Fokke Wouda

CHAPTER 2: A PRACTICAL THEOLOGICAL METHODOLOGY 71 the models focus predominantly on the relation between the church and (secular) society, the principles can be applied to the dynamics in this research, too. Concerning the anthropological model, Bevans states: “We await no further revelation, for all has been given to us in Jesus of Nazarath, but we still have to mine the meaning of what that revelation means, and to do that will take all the riches that the cultures of the world and human experience can offer”185 and “[i]t is able to provide fresh perspectives on Christianity, because it starts where people are.”186 As reflected in the model’s name, the praxis model engages in a hermeneutical circle, which aims “to begin from a concrete committed action, then to analyze that action from a socioscientific perspective and a rereading of the tradition in light of that action, and then to formulate a new plan of action as a consequence of that analysis and reflection.”187 Practical theology is particularly suited to do theology according to this model, since it is equipped with the tools and methods to provide such a “socioscientific perspective.” A recent effort by the International Theological Commission firmly acknowledges the sensus fidei as locus theologicus and as a voice in the development of doctrine. Exploring the meaning and implications of this notion – which plays an important part in the thinking of the Second Vatican Council – the commission states: 185 Bevans, 175. 186 Bevans, 176. 187 Bevans, 178. EXPERIENCE OF THE PRESENT (CONTEXT) Human experience Culture Social location Social change EXPERIENCE OF THE PAST Scripture Tradition Anthropological model · Countercultural model · Translation model · Synthetic model · Praxis model · Transcendental model · · · Figure 1: A Map of the Models of Contextual Theology. Bevans, An Introduction to Theology, 171.

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