The Art of Theological Reflection

by Patricia Killen, John de Beer

Here is a book for the millions of Christians who want to make a vital connection between their faith and their lives. The authors describe theological reflection as "the artful discipline of putting our experience into conversation with the heritage of the Christian tradition." Their practical book provides a way for all of us to experience greater meaning in life and a more tangible sense of God's creative presence.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, School

168 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic. This is probably my fourth time through this book...always mine something new as I read.

[Frank Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a source text for the Education for Ministry (EfM) Reading and Reflection Guide. I was curious if there was more insight to one of the most difficult aspects of EfM--the Theological Reflection.

This book does give more details than the RRG, and it's helpful in that regard. Theological Reflection is an important skill, and it takes practice. This book lays out the motivations and process thoroughly (from a Christian perspective, but not exclusively). But, if you are in EfM already, the RRG also covers most of the material in this book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a deep understanding in the purpose and the practical form of theology reflection. The models for different styles of theological reflection was useful.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was useful for as a reference, which is why I liked it.

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unobjectionable, but also uncomplicated and slightly facile. Too filled with designs for exercises. It's a slim book, but could have been a 25-page paper if it thought more highly of its readers.

[WashU Catholic Student Center]

WIP: 2 copies, one in spirituality and one in theology

[Bill Huebsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and in plain English, this book will help you develop your hermeneutic and methodology for theological reflection. This is a classic!

[Christine Hiester · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class in a spiritual direction program. While I very much appreciated, and was able to put to use, the process the author describes, I found the writing to be somewhat redundant and dissertation-like. The illustrations, exercises, and examples in the book were the most valuable elements for me.

[Paul]

Interesting so far...I guess we have to stop doing and start reflecting.

[Lisa Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the clear instruction on tr and it's framework.

[Anne Roat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this as a textbook

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this with my students all the time - a nice introduction to an accessible process of reflection from an experiential and theological perspective.