A contextual transformative practical theology in South Africa

Abstract

What can practical theology contribute to the transformation of the South African society? This is a challenging question if one is willing to start from the assumption that the crisis is deep (in terms of existential psychosocial, socioeconomic pathologies and systemic dysfunctionalities) and answers are few (if any). This is precisely the condition in which practical theology emerged as a theological discipline of crisis in the 19th century. This is a challenging position if taken in the radical sense of the word. The author takes this radical turn from a contextual African perspective. There is no a-historical position for theology beyond the crisis and no theoretical answers without a deep practical involvement. It is from a position within the crisis that practical theology needs to contribute to the transformation of society. A contextual, transformative practical theology in South Africa takes you on a multi-level journey of society, church and academia. It is a challenging journey in search of fellow travelers. Prof Dr CAM (Chris) Hermans, Professor of Empirical Science of Religion at the Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands.