One thing that some practical theologians do is take time to think carefully about theological “meanings” of practices, experiences, contexts, and cultures… and to share out that thinking — to be further critically reconstructed — in communities (academic, religious, and beyond) that have a stake in such conversations.
I have been trying to carry out just such work as I write out a chapter for a forthcoming book about “conundrums” in practical theology. A group of practical theologians is each taking a chapter to talk about things that have been persistently difficult to figure out in practical theology — and to propose a way forward. Hopefully the book will give one set of perspectives on some deep debates in the field and also some growing/leading edges of exploration. No doubt it will also reflect the limited vision (of at least this author) for what is pressing concerning what has been resistant to being made sense of.
I can write more in future posts about the conundrum I’m trying to work with and through, but for now I just want to raise the question: what for you is a serious conundrum presented by and/or harbored in practical theology research or teaching? How does your relation to the conundrum influence your practice?
Tom Beaudoin, New York City
Assistant Professor of Religion and Society – Boston University School of Theology
September 6, 2023
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