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Reviewed by Dan Dick Prelude to Practical Theology: Variations on Theory and Practice, by Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner
Abingdon Press, 2008 In a culture so enamored with “right belief,” it is easy to forget that a faith that doesn’t result in a changed behavior is not true faith. “Practical theology is a spiritual symphony that puts faith in action and action in faith.” (p.37) Stevenson-Moessner notes that many of the major advances in practical theology emerged from liberation, feminist, and other “post-colonial” (non-hierarchical) theologies. Practical theology is often relegated to a lesser position than historical theology–dismissed by academics and philosophers alike–at a time when the Christian church needs it most. This book is a loving encouragement to take practical theology seriously. “Theology is the music of religious inquiry. Practical theology is the music of religious inquiry in cyclical engagement with theory and practice, with practice and theory, with both the orchestra and the audience.” (p. 59) There is a healthy focus on balance throughout the book–theory and praxis in dynamic synergy, both so much greater in relationship than either manages alone. What the church most needs in the modern (post-modern?) era is a theology that moves–a theology with a rhythm, a beat, an energy and force that creates an irresistible invitation to action. Practical theology produces a music that the church can (and must) dance to. There is no justifiable reason that practical theology should be looked down upon by other academic and theological pursuits. It is where “the rubber meets the road,” and core values and beliefs produce results. Recalling the Epistle of James, “faith without works is dead,” (James 2:26), Stevenson-Moessner reminds us that practical theology isn’t an option, but a central facet of the Christian faith. The highlights of Prelude to Practical Theology are the illustrative stories and examples that describe what practical theology looks like when applied in local congregations. These short anecdotes challenge Christians to examine what they believe in light of what they actually do. For The United Methodist Church, the entire book (and a few specific illustrations) calls us to reflect deeply and hard on what it means to have “open hearts, open minds, and open doors.” There is no radical Christian service without risk or cost. To be like Jesus, to take one’s place in the Body of Christ, to love the people that God loves–these things require sacrifice and commitment. They are not easy, nor are they simple. But they rest at the heart of what it means to be disciples. Prelude to Practical Theology asks us to practice what we preach–to align what we say with what we do, to mesh our articulated values with our lived values. It offers a compelling argument that there is no authentic theology apart from practical theology. In short, it reminds us that actions indeed speak louder than words. 
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