Emerging issues concerning the practices of theological education

This essay surveys a range of contemporary literature addressing the need f or significant changes in our current understandings and practices of theol ogical education. It draws particular attention to the renewed emphasis on "practical theology" as a vital orientation in theological education. It ar gues that theological education is primarily concerned with bringing theolo gy into serous engagement with the social, cultural, political, and ecclesi al contexts shaping our lives.