Presented in a condensed version as the opening lecture and inaugural lecture by Prof. Dr. Jos de Kock, Professor of Practical Theology, at the official opening of the academic year and on the occasion of his appointment as Rector of the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, September 23, 2019.
This lecture explores two questions: (1) How might learning in encounter be understood as a concept and as a practice in current-day practices of religious education and youth ministry? (2) How might learning in encounter be understood as a concept and as a practice in the theological faculty? Both questions are explored by taking on a practical theological perspective. From this perspective, (a) the empirical reality of the here and now is taken as a main source for developing theological reflection, (b) a threefold set of empirical hermeneutical skills is applied (observation, listening, and learning language), and (c) a thorough reflection on four layers of normativity in studying religious practices is advocated. The concept and practice of learning in encounter is explored in greater depth, and an agenda for research into religious education and youth ministry practices with attention to learning in encounter is presented. Furthermore, a description is provided for the meaning of learning in encounter as a guiding principle for practicing practical theology at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF), Leuven, and for the communal vision of the ETF as an academic and formational institution. (50 pag. ISBN 9789463961028)
De Kock, Jos. Wait a Minute in Stressful Times: A Practical Theological Account of Learning in Encounter. Leuven: Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, 2019.