Practical Theology’s Contribution to Religious and Theological Education

Abstract

this study aims at clarifying the nature, method, and goal of a re-created theological discipline currently known as Practical theology. although this Practical theology has been in the works for twenty-five years or more, it still remains in general poorly understood by many theologians who reject, or at least ignore, its potential value. these theologians seem to be turned away from considering Practical theology seriously, often apparently because of its historical background and frequently misunderstood title, Practical theology. But from the evaluation proposed in this study, Practical Theology could actually contribute significantly toward helping even these theology professors to profit positively from its theological approach to studying and understanding the good news. the purpose of this essay, then, is, by critical analysis, to foster a more accurate understanding of the origin, nature and characteristic methodology of Practical theology,1 and hence of its potential importance for