The Shape of Practical Theology: Empowering Ministry with Theological Praxis
"This is exactly the kind of book my students are thirsting to read. Anderson faces the real theological issues such as postmodernism, the nature of a 'praxis' theology, theological hermeneutics and theological anthropology as well as crucial ministerial concerns such as clergy burnout, homosexuality, forgiveness, the nature of Christian counseling and ministry to the family." (Christian D. Kettler, Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Friends University (Witchita, Kansas))"This book represents a constructive step forward in understanding the relationship between practical and dogmatic theology. Anderson offers important insights which draw the discipline beyond its more formal descriptions into a distinctively trinitarian formulation. Those who teach in this area will find in his fresh and exciting proposals for the practice of ministry a welcome resource." (Michael Jinkins, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary)"Theology lives; it really does. Ray Anderson persuades and convinces us. He takes us on--pastors and teachers are his target--insisting that until theology lives in us, in our words and actions and prayers, it cannot rightly be called theology. He boldly gathers the large and complex world of Christian ministry and shows how it becomes a lived response to the Holy Spirit's action among us." (Eugene H. Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College (Vancouver, British Columbia))"Anderson has written a hard-hitting Christocentric interpretation of practical theology, which that field badly needs. Case after case he marks out a sensitive, sophisticated, biblical and theological approach to concrete ministerial situations. The approach behind this book has the potential to revitalize ministry at all levels of the Christian life." (James E. Loder, Mary D. Synnott Professor of the Philosophy of Christian Education, Princeton Theological Seminary)