Siblings or 2nd Cousins-Once-Removed: A Relational Taxonomy for Practical Theology

Abstract

This essay considers the sibling relationships between Applied Theology, Contextual Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Practical Theology.  It concludes that applied theology had a relationship to practical theology as it emerged in eighteenth century Germany, but they cannot be considered synonymous today.  Regarding contextual theology, it is suggested that while all practical theology need be contextual, all contextual theology is not practical theology.  Finally, it considerss Pastoral Theology as an ambiguous term and designates a field rather than a discipline.