Theological Reflection for the Real World: Time to Think Again

Abstract

This article provides an account of part of the preliminary activity undertaken in connection within a project entitled, Theological Reflection for the Real World. Using a loose, reflective empirical methodology, the authors review the reactions and responses of a small group of recently ordained clergy in the Church of England engaged in initial ministerial development to the idea of exploring methods of theological reflection. In the face of a basically negative response to the idea and practice of formal theological reflective methods, the authors consider the implications for theological education. While theological educators put formal theological reflection at the centre of practical theology, it seems possible that many students would give it a very different place. The inference from this is that perhaps methods and practices of theological reflection offered in theological education may need to be radically reconsidered.