SCM Studyguide: Theological Reflection

by Judith Thompson

The SCM Studyguide to Theological Reflection fills a gap in the market by providing an accessible guide to the subject for all who embark on it for the first time.

The textbook offers newcomers a step by step introduction to understanding what theological reflection is and helps them to explore which of the methods introduced best suits them and their particular situation. It is practical in emphasis, providing students with a wide variety of worked examples and opportunities to carry out their own exercises.

Providing students with examples of reflective practice in other areas of life and other professions, such as healthcare, helps to clarify and explain the practice of theological ways of reflection, as bringing to bear on everyday practical decisions of ministry, the resources of one's own Christian faith and understanding.

This title moves on from definitions and methods for developing one's own model of practice with a shift in focus from using Theological Reflection as a model for pastoral practice to placing it in the wider context of the arts and the wider world.

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2008

Reviews

[Kristi Stewart Elliott · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was the required text for a Durham module on Theological Reflection. I cannot recommend it. Rather than being a useful text, it is more of a half formed introduction to the subject. None of the sections are in any level of detail which allows a student on this course to use it even as a basic reference. Reading this text was like reading billboard signs on the expressway. It utterly lacks the relevant detail to help students. I recommend instead Lets Do Theology by Laurie Green, which does go into useful but not overwhelming depth on the root purposes of TR and how to perform the TR process.

[Robert Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. It provides considerable guidance in how to do theological reflection, focusing on Progressing Theological Reflection (PTR). A number of other forms of theological reflection are covered including Lectio Divina, CPE-style case presentation, and others. Most are linked to an Action-Reflection iteration.

The book is from an Anglican perspective, but quite relevant to many traditions. There are also a number of realistic scenarios to show apjplication of some of the principles of TR in ministry.

[Terry Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful for my course and open my self to new ways of reflecting