Advancing Practical Theology argues that the practical theology as a discipline does not at present fulfil its radical potential and addresses some directions that the discipline needs to take in order to respond adequately to changing social, ecclesial and global circumstances. This book will generate debate as a polemic contending for a future of the discipline that features an enhanced role for the lay (i.e. non-professional) practical theologian who is radicalized with respect to the discipline's preferential option for the broken in which practical theology addresses and is addressed by postcolonial concerns.

Eric Stoddart

Copyright information

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Approaching Practical Theology

2. Plunging into Practical Theology

3. Case Study: Scottish Independence and Christian Perspectives Study Group

4. Critical Discipleship

5. Professing to be Professional

6. A Passport to the Future

7. Case Study: The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology – The Neoliberal, Imperialist Elephant in the Room?

8. Radicalizing Practical Theology

Coda: A Letter to 1996 from 2014

Bibliography

Advancing Practical Theology argues that the practical theology as a discipline does not at present fulfil its radical potential and addresses some directions that the discipline needs to take in order to respond adequately to changing social, ecclesial and global circumstances. This book will generate debate as a polemic contending for a future of the discipline that features an enhanced role for the lay (i.e. non-professional) practical theologian who is radicalized with respect to the discipline’s preferential option for the broken in which practical theology addresses and is addressed by postcolonial concerns.

Advancing Practical Theology argues that the practical theology as a discipline does not at present fulfil its radical potential and addresses some directions that the discipline needs to take in order to respond adequately to changing social, ecclesial and global circumstances. This book will generate debate as a polemic contending for a future of the discipline that features an enhanced role for the lay (i.e. non-professional) practical theologian who is radicalized with respect to the discipline's preferential option for the broken in which practical theology addresses and is addressed by postcolonial concerns. Eric Stoddart argues that it is time to shake the debate up, so that it does not only consist of discussions around the bible and practical theology, and the discipline's relationship with systematic theology, but to extend and grow the vision of what practical theology is and can be.

In this refreshing autobiographical engagement of the discipline of Practical Theology, Eric Stoddart calls for a radical, postcolonial, global, justice-seeking and ethically liberative approach to the objectives of the craft based on the notion of critical discipleship. Stoddart practices what he calls for as he reflects critically on his own faith journey, facilitates a small group of ordinary (lay) people's wrestling with the political issue of Scottish Independence and critically reviews a recent landmark book publication on the discipline. Advancing Practical Theology is a welcome, polemical, international and very readable book that offers pointers for the future of a discipline that having come of age needs to move courageously forward on the path of actually making a difference in the world. -- Emmanuel Y. Lartey This is a remarkable book - keen, perceptive, and fiercely honest. Eric Stoddart writes from the depths of lived experience, and with all the particularity of his Scottish ecclesial heritage, to advance a way of doing theology which is resolutely and rigorously practical. Here is an ambitious manifesto for a practical theology which is radically coming of age. -- Margaret Whipp 'In Advancing Practical Theology, Eric Stoddart beautifully displays his rare talent. He breathes life into the dry bones of methodological discussion through a judicious and deeply engaging use of humour, personal narrative, deft unpacking of complex theories, and highly illuminating case studies. Running through Stoddard's fascinating forays into the nature and method of the discipline is a crucially important theme: practical theology is not only analysis of practice, but much more fundamentally engagement with what it means to be Christian in interpersonal and socio-political contexts." -- Neil Pembroke Eric Stoddart has done the practical theology 'imagined community' a great service by recalling us to a radical commitment. Using his personal story and a story of 'shared praxis' (the coming independence vote in Scotland), he grounds the understanding of practical theology in a complex network of contexts, experiences and traditions. He challenges the too easy and comfortable world which even practical theologians may inhabit, calling us to a more critical discipleship. This is a book which will set the cat among the pigeons. -- Zoe Bennett

Eric Stoddart is Lecturer in Practical Theology and Distance Learning Officer as well as Associate Director of the Centre for the Study of Religion &amp; Politics (CSRP) at St Mary's College, School of Divinity in the University of St Andrews.

• A topical book on a new vision for practical theology, challenging the large group of MA and doctoral students to move beyond the danger of isolation and insularity. • Practical theology is the fastest growing part of the SCM list and we have a good strong position in the market.. • Eric Stoddart is the editor of the journal Practical Theology and well known and respected as a practical theologian and teacher of practical theology. • The ideas in this book were discussed extensively at the BIAPT conference and received significant interest and positive feedback from within the academic community.

In this refreshing autobiographical engagement of the discipline of Practical Theology, Eric Stoddart calls for a radical, postcolonial, global, justice-seeking and ethically liberative approach to the objectives of the craft based on the notion of critical discipleship. Stoddart practices what he calls for as he reflects critically on his own faith journey, facilitates a small group of ordinary (lay) people's wrestling with the political issue of Scottish Independence and critically reviews a recent landmark book publication on the discipline. Advancing Practical Theology is a welcome, polemical, international and very readable book that offers pointers for the future of a discipline that having come of age needs to move courageously forward on the path of actually making a difference in the world.

This is a remarkable book – keen, perceptive, and fiercely honest. Eric Stoddart writes from the depths of lived experience, and with all the particularity of his Scottish ecclesial heritage, to advance a way of doing theology which is resolutely and rigorously practical. Here is an ambitious manifesto for a practical theology which is radically coming of age.

Stoddart's methodology and writing style are quite deliberate, as he endeavors to embody the very practices of the discipline of practical theology he hopes to espouse.

'In Advancing Practical Theology, Eric Stoddart beautifully displays his rare talent. He breathes life into the dry bones of methodological discussion through a judicious and deeply engaging use of humour, personal narrative, deft unpacking of complex theories, and highly illuminating case studies. Running through Stoddard's fascinating forays into the nature and method of the discipline is a crucially important theme: practical theology is not only analysis of practice, but much more fundamentally engagement with what it means to be Christian in interpersonal and socio-political contexts."

Eric Stoddart has done the practical theology 'imagined community' a great service by recalling us to a radical commitment. Using his personal story and a story of 'shared praxis' (the coming independence vote in Scotland), he grounds the understanding of practical theology in a complex network of contexts, experiences and traditions. He challenges the too easy and comfortable world which even practical theologians may inhabit, calling us to a more critical discipleship. This is a book which will set the cat among the pigeons.

Advancing Practical Theology argues that the practical theology as a discipline does not at present fulfil its radical potential and addresses some directions that the discipline needs to take in order to respond adequately to changing social, ecclesial and global circumstances.

1\. Approaching Practical Theology 2. Plunging into Practical Theology 3. Case Study: Scottish Independence and Christian Perspectives Study Group 4. Critical Discipleship 5. Professing to be Professional 6. A Passport to the Future 7. Case Study: The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology - The Neoliberal, Imperialist Elephant in the Room? 8. Radicalizing Practical Theology

"Advancing Practical Theology" by Eric Stoddart explores the role of lay theologians and addresses practical theology's response to social and global changes. Ideal for students and scholars.

\["For Christians seeking deeper engagement in theology", "Challenges traditional views on practical theology", "You will explore new ways to live your faith boldly"\]

Advancing Practical Theology offers a bold vision for today's discipleship.

Advancing Practical Theology

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Advancing Practical Theology

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