Through a series of essays contributed by leading experts in the field, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology presents an introduction to practical theology as a major area of Christian study and practice, including an overview of its key developments, themes, methods, and future directions.

• The first comprehensive reference work to provide a survey, description and analysis of practical theology as an area of study
• A range of leading scholars in the field provide original contributions on the major areas, issues, and figures in practical theology
• Reviews an extensive range of methods for studying theology in practice, along with sub-disciplines in theological education such as pastoral care and preaching
• Covers developments in the discipline in a range of global contexts and distinct Christian traditions
• Shows how practical theology is relevant to everyday life

About the Author
Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore is E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Pastoral Theology at Vanderbilt University Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion. Winner of a prestigious Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology award, she is a national and international leader in pastoral and practical theologies and widely recognized for research on families, women, and children. Her publications include Feminist and Womanist Pastoral Theology (1999) and an upcoming collection of essays, Christian Theology in Practice: Discovering a Discipline (2012).

Reviews

"The energy, organization, intelligence, and wisdom of the editor have borne fruit in this very splendid book. It deserves to be widely read and used." (Reviews Religion & Theology, 7 April 2015)

"The first comprehensive reference work to provide a survey, description and analysis of practical theology as an area of study." (Native American Encyclopedia, 20 December 2013)

"This Companion has wide scope ... and is surely the most definitive definition of what practical theology entails to date ... An important addition to the shelves of those who teach practical theology or ministers as well as those engaged in the ministry themselves ... [It] offers a new way of seeing the subject, with sets of essays that are informative, novel, and take theology in new directions." (Regent's Reviews, 2012)

"This edited collection is a showcase presenting how contemporary scholarship of practical theology has been developed into a wide concept of practical theology ... For those who are interested in teaching Christian theology from a practical theological perspective, this book will be a useful reference." (Homiletic Journal, 2012)

"Miller-McLemore, a leader in the field, has edited an excellent handbook on Christian practical theology. Though the essays are short, they provide excellent overviews of the various topics and, more important, helpful bibliographies for students who wish to explore certain topics further ... Libraries supporting curricula in Christian theology and ministry should acquire this good introduction to the field. It is essential for acquisition for seminary libraries ... Recommended: upper-level undergraduates and above." (Choice, 2012)

Book Information
ISBN 9781118724095
Author Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore
Format Paperback
Page Count 640
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 971g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 173mm * 31mm