Practical theology, opening the doors with the local congregation: A situated conversation between Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Howard Gardner, and the Fourth Presbyterian Church, South Boston, Massachusetts

This dissertation uses interdisciplinary methodology to present a model of a situated conversation between the fields of theology and cognitive psychology in the context of a local congregation. Representing theology, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work is used to consider the question of the nature of the church-community and the theological anthropology of the individual within this communal context. Howard Gardner's work in cognitive psychology and educational reform serves as the conversation partner from the human sciences. These two seemingly unrelated disciplines are brought together in conversation using the interdisciplinary methodology of James Loder through a relationship that is both bipolar and unified, where theology has marginal control over the human sciences.; This situated conversation has a third partner, the local congregation of Fourth Presbyterian Church, South Boston, Massachusetts. This particular church opened its doors at the invitation to become an active partner in this dissertation. Congregational members have studied and responded to the particular theorists mentioned above as they relate to their own ideas of church and education. Their comments and musings have been incorporated into each chapter of the dissertation. Their prayers and continual interest in this project have propelled this dissertation to greater depths than would have been possible Finally, this is a dissertation in the sub-discipline of Practical Theology know as Christian Education. In the final chapter, the situated conversation produces the beginnings of an outline of Christian Education theory. This is an outline that is grounded in relationality, a concept which emerged from the situated conversation between Bonhoeffer and Gardner. Drawing on the dissertation advisor, Dr. Richard R. Osmer's appropriation of Gardner's goals of education for a Christian context, a theory of Christian Education grounded in faith, hope, and love has emerged that can open doors with other congregations.