Written by significant researchers and practitioners within the field, this unique collection of key texts introduces the reader to practical theology. It critically explores the way in which the spiritual dimension of pastoral care has entered into constructive dialogue with other disciplines and ways of thinking.

Introduction, David Willows and John Swinton, Contact Quarterly Part One: The Emergence of Practical Theology. 1. Pastoral theology: Towards a new discipline (1983), Anthony Dyson, formerly University of Manchester. 2. Can theology be practical? (1992), Paul Ballard, Cardiff University and British and Irish Association of Practical Theology. 3. A vision of pastoral theology: In search of words that resurrect the dead (1994), Stephen Pattison with James Woodward, Cardiff University. Part Two: Practical Theology and the Art of Theological Reflection. 4. Pastoral action and theological reflection (1989), David Lyall, University of Edinburgh and New College. 5. The case study method in theological education (1990), Michael Northcott, University of Edinburgh. 6. The personality profile of Anglican clergymen (1994), Leslie Francis, University of Wales, Bangor and Raymond Rodger, Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Lincoln. 7. Practical theology as a theological form (1996), Emmanuel Lartey, University of Birmingham. Part Three: Practical Theology in Search of Practical Wisdom. 8. Pain, sickness and suffering (1980), Kenneth Boyd, University of Edinburgh and Church of Scotland. 9. Pastoral counselling and psychotherapy (1985), Michael Jacobs, formerly Leicester University. 10. Truth or dare? Sexuality, liturgy and pastoral theology (1994), Elaine Graham, University of Manchester. 11.Friendship in community: Creating a space for love (1997), John Swinton. Part Four: Practical Theology in Critical Dialogue. 12. Objections to a national pastoral organisation (1971) Robert Lambourne, formerly University of Birmingham. 13. Religion and psychotherapy: Friends or foes? (1978), Irene Bloomfield, Association of Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Counselling. 14. The theology of pastoral counselling (1980) Frank Lake, founder of the Clinical Theology Association. 15. Pastors or counsellors? (1992) Alan Billings, parish priest. 16. Where is the theology of British pastoral counselling? (1996), Gordon Lynch, University of Birmingham. Part Five: Practical Theology and Social Action. 17. A healthy society? (1976), James Mathers, formerly University of Birmingham. 18. The politics of pastoral care (1979), Alastair Campbell, University of Bristol. 19. Personal care and political action (1985), Michael Wilson, formerly University of Birmingham. Part Six: Practical Theology as Story. 20. Telling tales: The narrative dimension of pastoral care and counselling (1998), Gordon Lynch, University of Birmingham and David Willows. 21. The challenge of creativity (1999), David Aldridge, University of Witten Herdecke, Germany. 22. Passion and pain: Conceiving theology out of infertility (1999), Heather Walton, University of Glasgow. References. Index.

The essays cover a wide range of practical and theological issues such as bereavement, sexuality, ethics, learning disabilities, infertility, the meaning of pain, sickness and suffering and the nature of theology as a practical discipline.