Praktische Theologie und Ästhetik : ein Buch- und Forschungsbericht

The author asks whether "aesthetics" can be seen as a new paradigm for Practical Theology. Although this question cannot be answered with certainty, the growing importance of aesthetics for Practical Theology is acknowledged. Aesthetics can be understood in numerous ways: 1) as the theory of aesthetic experience, 2) as the theory of art and its objects, 3) as the theory of aesthetic rationality, and, 4) aesthetics as the theory of aesthetic reason. The corresponding influences of these interpretations on Practical Theology are 1) the theory of aesthetics and religious experience, 2) the theory of religious art, 3) the theory of a contemporary Protestant art of life, and 4) Practical Theology in aesthetic constellations. The latter four influences of aesthetics on Practical Theology in turn influences the traditional themes of Practical Theology (worship and preaching, pastoral counseling and religious education).