This article explores one point of connection between the disciplines of theology and counselling: how a person becomes over time. Two concepts are explored: the theological anthropology of a perso...
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors place open and relational theologies alongside the awareness in a shifting, uncertain world, and propose a practical theologies that help us manage change and uncertainty.
Abstract: Practical theologies that help us manage change and uncertainty give us the foundation to flourish in a shifting, uncertain world. Here I place open and relational theologies alongside the awarenes...
10 citations
TL;DR: The authors explore aspects of a world largely unknown to most people -prison life, despite the tone and content of many media reports, despite there being over 79,000 inmates in the United States.
Abstract: This article invites the reader to explore aspects of a world largely unknown to most people – prison life. Judging from the tone and content of many media reports, despite there being over 79,000 ...
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a better understanding of how, with the correct support and pastoral care, autistic adults can fully partake as church members and serve in positions of leaders.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to reach a better understanding of how, with the correct support and pastoral care, autistic adults can fully partake as church members and serve in positions of leadersh...
8 citations
TL;DR: Practical theology is developed through overlapping conversations or "speaking Christian" in contexts as various as ministry in urban and rururban settings, mental health, counselling as a college, etc.
Abstract: Practical theology is developed through overlapping conversations or ‘speaking Christian’ in contexts as various as ministry in urban and rururban settings, mental health, counselling, as a college...
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the popular theological beliefs of Roman Catholic Filipino seafarers and argue that they organize their beliefs and practices to ensure they enjoy God's protection in their dangerous work place.
Abstract: The article explores in detail the popular theological beliefs of Roman Catholic Filipino seafarers. It argues that they organize their beliefs and practices to ensure they enjoy God‘s protection in their dangerous work place. The keeping of religious artefacts, the practice of rituals such as signing the sign of the cross before work shifts, visiting important churches before voyages and asking priests to say mass after accidents or tragic events are all explained as means by which to guarantee God’s protection. The question is then asked whether these beliefs and practices might be called a theology. It is argued that what makes them a theology is not any critical or evaluative reflective task but instead the capacity of the theologian describing the beliefs and practices as theology to convince others that the categories utilized can and should be called theology.
5 citations
TL;DR: The authors suggests the Abraham narrative, in the first book of the Bible, is applicable to contemporary pastoral care and uses an anonymized conversation partner as a conversation partner for this thesis, using an anonymous conversation partner.
Abstract: This article suggests the Abraham narrative, in the first book of the Bible, is applicable to contemporary pastoral care. As a conversation partner for this thesis, the author uses an anonymized ca...
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw on official documents and public documents to identify religious communities in terms of their identity, formation and public witness, and present a survey of the challenges faced by religious communities during migration.
Abstract: When migration is high on the political agenda, religious communities are challenged in terms of their identity, formation and public witness. In this article I draw on official documents and publi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose that autistic cognitive "distinctives" may give rise to differences in understanding of the Bible, with implications for the church, through a survey of available literatures.
Abstract: In this article I propose that autistic cognitive ‘distinctives’ may give rise to differences in understanding of the Bible, with implications for the church. Through a survey of available literatu...
TL;DR: The role of Christian faith communities in faith nurture of children is examined using empirical data, to assess whether the church is redundant for families as discussed by the authors, and insights are taken from child developm...
Abstract: The role of Christian faith communities in faith nurture of children is examined using empirical data, to assess whether the church is redundant for families. Insights are taken from child developm...
TL;DR: For a century Church of England vicars have had a role to play in helping local communities to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day on 11th November with an act of remembrance, but what does that...
Abstract: For a century Church of England vicars have had a role to play in helping local communities to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day on 11th November with an act of remembrance, but what does that ...
TL;DR: In this paper, Newberg has argued for bringing neuroscience and theology into more fruitful dialogue through a methodology he calls neurotheology, and the Christian philosopher James K. A. Smith has argued that neuroscience and the Bible can be seen as complementary disciplines.
Abstract: Andrew Newberg has argued for bringing neuroscience and theology into more fruitful dialogue through a methodology he calls neurotheology. Additionally, the Christian philosopher James K. A. Smith ...
TL;DR: Acedia is not just a problem for individual believers as mentioned in this paper, but it can also affect the local church as a body corporate. Yet for the contemporary Western church, it is perhaps the least well-known of the se...
Abstract: Acedia is not just a problem for individual believers. It can also affect the local church as a body corporate. Yet for the contemporary Western church, it is perhaps the least well-known of the se...
TL;DR: The power granted to persons in Christian pastoral leadership is delegated for benevolent exercise as discussed by the authors. Yet with this power may also come the temptation to exercise power in self-interest. In this pape...
Abstract: The power granted to persons in Christian pastoral leadership is delegated for benevolent exercise. Yet with this power may also come the temptation to exercise power in self-interest. In this pape...
TL;DR: The authors explores the legacy of the bleeding woman healed by Jesus and considers how her story speaks to modern women, and the norms and taboos of each context, as a bleeding woman, and an orda...
Abstract: This article explores the legacy of the bleeding woman healed by Jesus. It considers how her story speaks to modern women, and the norms and taboos of each context. As a bleeding woman, and an orda...
TL;DR: In this paper, a reflectional piece to interrogate a regular parish Eucharist experience which became a powerful space of liminality after a reminder of the guest status of the congregation.
Abstract: This article is a reflectional piece to interrogate a regular parish Eucharist experience which became a powerful space of liminality after a reminder of the guest status of the congregation. Paral...
TL;DR: The palliative chaplains' role inevitably places them in continual exposure to acute grief and multiple losses, similarly to other healthcare professionals as discussed by the authors, and this experience of professional-related...
Abstract: The palliative chaplains’ role inevitably places them in continual exposure to acute grief and multiple losses, similarly to other healthcare professionals. This experience of professional-related ...
TL;DR: A self-assessment instrument for formation, the Catholic School Formation Index (CSFI) as mentioned in this paper, was developed and applied within a graduate certificate program offered by Australian Catholic University.
Abstract: Consultants (N = 8) and teachers (N = 25) participated in the development and application of a self-assessment instrument for formation, the Catholic School Formation Index (CSFI). This instrument supported formation within a graduate certificate program offered by Australian Catholic University. The content validity of the CSFI was established from a review of Catholic school mission and identity literature, and from consultant commentary. Research outcomes confirmed the validity of the CSFI through implementation at the commencement and conclusion of the program. Results indicated statistically significant increases in teacher competency for mission across formation fields (Personal, Relational, Professional, and Communal) and mission capabilities (Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Dispositions). The instrument is a useful resource for formation planning, delivery and monitoring by teachers, mentors and lecturers.
TL;DR: The coronavirus crisis has caused a profound impact on different sectors of society as discussed by the authors and the Spanish Catholic Church has taken upon itself to respond to the overwhelming extent of the tragedy of COVID-...
Abstract: The coronavirus crisis has caused a profound impact on different sectors of society. The Spanish Catholic Church has taken upon itself to respond to the overwhelming extent of the tragedy of COVID-...
TL;DR: This paper explored the nature of hope by drawing on the Biblical books of Lamentations and 1 Peter as well as insights from contemporary commentators, and explored how the experience of hope affects the human experience.
Abstract: This paper seeks to understand the nature of hope by drawing on the Biblical books of Lamentations and 1 Peter as well as insights from contemporary commentators. I explore how the experience of th...
TL;DR: In order to improve the engagement and retention of families in Anglican churches nationally, the Church of England sought to improve support and resourcing of ministries amongst baptism families as discussed by the authors, which was a challenge for many families.
Abstract: In order to improve the engagement and retention of families in Anglican churches nationally, the Church of England sought to improve support and resourcing of ministries amongst baptism families. ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reflect on nursing as a hospitable practice and examine the unique challenges which arise during the COVID-19 pandemic, and present a theological reflection based on their experience as a nurse during the crisis.
Abstract: This theological reflection is based on my experience as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper I reflect on nursing as a hospitable practice, and examine the unique challenges which i...
TL;DR: In this paper, a methodological experiment in live theology is presented, focusing on the difficulty of creating theological meaning in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, drawing on trauma theology.
Abstract: This article is a methodological experiment in ‘live’ theology. It reflects on the difficulty of creating theological meaning in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Drawing on trauma theology, d...
TL;DR: The authors used the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to reread four initial research assertions about discipleship: covenantal, gathered, vicarious, and pragmatic, anchored on five pastoral observations, regarding isolation, fellowship, gifts/ skills, prayer, and the human-Divine relationship.
Abstract: Tragedies can potentially betray some of our true colours The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique pastoral matrix and dynamic This has had significant implications on the expression of congregants' identities and frames of meaning-making The usually gathered congregation was disoriented, traumatised, as well as physically 'scattered' and 'disembedded' during the lockdown season This dynamic has enabled me to have a fresh appreciation of my research into discipleship in a Reformed congregation, where I am the ordained minister I had carried out a congregational study on evangelistic discipleship before the pandemic I have used the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to reread four initial research assertions about discipleship: covenantal, gathered, vicarious, and pragmatic This re-reading is anchored on five pastoral observations, regarding isolation, fellowship, gifts/ skills, prayer, and the human-Divine relationship This revision of data analysis has re-clothed, nuanced and expanded my initial data interpretation The ethnographic approach acted like a pair of fresh eyes and a critical friend It has enabled me to reread ordinary identities in extraordinary circumstances
TL;DR: The authors assessed how adult education sessions impacted the faith lives of the parents (N = 43) of children enrolled in a First Communion Preparation Program for Catholics, and found that the impact of these sessions on the parents' faith lives was significant.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess how adult education sessions impacted the faith lives of the parents (N = 43) of children enrolled in a First Communion Preparation Program for Catholics. To...
TL;DR: Suffering is probably a suitable word to describe the experiences of Hong Kong Christians in 2020, who endure the continuous impact of anti-extradition law protests, the imposition of the national s...
Abstract: Suffering is probably a suitable word to describe the experiences of Hong Kong Christians in 2020, whoendure the continuous impact of anti-extradition law protests, the imposition of the national s...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider atypical responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by Christian leaders and identify a retreat from civic life in resistance to lock-down restr...
Abstract: The article considers atypical responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by Christian leaders. In a three-fold classification it first identifies a retreat from civic life in resistance to lock-down restr...