Classification of Challenges and Solutions in Practical Theology: A Three-Level Approach (Meta-theoretical, Theoretical, and Practical)

نوع مقاله : مقاله علمی پژوهشی

نویسندگان

1 دانشجوی دکتری فلسفه و کلام اسلامی، گروه فلسفه، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران

2 استاد فلسفه و کلام اسلامی، گروه فلسفه، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران

3 استادیار فلسفه و کلام اسلامی، گروه فلسفه، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران

10.22091/jptr.2026.14073.3401

چکیده

This study aims to provide a systematic classification of challenges and solutions in practical theology within a three-level framework(meta-theoretical, theoretical, and practical).Despite significant developments since Schleiermacher’s foundational work, practical theology lacks an integrated framework addressing the interconnected nature of challenges across different analytical levels.Employing a descriptive-analytical method combined with comparative-critical analysis of primary sources, this research examines definitions by various theologians and critically analyzes four approaches to practical theology:pastoral, social studies-based, theory-centered, and reformist approaches.The findings reveal that practical theology has undergone profound transformations: expansion from ecclesial to social contexts, shift from applicative to critical-reflective approaches based on religious praxis, and increased attention to socio-cultural dimensions. The systematic classification demonstrates that meta-theoretical challenges (modernity’s transformations and hermeneutical crisis) shape foundational presuppositions; theoretical challenges (interaction with human sciences) create methodological tensions requiring interdisciplinary resolution; and practical challenges (clergy education and institutional reforms) demand context-sensitive interventions.The primary contribution lies in demonstrating the dialectical interconnection between levels: revision of epistemological presuppositions enables development of interdisciplinary methodologies, which facilitates practical reforms in clergy education.Solutions include establishing connections between religious narratives and contemporary issues, utilizing social sciences for understanding social structures, and developing effective communication skills with creative use of new technologies in religious education.

کلیدواژه‌ها

موضوعات


عنوان مقاله [English]

Classification of Challenges and Solutions in Practical Theology: A Three-Level Approach (Meta-theoretical, Theoretical, and Practical)

نویسندگان [English]

  • Hosein Bagheri 1
  • sahar kavandi 2
  • Morteza Hoseinzadeh 3
1 PhD Candidate in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
2 Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
چکیده [English]

This study aims to provide a systematic classification of challenges and solutions in practical theology within a three-level framework(meta-theoretical, theoretical, and practical).Despite significant developments since Schleiermacher’s foundational work, practical theology lacks an integrated framework addressing the interconnected nature of challenges across different analytical levels.Employing a descriptive-analytical method combined with comparative-critical analysis of primary sources, this research examines definitions by various theologians and critically analyzes four approaches to practical theology:pastoral, social studies-based, theory-centered, and reformist approaches.The findings reveal that practical theology has undergone profound transformations: expansion from ecclesial to social contexts, shift from applicative to critical-reflective approaches based on religious praxis, and increased attention to socio-cultural dimensions. The systematic classification demonstrates that meta-theoretical challenges (modernity’s transformations and hermeneutical crisis) shape foundational presuppositions; theoretical challenges (interaction with human sciences) create methodological tensions requiring interdisciplinary resolution; and practical challenges (clergy education and institutional reforms) demand context-sensitive interventions.The primary contribution lies in demonstrating the dialectical interconnection between levels: revision of epistemological presuppositions enables development of interdisciplinary methodologies, which facilitates practical reforms in clergy education.Solutions include establishing connections between religious narratives and contemporary issues, utilizing social sciences for understanding social structures, and developing effective communication skills with creative use of new technologies in religious education.

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • Practical theology
  • religious praxis
  • three-level framework
  • meta-theoretical challenges
  • interdisciplinary methodology
CAPTCHA Image