Practical Theology

Practical Theology

The Nature of Practical Theology

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Rasoul Rasoulipour
Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/pt.2025.471039.1031
Abstract
Theology, or the knowledge of God, although by definition a theoretical discipline, is inherently practical due to its characteristics, missions, and the goals of prophets and religious leaders. Therefore, the ultimate aim of the various branches of theology—including theoretical (philosophical), historical (narrative), systematic (scriptural), and dogmatic (doctrinal)—is practical theology. In other words, the objectification of knowledge into action. However, there is no consensus on what practical theology exactly entails. In this article, we explore the history of the term’s emergence in academia, trace its evolving meaning, and introduce the terms "efficiency" and "application" to better distinguish the scope of practical theology.
Additionally, in our discussion of the necessities of practical theology, we examine the levels and strata of agents involved in the religiosity of society. Taking into account the historical and geographical context, we propose three strategic factors for its development. The theology of place and the challenges surrounding the dichotomy of the secular and the sacred in the objectification and expansion of religious culture within cities and the broader world of believers are also key topics in practical theology that we address here. Finally, to make the proposed essence and necessities more tangible, we reflect on the life of one of the most influential figures in the contemporary Muslim community in Iran and Lebanon: Seyed Musa al-Sadr.
Keywords
Practical theology
theology efficiency/application
secular/sacred place
liturgical/responsive religion
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Practical Theology
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
February 2025
Pages 5-23