A Basic Introduction To Theological Reflection Theology Religion Essay Example

to turn deeper in religion and grasp of divinity.

It is active question, .dynamic, deep searching and unfastened ended. Not intended to bring forth universally acclaimed replies by everyone and in every topographic points in all instances. Theological contemplation should non be seen as relevant to all people in all state of affairss because of the different contexts. It is deserving indicating out that theological contemplation undertaken by persons may good uncover more about the individual and their position than it does about a secular state of affairs or Christian theological tradition. To avoid that Pattison recommends that persons be self-critical when making theological contemplation on their ain. Theological contemplation should be done as a group exercising alternatively. Helen Cameron illustrates the importance of this through her group work with TAP. Clearly this of import point is articulated by all the other authors whose work form portion of this reappraisal. Theological contemplation in group scene is contributing to a deep and enhanced critical conversation probably to bring forth. Any question must take at enriching the person but crucially must be for the benefit of the Christian community. Such an result is bound to give new significance and new orientation to the ministry of the church as has been the instance throughout the church 's history.

The failing of this theoretical account of theological contemplation is that it can be excessively subjective as it entreaties to people 's peculiar theological prejudice, disposition and cultural propensity. Relativism, idiosyncratic are.. reciprocally interrogative method can take

to farther inquiries, does non supply everlastingly valid replies which can be applied to mundane life. Asking inquiries and prosecuting in critical conversation is non an equal manner of gestating theological contemplation. Pg. 142 ( restrictions ) Besides the conversation may no be academic plenty. One other unfavorable judgment to be said about Pattison 's theoretical account of theological contemplation is that it assumes everyone can make it. The fact of the affair is non everyone has the accomplishment Ballard page 2.

Elaine Graham Elaine Graham etal recognises that the topic of theological contemplation has been research extensively ensuing in the production of legion publications. However for her and fellow authors their article entitled Method or Mystique in Theological Contemplation: Methods offers a challenge to the obscure mode theological contemplation is viewed. They point to the fact `` received apprehension of theological apprehension are mostly under- theorised and narrow, and excessively frequently fail to link adequately with scriptural, historical and systematic scholarship '' ( pg.1 ) . As such they aim to assist the reader `` engage in forms of theological contemplation that are richer in the beginning they draw on more strict and more inventive.

Their introductory chapter gives a history lineation of the discourse. We have an history, of understanding practical/pastoral divinity as a subject concerned with practical preparation which is broader and understands divinity as critical contemplation in a assortment of scenes. Graham etal, sites Donald Scon who argues for a displacement from theoretical cognition, proficient reason and scientific preciseness which is all theoretically and non practically based accordingly gnawing public trust of experts. Harmonizing to them, professional cognition of expertness is merely acquired

in a peculiar context or state of affairs that is inexplicit and job based. Furthermore the acquisition takes topographic point by reacting with flexibleness to state of affairss, willingness to be a proactive scholar and hazard pickings. ( pg. 4 ) This position that cognition comes by experience is besides shared by Kolb in his book on theoretical account of experimental acquisition. ( pg. 5 ) As such divinity ought to be understood as a procedure instead than merchandise. Christian pattern, aboard systematic biblical and historical divinity is important to theological contemplation. In their position such battle with these traditional Christian resources is weak. It is to this interrelated job of traditional Christian resources that Theological Contemplation: Methods reverts.

My 3rd article for reappraisal is entitled Features of Theological Action Research by Helen Cameron etal. The article comes from the book written by her and others called Talking about God in Practice. In it a methodological analysis of research called Theological Action Research is introduced. TAR is a encephalon kid of Action Research Church and Society made up of two squads that are oecumenic and interdisciplinary chosen. The squad members are all theological practioners and research workers, made up of a squad from Heythrop and the other squad from exterior.

ARCS aims are realised when duologue goes on in each squad and besides across the squads. The teams demonstrate willingness to portion good pattern and thoughts of theological research between squads. As a theoretical account TAR has four phases called a rhythm of theological contemplation and are the undermentioned ; experience, contemplation, larning and action. The methodological analysis require that each phase of the rhythm is carefully

examined and documented utilizing its action research procedure and societal scientific disciplines methods of roll uping informations. Theology plays a cardinal portion in all the phases of the pattern right from the beginning to the really terminal. That besides includes the shared contemplations of the practitionrs and research workers.

We can reason that the lessons learnt are the undermentioned:

Theological contemplation and divinity is directed at life state of affairss in every human experience whether be a truster, church community including those who confess to be atheists. Harmonizing to Metz, as he made mention to Karl Rahner 's a critical observation of Vatican II. `` God is a cosmopolitan subject, a subject refering all humanity or it is simple no subject at all '' . ( pg 57 M.K ) . Rahners ascertion is an effort to turn to an abserd belief which was sectarian and excluded others in taking portion the religion dialogue/God. It is besides true to state that when divinity becomes self-involved by disregarding the universe 's world of human agony, poorness unfairness etc. it loses its intent.

The theological contemplation theoretical account looked at in this reappraisal appear narrowly focussed ata . with a peculiar racial group, chiefly white European and in-between category. We live in a diverse.. The church is a contemplation of society that is multicultural, cultural

Robert Kinast in his article on the topic makes the same point that theological contemplation is a treble motion, which begins with the lived experience,