There is a growing consensus among scholars in different countries about the object of practical theology. Hans van der Ven has contributed much to this consensus through his writings on the foundations of practical theology, the empirical paradigm within practical theology, and specific subdisciplines within practical theology, especially religious education, moral education, church development and ministry. At the center of this growing consensus is an understanding of the independent hermeneutical role of religious experiences and practices of people in the process of theological theory-building. If contemporary religious experiences and practices have a critical role with regard to religious tradition (and the ministry of this tradition), then practical theology cannot just be a form of applied theology. The contributors of this volume focus on this hermeneutical core, foundations of practical theology and on empirical research as a research method within practical theology in the work of Van der Ven.

Hermans, Chris A.M. is Professor of Practical Theology, especially Empirical Theology and Director of the Institute of Catholic Education at the Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Mary Elisabeth Moore is Director of the Program for Women in Theology and Ministry and Professor of Religion and Education, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.