PC121-812 - Theology for Everyday Life

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC621.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, theology for everyday life, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Interpret: a) the elements of everyday life; and b) the effects of social structure and culture on everyday life

2. Critique selected approaches to theology for everyday life

3. Practise the methods of Christian reflection in everyday life

4. Present a Research-Aware evidence-based theological reflection on everyday life

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Theology for Everyday Life’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A: Theological Reflection on Everyday Life

A reflective study of the following broad themes in the light of the gospel:

1. The routine activities of daily life, including meals and eating, dress, greetings, transport, sleep and rest, hobbies.

2. The culture within which daily life is lived, including the use of time, the influence of radio, television and printed media, consumerism, sport, gender roles, sexual pressure.

3. Personal relationships, including friendship (with both men and women), family, colleagues, neighbours (in each case considering relationships with people within and beyond the faith).

4. Major social structures as contexts for ministry, including paid work, social security, schooling, housing, community and political involvement.

Section B: Personal Reflection on Everyday Life

5. Biography and spiritual autobiography as categories of Christian theology.

6. Prayer, meditation, and the practice of the presence of God in everyday life.

7. Personal beliefs and values; commitments and loyalties; the tensions between social solidarity and individual uniqueness.

8. The planning and management of personal ministry and development.

Section C: Lay Ministry in Practice

Students are to undertake substantial autobiographical work (with supervised reflection), including the use of a journal, and a written review of their use of time.

Notes:

  • Sections A, B and C are weighted approximately 40%, 30% and 30%.
  • Although the emphasis in the unit is on personal life, group work is encouraged, particularly for Section C.

 

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Banks, R. J., Redeeming the Routines (Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1993).

Detweiler, C. and B. Taylor, A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003).

Stevens, R. P., Seven Days of Faith: Every Day Alive with God (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2001).

 

Recommended:

Banks, R. J., The Tyranny of Time (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 1997).

Banks, R. J. and R. P. Stevens (eds), The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity (Downers Grove, IL: IVP 1997).

Bass, D. E., Practicing our Faith (San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 1997).

Boyer, E. Jr., Finding God at Home: Family Life as a Spiritual Discipline (San Francisco: Harper, 1984).

Frost, M., Eyes Wide Open: Seeing God in the Ordinary (Sydney: Albatross, 1998).

Gempf, C., Mealtime Habits of the Messiah (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005).

Holt, S. and G. Preece, The Bible and the Business of Life (Adelaide: Australian Theological Forum, 2004).

Holt, S. and G. Preece, Mind the Gap Between Faith and Work (South Hamilton, MA: Lausanne Occasional Papers, 2005).

Pierce, G. A. F., Spirituality @ Work: 10 Ways to Balance your Life on-the-Job (Chicago: Loyola, 2001).

Preece, G. R., Changing Work Values: A Christian Response (Melbourne: Acorn, 1995).

Starkey, M., Fashion & Style (Crowborough, UK: Monarch, 1995).

Stevens, R. P., The Abolition of the Laity: Vocation, Work and Ministry in Biblical Perspective (Carlisle; Grand Rapids: Paternoster; Eerdmans, 1999).