Pojęcie i problematyka teologii pastoralnej

Abstract

A debate is still going on about the conception of pastoral theology as a theological discipline. In this situation there is an urgent need of a critical and at the same time synthetic view of pastoral theology, of the problem of this discipline, of its theological and practical character and of its relation to other disciplines. Presentation of the above issues in one article may be helpful in giving answers to the questions considered important by modern pastoral theologians. Being a study of the Church's activities pastoral theology reflects on them on the basis of results of theological studies as well as of the experimental sciences data. Skipping the theological aspect would lead this discipline to a “technique of pastorate” taking away what is essential for every branch of theology. Neglecting the empirical element would lead to fossilisation of pastoral theology and separating it from real life. Pastoral theology has to take into consideration both the theological truths and empirical data. It has to remain in close connection with other branches of theology and with humanities that decipher signs of the time. Contemporary pastoral theology is an independent theological discipline that has its aim, subject of the studies and methodology. As a discipline dealing with the Church’s activities in their actual conditions it reflects on them on the basis of theological studies and of empirical sciences data. Contemporary reflection and pastoral studies usually have a multidisciplinary, inter-disciplinary and intra-disciplinary character.