Zoë Bennett

Practical theology as a subject area has grown and become more sophisticated in its methods and self-understanding over the last few decades. This book provides a complete and original research primer in the major theories, approaches and methods at the cutting-edge of research in contemporary practical theology. It represents a reflection on the very practice of the discipline itself, its foundational questions and epistemological claims. Each chapter examines different aspects of the research process: starting with experience and practice, aspects of research design and epistemology, communities of learning, the influence of theological norms and tradition on the practice of research, and ethical considerations about what constitutes ‘the good’ in advanced research. The uniqueness of this book rests in its authoritative overview of current practical theological research across a range of traditions and approaches, combined with a comprehensive introduction to research methodology. It offers worked examples from the authors, their colleagues and research students that serve to illustrate key ideas and approaches in practical theological research. The four authors are all internationally-leading scholars and rank amongst the most influential figures in practical theology of their generation. The book promises to be of interest to students, teachers and researchers in practical theology, especially those looking to conduct original practice-based enquiry in the field.

Theological reflection lies at the heart of practical theology. There is an increasingly robust collection of literature focusing on it. However, little attention has been given to what reflection is or what it looks like when practised ’theologically’. This gap may account for some of the ongoing uncertainty on the part of practitioners of every sort: those engaged in ministry, teachers and students of practical theology, and ’every day’ Christians aspiring to make meaning of their experience in a way that is faithful to the Christian tradition. This book provides an exploration of theological reflection from a foundation of adult education in general and experiential learning theory in particular. Reflection as a way of making meaning from experience is integral to experiential learning theory and the book argues that reflection and learning have a symbiotic relationship. Reflection should therefore be understood and its processes examined from this perspective. The early chapters provide the important educational foundations. Literature on theological reflection is then scrutinised through this lens, before the findings of an empirical study are presented which reveal how individuals went about reflecting theologically in an educational context. The analysis of both theory and empirical data allows a range of pointers to emerge about what theological reflection looks like in practice and what features influence the procedures adopted. Two penultimate chapters are provided by academic practitioners who respond to the overall discussion by reflecting on the implications for their practice. The final chapter draws the threads together and indicates how the volume has contributed to practical theology’s understanding of theological reflection in general.

Understanding the BullyThe Motivational Queen helps a child in need who is being bullied and this book helps the reader to understand why bullying sometimes happens. This book helps the reader to open up the conversation about bullying and the effects they could experience. See how Jessica gets through a day at school and how her magical superhero friends come to her rescue. The Motivational Queen Superhero series are social topics that help children to read as well as understand the world around them. Preparing children to cope with their environment is essential for their healthy mental awareness, development and growth. WHAT YOU WILL FIND INSIDE THIS BOOKTalking about feelings of bullyingHow to ask for helpLearning to be kindNot feeling aloneExamples of why someone may bullyOther titles in the Motivational Queen Superhero Series: - Tom & Understanding ADHDHalima & Kareem & Achieving SuccessOcean & Stranger DangerMya & Finding Confidence

Practical theology as a subject area has grown and become more sophisticated in its methods and self-understanding over the last few decades. This book provides a complete and original research primer in the major theories, approaches and methods at the cutting-edge of research in contemporary practical theology. It represents a reflection on the very practice of the discipline itself, its foundational questions and epistemological claims. Each chapter examines different aspects of the research process: starting with experience and practice, aspects of research design and epistemology, communities of learning, the influence of theological norms and tradition on the practice of research, and ethical considerations about what constitutes ‘the good’ in advanced research. The uniqueness of this book rests in its authoritative overview of current practical theological research across a range of traditions and approaches, combined with a comprehensive introduction to research methodology. It offers worked examples from the authors, their colleagues and research students that serve to illustrate key ideas and approaches in practical theological research. The four authors are all internationally-leading scholars and rank amongst the most influential figures in practical theology of their generation. The book promises to be of interest to students, teachers and researchers in practical theology, especially those looking to conduct original practice-based enquiry in the field.

The Bible forms a key part in the development of critical theological thinking and reflection on experience. Equally, to understand how we as individuals read the bible, we need to be critically aware of our own stories and context. Text and life, tradition and experience, are inextricably intertwined. "In a Glass Darkly" offers for the first time a critical dialogue between practical theology and biblical hermeneutics. It considers the role of emotional engagement and critical understanding in biblical interpretation from here and presents being critical as an act which is just as much appreciative as it is suspicious.

Exploring how the Bible may be appropriately used in practical and public theology, this book looks at types of modern practical theology with specific emphasis on the use of the Bible. Bennett juxtaposes the diversity of modern practical theology with the work of leading nineteenth-century public 'theologian', John Ruskin, and then assesses the contribution of this analysis to some modern issues of public importance in which the Bible is used. The final chapter offers a framework for a biblically informed critical practical theology which draws on the writer's experience and invites the readers to engage their own.

Your MA in Theology addresses a range of study skills, from the basic tools of reading, writing and reflection to the complex issues of handling tradition and experience and coping as an international student. Using the library, avoiding plagiarism, and how to get help with specific learning needs are among many practical issues covered. There is a chapter devoted to doing a master’s dissertation. The style is accessible throughout, and the needs of students are central. Twenty years of experience in directing postgraduate degrees inform the material offered, which is down to earth and anchored in experience. The book will be useful to teachers of master’s degrees in theology as well as to their students.

Exploring how the Bible may be appropriately used in practical and public theology, this book looks at types of modern practical theology with specific emphasis on the use of the Bible. Bennett juxtaposes the diversity of modern practical theology with the work of leading nineteenth-century public 'theologian', John Ruskin, and then assesses the contribution of this analysis to some modern issues of public importance in which the Bible is used. The final chapter offers a framework for a biblically informed critical practical theology which draws on the writer's experience and invites the readers to engage their own.