Progress Update

In its first five years, the Lilly-funded Initiative in Religious Practices & Practical Theology has seen significant progress in its aim to build a model doctoral program in practical theology and religious practices to help change the course of graduate education in religion and improve the training of a new generation of ministers and religious leaders.

Major Achievements

  • Introducing a new model of theological education and a new generation of practical theologians
    Distinct from other practical theology programs, the interdisciplinary and interreligious nature of Emory's program compels students to test and apply their theological understanding against other bodies of knowledge such as sociology, anthropology, art history, public health, and education. We are learning that the interdisciplinary nature of the program greatly contributes to its ability to produce a cohort of practical theologians and gifted teachers who are theologically sophisticated, ecclesially commited, methodologically diverse, and skilled in interdisciplinary and interreligious discourse.

  • Encouraging authentic engagement among doctoral students and new sensitivities among ministers
    The program encourages doctoral students to give rigorous attention to "real life issues" that ministers and churches deal with regularly (e.g., catechesis and domestic violence) and to shape ways to engage these issues as religious practice, with particular attention to how they may be taught as part of the life of a faithful congregation. Having the opportunity to explore these issues in an interdisciplinary setting enables students to develop a deeper understanding both of vital dimensions of the Christian heritage and of the world in which we live.

  • Introducing practical theology into scholarly conversation throughout the university
    As students in the program collaborate with faculty and students in other disciplines, practical theology is quickly becoming recognized and respected at Emory University as a relevant and, in fact, necessary contribution to the search for the deepest forms of knowledge and truth.


PhD Concentration

Since fall 2004, at least five doctoral students each year have entered Emory's PhD program intending to pursue the Concentration in Religious Practices and Practical Theology. They may specialize in any course of study within the Graduate Division of Religion, such as Person, Community and Religious Life, Theological Studies, American Religious Cultures, Ethics and Society.

There are currently 38 concentrators, and the first completed Ph.D. was awarded in December 2007.

Professional Development, Research & Dissemination

The Lilly grant has offered special support for conference participation, teaching and research to enhance students' competence in study and teaching of religious practices. Concentrators have attended the Association of Practical Theology and the Festival of Homiletics. They have researched Presbyterian political practices, youth education in sexuality, interfaith encounter, preaching, camp meetings, changing mission practices, dance practices, and home schooling.

They have developed pedagogical practices for enhancing the teaching of preaching, sexual ethics, feminist theology, medieval monastic practices, and biblical exegesis. At a variety of lunch and dinner conversations, and retreats, faculty and students have presented such work for discussion. Most recently, the Concentration has launched an on-line journal, Practical Matters: A Transdisciplinary Multimedia Journal of Religious Practices & Practical Theology, which will utilize the latest technology to create a web-based learning resource available to religious and academic communities from a variety of traditions and contexts, in the US and globally.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Through Lilly support, Emory also has offered the Candler Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Practical Theology and Religious Practices. This is a one year postdoctoral research and teaching opportunity for persons with recently completed doctorates (Ph.D. or equivalent) in practical theology, or persons with recent doctorates in other fields who wish to re-orient their training towards religious practices and equip themselves to teach practical theology in seminary settings.

There have been 13 postdoctoral fellows since fall 2003. Subsequent to the fellowship, some have found positions at the Vanderbilt School of Theology, the Vanderbilt Department of Religion, Florida State University, and the Candler School of Theology. Others are serving churches, including Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.