The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesiological Theology

March 14, 2009 by Gerald Hiestand

McGrath on Pastoral Ministry and Theology

Alister McGrath on the historic connection between theology and pastoral ministry, from his book Historical Theology:

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly that Christianity does not occupy its present position as a global faith on account of university faculties of theology or departments of religion. There is a strongly pastoral dimension to Christianity, which is generally inadequately reflected in the academic discussion of theology. . .  This academic bias is, however, a recent development. Puritanism is an excellent instance of a movement which placed theological integrity alongside pastoral applicability, believing that each was incomplete without the other. The writings of individuals such as Richard Baxter and Jonathan Edwards are saturated with the belief that theology finds its true expression in pastoral care and the nurture of souls. ”

Indeed.

Categories: Ecclesial Theology