A Methodology for a Pastoral Theology
Pastoral ministry is at the center of the Catholic Church's life. Ministers need a vision rooted in Christian truth, their own subdivision of theology. This monograph proposes a methodology for pastoral theology. By asking systematic questions and using disciplined processes, a pastoral theology could help believers apply the truth of Jesus Christ to lead meaningful lives, connect with others, engage with those who differ, create supportive communities, and to consecrate this world. For example, does belief in one God assist believers lives in a pluralistic society? Does the incarnation help believers value this world? This monograph hopes to inform the ministry of preachers, teachers, formation directors, and others who lead Christian communities. This methodology is the basis for the author's upcoming book that draws out life-lessons from the Nicene Creed.
A Pastor’s Thoughts on Secularization
Within the Catholic Church, the meaning of secularization has evolved over the past fifty years. It was a neutral term, the backdrop on which we built our lives. It took on negative connotations, thought of as a threat to the Church, an attack on the Christian faith. This pastor's read starts with faith in the providential God. The God who directs history inspires confidence that the faith is being renewed and refocused to re-engage with the world for its consecration. The monograph examines specific aspects of secularization essential for pastoral leadership in these times. What is really going on? Could it be beneficial for those trying to live the way of Jesus Christ now?
For Us and For Our Salvation
A renewal of pastoral theology is required to address the growing disconnect between the proclamation of the way of Jesus Christ and the lives of contemporary believers. Pastoral ministers need to explore a dimension of the truth called performatory truth. This dimension inspires life-construction. It must glean from the revelation what faith does to believers, for believers, and in believers—the functions of faith. Upon reflection on performatory truth and the functions of faith, this work experiments with the propositions of the Nicene Creed to find a life-constructing dimension. How does belief in one God help define human relations? How does the Incarnation help value the human? How does Father Almighty bring believers to a Christian form of power and authority? What does it mean when the Lord calls believers to take up the cross? How can one imagine life in the Father, in Son, in the Holy Spirit, in the church? This reconnection of the Christian truth with contemporary life will assist preachers and teachers and inspire believers to live the Lord’s way even in these strange times.