Authors: Felix Aspiras, Adonis Gorospe, Luis Pantoja Jr., Charles Ringma, Isabelo Magalit
Keywords: Phronesis, Practical Wisdom, Theory, Praxis, Ethical, Moral, Knowledge, Concrete Situations, Christian Leaders, Philippines, Asia, Kingdom Values, Family, Church, Community, Societal Institutions, Nation, Theology, Biblical Studies, Missions, Church History, Christian Education, Church Ministry, Leadership, Work, Marketplace, Vocation, Calling, Dualistic View, Sacred, Secular, Professionals, Lay Theology, Integration, Hermeneutics, Application, Text, Context, Fusion of Horizons, Creation, Stewardship, Transformation
Description: This inaugural issue focuses on practical wisdom (phronesis) as the link between theology and daily life, particularly addressing the Christian in the marketplace. Articles explore developing a theology of work, confronting the dualistic view of sacred versus secular labor, and providing practical guidance for pastoring professionals. Key concepts include hermeneutics for relevant theology and realizing one’s daily work as a divine calling or vocation, demonstrating kingdom values in professional responsibilities.
- Phronesis: The Challenge of Practical Wisdom – Charles Ringma
- The Mission of Asian Theological Seminary – Isabelo Magalit
- A Theology of Work: Some Preliminary Considerations – Charles Ringma
- The Kingdom of God and the Workplace – Adonis Gorospe
- Pastoring Professionals – Luis Pantoja Jr.
- A Clash of Two Worlds: An Interpreter’s Journey in Search of Meaning Part I – Felix Aspiras
- Book Review: The Fabric of This World by Lee Hardy – David McKinley
Insights from PHRONESIS Volume 1 (August 1994)
- “phronesis has to do with practical wisdom and this involves applying knowledge to life.” -Charles Ringma
- “We want to teach theology for life—for real life, for daily life.” -Isabelo Magalit
- “Daily work is a divine vocation or calling (beruf) to serve God and neighbor in every sphere of life, including employment.” -Charles Ringma
- “The proper order of priorities, according to Dahl, is worship first, since it involves the full commitment of one’s life to God, then work, and last of all, play which ought to be permeated by an attitude of worship.” -Adonis Gorospe
- “Pastoring is not a profession, but a pastor is expected to act professionally.” -Luis Pantoja Jr.
- “Interpretation involves a clash of two worlds. The interpreter embarks on a journey from one world to another in search of meaning.” -Felix Aspiras “Hardy’s book accomplishes its task. It elevates the view of work for those who see work as a curse. At the same time, it reminds those who idolize work that work is only a part of their lives.” -David McKinley