Why begin the course in History and Methods of Practical Theology with Schleiermacher? Perhaps, because he is considered the “father of modern theology,” and more specifically because he is the “founding father of Practical Theology,” who established practical theology as a necessary theological academic discipline. In Schleiermacher’s Brief Outline of Theology as a Field of Study, he distinguishes Philosophical, Historical, and Practical Theology as three interconnected theological sciences, wholly integrated and interrelated for the purpose of effective church leadership (§1,7). Further, he sketches out the nature, tasks, structure and methods of practical theology in relation to philosophical and historical theology so that the mission …show more content…
Historical theology provides critical analyses of the biblical texts; of various Christian settings, practices, and development between movements in Christianity’s history; and of present condition of Christianity (§87). Three sub disciplines of historical theology are exegetical theology, church history, and historical cognizance (dogmatic theology and church statistics) where treatment of each sub discipline includes connecting and contrasting to current church context and provide “healthy development” and “proper mode of proceeding” (§35, 173; 186; 217). Schleiermacher asserts that each student of theology must have a clear historical and present understanding and vision of Christianity in order to navigate with confidence matters of church leadership and practice the not only the science but also the “art” of doing theology (§100-101). Structure and methods of Practical Theology translates this understanding of the past and present to come up with tools, ecclesial norms, and strategies for governing and leading the church for the present and for providing vision for the future (§26-28;
...encouraged to write theology in our context by paying close attention to “whom and for whom contemporary theology is being written” (15). At the end of this section, Yaghjian gives a workshop memo where the readers of this book can have practical workshop which is being very helpful in a seminar setting. She also gives tips to write theological assignment and some practical questions which are useful to initiate writing a theological paper.
Rauschenbusch has introduced many new ideas into the theological point of view. He still uses many of the same ideas of the “old theology”, but has just made some important changes to add his own thoughts on what theology should be about and how it should be used to influence people’s daily lives throughout the world. Rauschenbusch says,
Karl Rahner’s life was dedicated to his writings and teachings. From a young age he knew his calling for religion and until his death in nineteen eighty-four he did not stop doing what he loved. Because of his devotion to work and the many years he spent studying, he was able to be inspired by several different philosophers and theologians. Putting together the knowledge from both of these realms we have the modernist philosopher and the Catholic theologian Karl Rahner. His philosophical influence changed the Catholic church of the twentieth century and continues to have an influence on modern Christian thought.
Theology is a broad spectrum, with many different views. Some include, Proper, Epistemology, Metaphysics and philanthropists. These are just a few of the mainstream studies of today. Each topic is very different in its own way, some are religious and some are scientific theories. Everyone has their own spin in their world view. World views should not be based off assumption and belief but trusting in God, along with using the bible as a main source.
Jenkins, Phillips. The Lost History of Christianity. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. Print. Phillips, Jonathan.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
With this in mind, the objective of this essay is to focus on the main ideas of each theologian, and discuss how each theologian’s ideas are compensatory to the other. This is important because even though each theologian’s writings were inspired by the harsh realities of the societies, and also by the effect each writer experienced in their moment in history, their critiques specifically of Christian institutions remain a consistent amongst all three writings. Furthermore, not only are their critiques consistent, but their goals for providing new frameworks for the future of the Church and Christian discipleship are consistent as well.
Daniel M. Mittag defines evidentialism in epistemology as follows: "Person S is justified in believing proposition p at time t if and only if S’s evidence for p at t supports believing p." In short, evidentialism is a thought which accepts a proposition as a truth when there is evidence to support that proposition. This definition requires consistency of time related to the proposition and its evidence. In his book Christian Apologetics, Normal L. Geisler evaluates evidentialism to find out if it is acceptable as a test for the truth of Christianity.
Rourke, Nancy. “Christianity Notes.” Religion 101 Notes Christianity. Entry posted April 14, 2011. https ://angel.canisius.edu/section/default.asp?id=43760%5FSpring2011 (accessed April 18, 2011).
Our Christian theology, our understanding of Scripture and our hope placed in revelation can guide us through the struggles we face in questioning our historical
Church History in Plain Language is written by Bruce L. Shelley. This work focuses on the history of Christianity from 6 B.C. to the current period. It covers some of Christianity’s greatest events, theologians, and the various subsection of Christianity. Other than the events leading up to the death of Jesus, I had very little knowledge of Christianity’s history. After reading through the book, I have gained understanding on the Christian Councils, scholasticism, Christendom, and modern trends of Christianity.
Lane, T. (2006). A concise history of christian thought (Completely ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
This course, Church History II, has been very insightful and informational. The history of the church is full of intricate nuances. The Age of Ideologies represents a period in church history that ran from 1914 through today. Through the struggle as world powers fight for political, military, and economic supremacy, Christians throughout the world have been forced to reconsider what was important and necessary for the church to grow and endure change, while staying true to the mission and message of the church. From reading the textbook, “Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce L. Shelley, in this paper I will discuss a few aspects of The Age of Ideologies as it relates to church history.
Answering these questions is the purpose of this essay. I begin by arguing that the Bible cannot be adequately understood independent of its historical context. I concede later that historical context alone however is insufficient, for the Bible is a living-breathing document as relevant to us today as it was the day it was scribed. I conclude we need both testimonies of God at work to fully appreciate how the Bible speaks to us.
Lutzer, Erwin. The Doctrines That Divide: a Fresh Look at the Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1998.