https://czasopisma.kul.pl/index.php/vv/index
VERBUM VITAE • 42/1 (2024)
39–53
Received: Dec 30, 2023 | Accepted: Feb 1, 2024 | Published: Mar 27, 2024
Navigating the Postmodern Landscape : Embracing Interdisciplinary Openness in Pastoral Theology DAMIJAN GANC HTTPS:/ ORCID.ORG/0009–0002–3543–6456 Reliance Family Institute in Sevnica, Slovenia, damijan.ganc@gmail.com Abstract: In the face of rising secularization and the waning influence of the Church, contemporary pastoral theology encounters both a formidable challenge and an enticing opportunity in the postmodern era. This article explores how enhanced interdisciplinary engagement of pastoral theology can foster a renewed approach to evangelization aligned with contemporary sensibilities. Through a comprehensive literature review, we shed light on the experiences of the postmodern individual. By applying the analogy method and anchoring the concepts of “Logos Spermaticos” and “Influence and Vulnerability” in pastoral theology, we reveal its potential contribution to the interdisciplinary evolution of the concept of universal fraternity. The analysis shows that interdisciplinary collaboration in pastoral theology unfolds developmental prospects on two levels – learning from and learning with other disciplines. The “Logos Spermaticos” concept underscores the importance of acquiring new skills, empowering pastoral workers to communicate Christian doctrine more effectively. Simultaneously, the “Influence and Vulnerability” concept fosters a dialogical approach, positioning pastoral theology as a respected interlocutor in contemporary interdisciplinary dialogues. Collaborative efforts with other disciplines empower pastoral theology to foster dialogue and deepen the idea of universal fraternity, both in academic discourse and practical application. The interdisciplinary and global development of fraternal humanism represents the necessary “loosening of the soil” for the seed of the Word of God to sprout in the future. Therefore, it becomes imperative for pastoral theology to transcend its conventional role, actively engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue, thereby charting a course toward an elevated societal role and innovative avenues for proclaiming the Gospel. Keywords: postmodernity, pastoral theology, logos spermatikos, influence and vulnerability, universal fraternity, interdisciplinary dialogue
In the Western world, the Catholic Church is grappling with its role within a secular postmodern society and culture. In this pursuit, it faces a multitude of challenges. Traditional pastoral approaches are progressively losing their effectiveness, while novel methods are often met with apprehension and skepticism. Over the past five centuries, the Church has navigated significant political, social, and cultural shifts. While in the year 1500, it was almost impossible not to believe in God, the 21st century presents precisely the opposite scenario (Taylor 2007, 25). The advent of modernity signified a rupture from traditional Christian society, and in the latter half of the 20th century, the era of postmodernity emerged. The transition from traditional Christian society to the modern era, alongside the concurrent process of secularization, has been extensively studied. According to
http:/ creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0 ISSN 1644-8561 | e-ISSN 2451-280X | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31743/vv.17029 Ganc
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