Teologia praktyczna i jej dyscypliny

Abstract

The concept of „practical theology” has a twofold meaning. It is used to denote several theological disciplines, each of which, in its own way, deal with the practical activity of the Church. Among such disciplines we find pastoral theology, pastoral didactics (catechetics and homiletics) and liturgy. The term is used to denote one of the above-mentioned areas of practical theology. Each of the above disciplines of practical theology is endowed with an appropriate range of the Church’s practical activity, a special manner in which to conduct scientific reflection and its own methodological repertoire. Practical theology as a theological discipline has a practical character and embraces four partial disciplines, and has some tasks towards the whole of theology. The specific character of practical theology is determined by its subject-matter, i.e. the salvational activity of the Church as a fellowship of the People of God, its own methodological workshop, its conclusions and pastoral principles drawn from the twofold kind of the source: Divine Revelation and experience.