Volume 23, Issue 1

This article articulates a challenge to discern what form theopoetics might take within practical theology and, further, to engage with the construction of modes of theopoetic making appropriate to the discipline. To date there has been little conceptual engagement with theopoetics by practical theologians. In order to begin to address this lack Catherine Keller’s work is taken as indicative of the potential significance of this project. An examination of theopoetics within constructive theology highlights the necessity for practical theologians to create their own distinctive forms of theopoetical reflection honouring their disciplinary heritage. It is suggested that a ‘theopoetics of practice’ might be created in the manner of a bricolage from neglected cultural resources. The work embodies in its writing style the creative work it advocates.

This article responds to Heather Walton’s impassioned call to form and reform practical theology via bricolage in the creative arts. It illustrates the epiphanic role of the visual art of Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945) in transforming suffering. Following a brief outline of Kollwitz’s life, the paper explores the theopoetic power of her art in relation to practical theodicy: in terms of its social activist dynamics, deeply compassionate context, sanctifying and consoling powers, and numinous-mystical affections.

This paper is a response to Heather Walton’s 2017 Presidential Address to the International Academy of Practical Theology, “A Theopoetics of Practice – Re-forming in Practical Theology.” It explores a key question raised by Walton: “If we were to construct a way of imagining a theopoetics of practical theology, what would it look like?” The paper critiques systematic and speculative thinking, reflects on Holy Saturday, and offers a poetic reflection on creation and natural love.

The article is a response to Heather Walton’s IAPT presidential address titled “A Theopoetics of Practice – Re-forming in Practical Theology.” Practices examined in this article are rituals and caring related to death and dying in literature. By making use of Ronald Grimes’ so-called fictive ritual the portrayal of rituals and caring in novels by the Afrikaans novelist Karel Schoeman are examined. As a response to Walton’s address, a theopoetics is developed from the ars moriendi in the work of Schoeman.

This article deals with the question in what ways the fandom surrounding Jesus Christ Superstar actor Ted Neeley can be understood as a form of religious celebrity worship. On the basis of an empirical study among Dutch fans of Neeley, we argue that celebrity worship as proposed by the most influential scholars on this subject was not present in the fandom surrounding Neeley, but that traces of it could still be identified – albeit in a scattered and altered manner. Being perceived as the representation of the religious myth of Superstar, a Jesus-like person and a religious guide, Neeley had religious significance for his fans, suggesting that the concept of celebrity worship is in some way still applicable here.

This Habilitation lecture discusses the present rise of right-wing populism as a theological problem. It uses the term „Heimat“ („home“ or „home country“) to explore the social context of this populism. This exploration leads to a discussion of the underlying cultural meta-narratives which serve a sense of shared identity. In a practical theological perspective, the discourse on „Heimat“ may be understood in terms of narrative encounters. Finding a home in an open world is possible – and the Christian faith offers bountiful theological resources for this.

In 2016, the Dutch Case Studies Project in Chaplaincy Care (CSP) was launched, an interdenominational and interuniversity empirical research project on case studies from different fields of chaplaincy. The article presents the methodological approach and the procedure of description and evaluation. The CSP works with research communities composed of chaplains working in a similar context under supervision by a research scholar. The article also analyzes the social and institutional framework of pastoral and spiritual care in a secular setting and its influence on the orientation of the CSP. In conclusion, a comparison to the situation in German speaking countries is drawn.

Practical Theology’s situation in Sub-Saharan Africa is not well documented except in South Africa, despite a strong theological focus on practical ministry across the continent and considerable discussion of African contextual theologies, including African theology, Black theology, reconstruction theology and women’s theology. The article sketches the context by highlighting the gaps in the discussion of Practical Theology. It discusses embedded Practical Theological practices within contextual theologies and surveys Practical Theology’s focus and aspirations across Africa, highlighting practices in Anglophone Africa, Francophone Africa and Lusophone Africa. Finally, it deduces a framework for Practical Theology in Africa and identifies the challenges and tasks that should be put on the agenda of Practical Theology.

This essay presents the grassroots’ common practice of congregational music making seen through an embedded long-term participant-observer’s perspective. Through this approach, it argues for a realistic means of “closing the loop” in the goal of self-determination for Global South churches by proposing a thoughtful worship renewal process guided by an enlightened theological ethos that privileges local expressions.