Overture to Practical Theology: The Music of Religious Inquiry
Ebook
Overview
"In Overture to Practical Theology, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner takes a new route to introduce theology students and others to the field of practical theology. Although she is certainly aware of relatively recent efforts to show the academic credentials of practical theology through careful definition (citing that of David Tracy), analysis of components, and linkages to other disciplines within and without the overall framework of theology, she proceeds by means of a double analogy, rather than abstract academic precision, to illumine practical theology. Actual case studies also helpfully illumine aspects of her work." From the Foreword by James N. Lapsley. The book examines biblical foundations, historical roots, and current manifestations of social justice ministry. Stevenseon-Moessner shows how practical theology addresses racism, sexism, violence, anti-Semitism, ecological imbalance, and life at the margins of society--the vexing issues of today’s ministry.
”Drawing on years of pastoral experience and scholarly
wisdom, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner uses creative metaphor,
case study, and historical vignette to create a readily accessible
introduction that will especially appeal to seminarians preparing
to serve the church and those already leading congregations."
--Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, author of Christian Theology
in Practice
“While many struggle to define practical theology, this learned
scholar instead makes an overture toward the field, illuminating
its complexity even while drawing readers into its melodies,
harmonies, and discordant notes. Stevenson-Moessner presents
practical theology as a spiritual symphony, emphasizing the
connections among all parts and participants in the
orchestra.
--Mary Clark Moschella, Yale Divinity School
"In Overture to Practical Theology, Stevenson-Moessner’s
agonizing personal grief over the tragic death of her son, along
with other ways human suffering manifests across an almost
limitless spectrum, become acid test cases against which any facile
theological claims must be weighed. Without dodging these
cacophonous undertones, what emerges is an inspiring symphony of
hope, or of hope against hope, derived from the author’s
unparalleled ability to discover surprising connections across all
manner of divisions within and between persons, communities,
disciplines, and epochs.
--Robert C. Dykstra, Princeton Theological Seminary
"Stevenson-Moessner invites us to receive the manifold gifts the
intelligence of a musician yields. With the skill of a first-rate
concertmaster, she tunes the orchestra of diverse theological
disciplines, so the music expressed is a rendering of Divine Love
that reverberates through human instruments committed to the song
of love for the world. This richly compact book will strengthen the
beginner, the seasoned care provider, and religious communities
alike in their incarnation of the Holy One’s melodies of mercy,
justice, and peace."
--Evon O. Flesberg, Vanderbilt Divinity School
Product Details
- Title : Overture to Practical Theology: The Music of Religious Inquiry
- Authors:
- Stevenson-Moessner, Jeanne
- Lapsley, James N.
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498283038
Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner is Professor of Pastoral Care at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. She is a Henry Luce III Fellow, former Resident Member of the Center for Theological Inquiry, former Chair of the Society for Pastoral Theology, and a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. She is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA).