Program Overview

THL435 Applied Pastoral Theology

This subject allows students to develop, clarify and refine their theology of pastoral work. Students will be required to reflect on pastoral practice with a view to their own and other's theology, and to explore the dialectical relationship between theory and practice within their own work and ministry.

Availability

• Offering has a residential school.
• Session 2 (60)
• Online
• Canberra Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Theology

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to articulate their understanding of pastoral theology
• be able to critique various contemporary theories of pastoral theology
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Classical Theological Tradition
• be able to demonstrate an integration of psychological, sociological, anthropological and education theory with theology relevant to their pastoral practice
• be able to articulate an understanding of the nature of God and humanity
• be able to demonstrate their understanding of how Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience shape their pastoral work
• be able to reflect critically on selected theological writings on pastoral ministry issues

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• What is Pastoral Theology?
• Critique of contemporary theory and practice of theology
• The Classical Tradition
• Cultural contexts of pastoral work
• Biblical resources for pastoral work
• Integration of theory from psychology, sociology, anthropology, education and theology in pastoral work
• The nature of God and humanity
• The place of Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience in Pastoral work
• Pastoral theology in practice

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School. The residential school will provide a supportive environment for students to develop skills, theoretical and theological knowledge, and self-reflection in the area of pastoral and practical theology and ministry. It will incorporate self-reflection exercises, discussion groups and skills development appropriate for the professional practice of ministry.