Practical Theology
Prof. Dr. Johannes Greifenstein
Luftaufnahme/Universität Jena
Insight into the Discipline
Practical Theology is the theory of religious practice within individual, ecclesial, and societal contexts. Traditionally, it has focused on pastoral activities, committed to theology’s educational role as a discipline of guidance and orientation. Alongside this stands a broader interest in religious and Christian culture. Research and teaching do furthermore focus on preaching and worship, pastoral care and church leadership, but also on private and public ways of dealing with church traditions, and Christian symbols or religious phenomena.
The aim of Practical Theology is to develop a scientific and transdisciplinary connectable understanding of the wide range of topics, questions and problems within its field. To achieve this, it employs a variety of methods and integrates perspectives from different non-theological as well as from other theological disciplines. It investigates its content from historical, empirical and systematic perspectives alike – interpreting sources, reconstructing discourses, discussing key concepts and reflecting on forms of action.
At Jena, the main areas of Practical Theology include the theory of preaching, worship, pastoral care and church theory, as well as the theory of religious practices and phenomena (especially prayer and blessing; in general: piety). Distinctive features include the development of a practical-theological approach to church law and a cultural theory of the bible and biblical practice.
The theological profile of Practical Theology in Jena is shaped by liberal Protestantism, entailing both a capability for critical distance from internal religious perspectives and a constructive engagement with lived religion. The central aim of teaching is to encourage students toward independent judgment and responsible professional competence.
Johannes Greifenstein, Univ.-Prof. Dr
Lehrstuhl Praktische Theologie
Staff and contact
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Greifenstein, Johannes, Univ.-Prof. Dr Professor of practical theology Lehrstuhl Praktische Theologie
Room 307
Fürstengraben 6
07743 Jena
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena) -
Glatzel, Matthis Christian, Dr Scientific Assistant Lehrstuhl Praktische Theologie
Fürstengraben 6
07743 Jena -
Kopecki, Katharina Team Assistant Lehrstuhl Praktische Theologie
Room 305
Fürstengraben 6
07743 Jena
Image: Moayad Shilleh, Event Foto Jena UG
