Theological Reflection: The Creation of Spiritual Power in the Information Age

Theological reflection has its roots in the works of Bernard Lonergan, David Tracy, James and Evelyn Whitehead, John de Beer, Patricia Killen, Flower Ross, and Charles Winters. It provides a way of learning theology so that participants can develop congruence between life's experience, the world, and the Christian faith. the reflective methods are useful educational tools. Other discipline may find them useful to enhance the way seminars are organized as learning opportunities to discover meaning.

Theological Reflection demonstrates the process of discovery that is at the heart of theological education--learning by reflecting on experience. Theological reflection as presented in this book was developed to support a program of theological education called Education for Ministry (EFM). Its roots are both biblical and traditional, presenting those engaged in theology with the educational context for theological reflection as it has been developed by EFM over more than twenty-five years. It provides a way of learning theology so that participants can develop harmony between life?s experience, the world, and the Christian faith. Chapters under Part I: Theological Reflection: Historical, Philosophical, and Theological Context are ?Theological Reflection: What It Is and Why,? ?The Work of Theological Reflection?Background,? ?Theological Reflection?Whose Domain?? ?Theological Reflection and the People of God,? ?The Rose of Theological Reflection,? and ?Theological Reflection: Rationalize or Relational?? Chapters under Part II: Theological Reflection?The Educational Context are ?Theological Reflection: Education in Depth,? ?Theological Reflection and Educational Methods,? ?Theological Reflection: An Educational Adventure,? and ?Theological Reflection and the Seminar.? Chapters under Part III: Theological Reflection: Methodology, Leadership, and Consequences are ?Sources for Theological Reflection,? ?Methods and Techniques,? ?Asking Theological Questions,? ?Guiding Theological Reflections,? ?The Ethics of Theological Reflection,? and ?Reflection: The Creation of Power in the Information Age.??Theological Reflection takes a knife?s edge to the massive confusion engendered by the Information Age. Saying that God exists and that all that we need do in life is to be good Christians and obedient to Church teaching does not cut through to the imagination any longer, if it ever did. In short, De Bary explains what theological reflection is and argues powerfully why the practice of it is crucial in our day.? Pastoral Music?Edward de Bary writes from the conviction that all faithful people are theologians, that theology emerges as we reflect on the common experiences of our lives. He provides a comprehensive study of the background and methods of theological reflection, to show how such reflection can transform church and society.? Patricia Bays Theological Educator for the Education for Ministry Program Ottawa, Canada?There is an urgent need in the churches for a way of making connections?bringing together the doing of theology with the practice of ministry in a manner that has academic integrity and has the best possible basis in the arts we call ?education.? In this book, Edward de Bary has gathered up for the worldwide community of Education for Ministry (EFM) . . . the finest fruits of his work in theological reflection. . . . Those who stand to gain most will be those who grasp the opportunity to really engage with this amazingly comprehensive treatment of ways of making connections. Dr. de Bary describes this as the ?Creation of Power in the Information Age.? This power comes out of the disciplined pattern of theological reflection which he describes and thankfully, places into the hands now of a wider readership than the EFM community.? Bishop John Noble Anglican Bishop of North Queensland, Australia and former director of Education for Ministry Australia?Edward de Bary has provided us with a carefully constructed work on the dimensions to and development of theological reflection as well as demonstrating that its practice is an art to be experienced in community. His writing clearly shows the breadth and depth of thought that has accompanied his years theologically reflecting, especially as a participant in the Education for Ministry program. . . . This is an important book for students and teachers, and offers a further resource to the great majority who think and talk about their belief and seek understanding with their companions in life and faith.? Paul Dyer Director of Distance Education and Formation Training New Zealand?This book is much more than a ?how to do it? manual for the theological reflection process, although it includes a thorough treatment of various models and methods for this process. . . . It?s a book not only for specialists but, especially . . . for all who intend to take their faith seriously.? Charles L. Winters Originator of Education for Ministry Asheville, North Carolina?In his new book, Theological Reflection: The Creation of Spiritual Power in the Information Age, the Rev. Dr. Edward O. de Bary demonstrates the process of discovery that is at the heart of theological education?learning by reflecting on experience.? The Sewanee Mountain Messenger?For those for whom the concept of theological reflection holds any fascination at all, this book provides both theoretical background and practical information to make it a part of their lives. For the 1,400 current EFM mentors, this book is an excellent resource to enrich their understanding of the central core of this widely accepted program of theological education for the laity.? From the Mountain?The picture he paints of an open and reflective group process is an attractive one, and the stress on theological reflection as an activity in which all can engage is very welcome.? Catholic Women?s Network