SG Author: Richard R.

Osmer Article Title: Practical theology: A current international perspective Journal: Practical Theology of the Society for Practical Theology in South Africa Publisher: HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theologicol Studies 67(2), Date of Publication: Nov. 16, 2011 Intended Audience: Conference for the Society for Practical Theology in South Africa Authors Credentialss: Professor of Christian Edu at Princeton, Authorial Perspective: Theologian, professor Main Topic: Paradigm of Reflective Practice and importance of practical theology Key Words: reflection, framework, reflective practice paradigm Reading level: Graduate level Style of Writing: Research/Analytical Genre: Ministry/Academic Thesis Statement: "In this article, I wl describe the way in which paradigms function at two levels in practical theology today, (1) the level of pastoral and ecclesial practice and (2) the metatheoretical level of research and and theory-construction in practical theology." Outline: I. Intro - Paradigms function in 2 levels: the level of pastoral and ecclesial practice and the metatheoretical level of research and the theory- construction in practical theology. II. Practical theology and reflective practice paradigm - Was build to develop "theories of practice" and rules of art - Reflective practice important because of the changes in society and culture, seeing not all ways work for all congregations and contexts. III. Paradigms of practical theology at the metatheoretical level -Metatheoretical issues theologians must deal with: Theory-praxis relationship sources of justification, models of cross-disiciplianry work, theological rationale - Give examples of how different authors tackle these issues in different situations and settings IIII. Two challenges - Christian particularity and the common good- "Practical theology faces the chaUenge of grounding its identity and purpose in the mission of the church without sacrificing a commitment to scholarship and research that contributes, not only to the church, but also, to the common good. - The wound of reason- "By this I mean the massive damage and danger modern science and technology have unleashed upon the world. Internal Strengths: Broad scope of points Internal Weaknesses: Broad and short, not much explanation on points he made Theological Critique: Level of Recommendation: 4