The Art of Theological Reflection [Paperback]

Patricia O'Connell Killen (Author), John de Beer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1994

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Insightful and useful. Explains why theological reflection is critical, and how to pursue it responsibly and fruitfully."  —Timothy E. O'Connell, Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company; 1 edition (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824514017
• ISBN-13: 978-0824514013
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has provided an excellent foundation for students, July 6, 1998

By 

Corinne Winter ([e-mail]) (St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Theological Reflection (Paperback)

I have used The Art of Theological Reflection with both graduate and undergraduate students in theology seminars. It has provided them with a method for engaging theological questions and readings out of their own experience of life and of the Christian tradition - however extensive that experience might be. The authors give examples throughout the text that effectively clarify the porocess they are describing. They also make a convincing argument that theological reflection is not just for a few "initiated" but builds on a natural human quest for insight into the meaning of life experiences and for ways to integrate those insights into our lives.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Tool, February 7, 2009

By 

Patrick O'neal "Patrick" (saint Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Theological Reflection (Paperback)

One former student of mine said, "The book is lame because its all about emotions". Another student said, "This book sucks because there's nothing theological about it." A third student said, "I missed the point." In following up with the students, I found out they only read the words on the page and didn't do any of the activities proceeding the chapters. If you fall into the category of simply reading the words on the paper than I say move-on and don't waste your time reading this book.

This book is meant to be used interactively and to wrestle with the content of the chapters using one's theological and spiritual framework. I use many of the principles outlined in the chapters 4-6 after several years of chaplaincy work.

By the way, if you struggle with exploring your emotions than I say buy two copies. The first copy you'll throw it away in disgust, but you'll have the second copy when you realize the emotional fall-out you will experience due to the ministry and interaction with members of your church or those you provide spiritual care for.

Happy reading!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Theological Reflection, October 30, 2008

By 

B. J. King "King" (Cambridge, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Theological Reflection (Paperback)

This book has been an incredibly helpful basis for our group to do theological reflection. Nine of us gather every other week to meet and reflect on our lives and Killen and de Beer provide the structure for such meetings. This is not pop psychology, but a practical way to do theology. If you are looking to know more about God's relation to your life and to the lives of others in your group, this book has the perfect guidelines to follow.