Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of British and Irish Practical Theology: Roots, Shoots and Fruits

Practical theology has become an established academic discipline in Britain and Ireland, with the British and Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT) and its journal, Practical Theology, playing a significant role. This book celebrates the discipline's inventiveness and variety on the occasion of BIAPTs twenty-fifth birthday, exploring new shoots in sexuality, ethnicity, and religious traditions. It is a landmark text in the unfolding of British and Irish practical theology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Practical theology has emerged as a prominent academic field in Britain and Ireland over the past fifty years, with evidence of its impact in the form of chairs, journals, books, conferences, and the transformation of practices. The British and Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT) and its journal, Practical Theology, have played a significant role in shaping the discipline's development. To commemorate BIAPT's twenty-fifth anniversary, this volume celebrates the richness and diversity of practical theology in Britain and Ireland. It traces the roots of the field from its origins in the Scottish Pastoral Association in the 1960s, explores its trajectory through the journal Contact / Practical Theology, and emphasizes the enduring influence of human experience on the journey. The book examines various methodologies, including engagement with popular culture, public theology, the arts, and the significance of conversation. It also explores emerging areas within practical theology, such as addressing sexuality, ethnicity, and different religious traditions. The conclusion reflects on the potential of practical theology in the future, considering the challenges ahead, particularly the prevalence of ignorance. This book represents a landmark contribution to the evolving landscape of British and Irish practical theology, and it is poised to make a significant impact on international discourse within the discipline.

The chapters in this book were originally published in Practical Theology.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367535384