Field Of Practical Theology Research Articles

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Abstract The author was at first student, then colleague and friend of the practical theologian and major figure of the pastoral caremovement in Germany, Dietrich Stollberg (1937-2014). In this article he gives an overview of the life and work of Stollberg, his motives and intentions and his contribution to the theory and practice of pastoral care, to other fields of practical theology and to the development of the Protestant Church in Germany.

Pastoral care in the healing of moral injury: A case of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans

This article is in the field of Practical theology with specific reference to pastoral care. The article is motivated by the growing number of conversions of members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ex-combatants/war veterans), through miracle and spiritual healing Ministries under the leadership of Prophets. This article exposes the challenge of injured morals as a result of traumatic war experiences of ex-combatants during the war of liberation from colonialism in Zimbabwe. The violent acts in the political arena in Zimbabwe are linked to the military behaviour of the ex-combatants. This article also makes a critical analysis of the therapeutic narratives from ex-combatants, to conclude that violence in Zimbabwe is highly related to the injured morals of the ex-combatants. The war veterans are finding healing of moral injury from the miracles and exorcisms performed by Prophets.

Reaching beyond: Blogging a digital autobiographical practical theology

Against the backdrop of a virtual existence, this contribution has portrayed the intimate relationship between two practical theologians. Through the use of biographical accounts, the author has not only attempted to indicate the significant contribution of Professor Julian M�ller to the field of practical theology, but has also described the influence of this work on his own life and current research practice. In these descriptions of engagement, on the basis of which relevant research accents have been demarcated, a scenario pointing towards relevant future developments has also been indicated. In the mapping of a digital autobiographical practical theology, the author has personally �reached beyond� in his endeavour to identify new research avenues in the articulation of the autobiographical language of a lived digital religion.

The paradigm shift of practical theology and theological practice to overcome modernism and postmodernism

Abstract This thesis will examine past research to study the postmodern era's core idea and shed light on how this idea relates to modernism, i.e., the previous era. The thesis will also consider the foundation upon which these eras are built and see what they have in common and what sets them apart. The eras have humanism in common, but conformism (or standardization) and pluralism separate them. Through the dualism of Greek philosophy and the fall story of the Old Testament, I will show the origins of conformism and pluralism and propose a path to overcome them. I will discuss how, as Christianity comes across Greek dualism, the field of practical theology and theological practice has trended toward prioritizing theoria over praxis. In the tradition of Hebrew beliefs and the good news of Jesus Christ, practice and life are one, and I will emphasize that if one was to be prioritized, it should be practice. Life in the early Churches, which began through Jesus Christ and his disciples, was based on the practice of the Triune God's love through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hence, a newly reflected paradigm based on the threefold love of Trinity is required in the postmodern era.

“To Cherish Each Day as it Comes”: a qualitative study of spirituality among persons receiving palliative care

Spirituality is one of the main aspects of palliative care. The concept is multidimensional and encompasses the existential realm as well as value-based and religious considerations. The aim of this study was to explore spirituality from the perspective of persons receiving palliative care and examine their experience of spirituality and its influence on their lives and well-being. Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten persons receiving palliative care from Palliative Care Services in Iceland. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed. The study is in the field of practical theology and used the theoretical approach of hermeneutical phenomenology. Thematic analysis found that the spiritual dimension was of significance for the participants who understood it as a vital element connected to seeking meaning, purpose and transcendence in life. Religious and non-religious aspects of spirituality were expressed including strong spiritual components of family relationships, the meaning of God/a higher being and spiritual practices which served as a key factor in giving strength, activating inner resources and motivating hope. Nine of the participants expressed their spirituality as faith. Spirituality was experienced broadly as an important dimension of how participants lived with terminal illness. Religious and non-religious characteristics were recognised which reveals the complex nature of the phenomenon. Faith was a significant part of the participants' spirituality indicating the importance of attending to this aspect of palliative care. The study suggests the potential contributions of theological approaches which are relevant for palliative care research and practice.

Pastoraat en jeugtrauma, die ‘sondebokmodel’, en Jesus as rolmodel

Pastoral care with traumatised youth, the ‘scapegoat’ model, and Jesus as role modelExisting research shows that adolescents are victimised and traumatised more often than adults. Many a time it is left to pastoral counsellors to assist such traumatised youth to overcome such experiences. This article therefore aims to empower pastors in this task with reference to the insights of René Girard. As violence is inherent to traumatic experiences, two aspects of Girard’s insights are pertinent. Girard’s notions of imitation with regard to violence, as well as the scapegoat ritual can be useful to pastors who want to guide adolescents through their trauma. Girard’s contribution has been widely acknowledged and used by theologians in their hermeneutical and theological endeavours. This article now applies these insights to the field of Practical Theology. In theology, Jesus has become both the ‘role model’ and the ‘scapegoat’. This article applies both these aspects of Jesus’ life to pastoral care with traumatised youth.

’n Prakties-teologiese ondersoek na die uitwerking van afwesige vaders: ’n verkennende kwalitatiewe ondersoek in die Promosa-gemeenskap

A practical theological investigation into the effect of absent fathers: an exploratory qualitative investigation in the Promosa community In this article it is shown that empirical research can be used to confirm important findings in literature studies about the understanding of absent fathers and the devastating conse-quences such as social problems, socio-economic problems and psychological problems. A literature study was done on the role of the father and all the relevant aspects are viewed in a broader context. The results obtained through a qualitative investigation of eight women from Promosa (Potchefstroom) as a focus group confirmed the trends found in the preliminary literary research. The outcomes may have important implica-tions in the field of practical theology and pastoral guidance for absent fathers, the women involved with those fathers and fatherless children. Some guidelines are proposed towards an effort to help fathers to become more involved.

Die implikasies van ’n nadere Skrifgefundeerde definisie van <i>dissipel</i> en <i>dissipelmaking</i> vir gemeentebou

The implications of a closer Scriptural definition of disciple and discipling for church development In the field of Practical Theology the term “discipling” is often used as a synonym for both spiritual growth and for teaching. To define the term as such can contribute to a dilution of the term “disciple” and to an inaccurate understanding of the process of discipling. In this article the concept of “disciple” is critically analysed. The following conclusion is arrived at: “Discipling” entails the lifelong process by which people are guided and encouraged to progressively become followers and pupils (disciples) of Jesus. The purpose of such a process implies that a person will become more and more like Jesus and will live according to the spirit of Jesus. A correct understanding of the concept of discipleship as a process has far-reaching implications for strategising congregational development.

Die predikant wat houe uitdeel – die gemeente as teiken

A minister inflicting wounds – a congregation as target In subject-related literature in the field of Practical Theology a certain emphasis is placed on studying the actions, spirituality and conduct of a minister. This article links up with this trend and attempts a closer investigation of the attitude and actions of a minister who unintentionally or intentionally wounds members of a congregation. In the article basis-theoretical perspectives from the Pastoral Epistles on the calling, requirements and spirituality of a minister are indicated. The metatheoretical research in this article is directed at investigating possible trends in contemporary society, the way in which a minister reacts to and copes with these trends and how his reaction may contribute to a situation where he hurts members of the congregation. This part of the investigation is followed by findings of established research on certain possible personality disorders that may contribute to a minister’s acts and attitudes of wounding a congregation. Special focus is placed on narcissistic, histrionic and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Finally, practice-theoretical perspectives on guiding future pastors are provided – especially as a means of sensitising them to the possibility of their own approach and behaviour being experienced as negative and that of someone inflicting wounds. In the final instance, the congregant experiencing the wounds as well as the minister inflicting the wounds should still be regarded as objects of God’s saving grace and the pastoral care of the community of faith.

’n Beperkte empiriese ondersoek van kreatiewe prediking in die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika

A limited empirical research project on creative preaching in the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (Reformed Churches in South Africa; GKSA) The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of creative preaching and to investigate this aspect of preaching as practised in the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika. For this purpose an empirical research project in the field of Practical Theology was undertaken, and certain conclusions were drawn after the responses had been analysed. Guidelines of the Likert Scale were applied as measuring instrument to gauge the level and success rate of creative preaching in the GKSA, and to indicate possible new perspectives in this regard. The outcome of this research project was, however, that only an unsatisfactory percentage of the respondents experienced the verbal expressions used by preachers as clear, plain and communicative. Respondents indicated that complicated facts of faith are not always explained satisfactorily and in a concrete way by making use of metaphors and figurative language. Consequently, these respondents experienced a lack of meaning in public worship, and inter alia ascribed it to the use of sometimes incomprehensible language that does not carry sufficient clarity of expression. In this regard a serious rift can develop between the preacher and members of the congregation as far as dialogue (interaction) in the worship service is concerned.

Practical Theological Education—a Profile

The article describes some of the findings of a research project into the current situation in the field of practical theology through a study of the growing number of taught masters courses in or allied to the field, together with their distribution, validation and delivery. This provides a basis for appreciating and discussing recent developments in this diffuse and rapidly changing field of study, its strengths and weaknesses and issues about the quantity and quality of the provision. Stress is laid on the variety and varied aims of the taught masters courses. Issues are raised concerning the possible need for strengthening the networks such as ACATE and BIAPT as a means of mutual critique and the dissemination of good practice. Such a growth is both a sign of vitality and a challenge. Readers are invited to respond.

Praktische theologie in de context van de moderniteit Een overzicht

This article gives a survey of recent developments in the field of practical theology in Western Europe, with special attention to the situation in the Netherlands. Key issue in the chosen approach is modernity. Practical theology can be understood as a discipline of crisis. The changing situation since the sixties came into view in phenomena like secularization and the decline in the participation in worship, confession and church life. The process of differentiation stresses the need to elaborate this article into three directions: to religious experiences of individuals, to social structures of church life and to the public field of Christianity.