Practical Theology
Research in theology at York St John University has a strong
practical focus, reflecting our teaching links with church
communities. The faculty is involved in programmes from foundation
to master’s degree level that prepare people for, or develop, their
Christian ministry. Central to these programmes is the need to
enable students to understand their contexts and reflect on their
experiences. Engaging with faith communities requires research that
is able to both accurately describe religious beliefs and
attitudes, and analyse them using different interpretative
frameworks.
The Practical Theology group includes
researchers who gather empirical data using qualitative and
quantitative methods, and who analyse it using theological,
psychological and social constructs. A unifying focus is that
our research aims to increase understanding of faith communities,
whether this is in relation to their theology, their worship, or
the way in which they prepare people for ministry. The results of
our research not only add to academic understanding, but are also
of practical use to churches and to society at large.
Our main areas of expertise are:
Empirical theology
Ordinary theology
Theological education
In addition to these areas of study we have
staff and students doing doctoral work on subjects such as Reader
ministry, Anglican Ecclesiology and the Friends Associations of
Cathedrals. The group would welcome enquiries from students wanting
to study at doctoral level in the broad area of Practical Theology
and particularly PhD projects related to:
- Empirical theology
- Ordinary theology
- Theological education and
ministerial formation
- Christian ministry
- Cathedral studies
- Psychology and religion
- Bible beliefs and ordinary
hermeneutics
To find out more, please contact Dr Andrew Village.
To set up an appointment or request an
application please contact Jelena Erstic E: researchET@yorksj.ac.uk.