Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 160
•
Trim: 6½ x 9
978-1-5381-4390-2 • Hardback • December 2020 • $81.00 • (£62.00)
978-1-5381-4391-9 • Paperback • December 2020 • $32.00 • (£25.00)
978-1-5381-4392-6 • eBook • December 2020 • $30.00 • (£25.00)
Christina R. Zaker is director of field education at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. Her past experiences in Campus Ministry, as the Executive Director of Amate House for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and in parish ministry lend to her ability to journey with students in their field education experiences. She is a practical theologian with a focus on spirituality and justice. She is the chair of the Research and Publications committee for the Association of Theological Field Education and is a member of the National Association for Lay Ministers.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Breathing Deeply: Noticing God in the Midst of Life
Chapter 2: Cultivating the Heart: Carving out the Space for Reflective Practice
Chapter 3: Developing Ears that Can Hear and Eyes that Can See
Chapter 4: Exploring Parables as a Lens for Reflection: Key Frameworks for Reflective Practice
Chapter 5: Connecting: Reflective Practice, Solidarity and the Spiritual Life
Chapter 6: Practicing Reflection: Reflective Practice through the Lens of Parable
Epilogue: Finding Hope in Family During COVID-19
Appendix A – Theological Reflection in Parabolic Mode Quick Reference
Appendix B – High School Service Journal
With the wisdom of an experienced parent, the instincts of a theological educator, and the heart of a practical theologian, Christina Zaker inventively reminds us why the art of reflection is an indispensable spiritual practice. Be prepared to be surprised, be prepared to be “parabled.” This is certainly the most accessible introduction to theological reflection available today. Bravo!
— Edward Foley, capuchin, Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality, Catholic Theological Union
Christina Zaker shows that everyone searching for meaning in life engages in some form of reflection. Her study is grounded in solid theology, sensitive to the dynamics of human psychology, and creative in the way she weaves all these insights together. It is an excellent text for theology classes and those interested in reflective living.
— Dianne Bergant, CSA, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies, Catholic Theological Union
Christina Zaker expertly equips and encourages readers on the journey of a reflective life. Theological field educators and their students will appreciate her adaptable framework for reflection and the many helpful examples. The reflective practice she commends alerts us to be attentive to the movement of God at work and joyfully join in.
— Matthew Floding, Director of ministerial formation, Duke Divinity School, former chair, The Association for Theological Field Education