Theological Reflection-Case Study Outline

The purpose of the Theological Reflection is to provide a forum for bringing theological and ethical knowledge to bear on every day incidents in parish life. The purpose is not to problem solve or evaluate performance. The incident for the case study is to be written and must be brief, on a single sheet of paper with lines numbered. The limitation of space forces the writer to identify critical information. The presenter should have a copy of the written incident for each person in the group. The presenter will read the description of the event, then the group will work together on the theological and ethical reflection.

In the description of the event, please include:

  1. Background information: Put the incident in the context of the wider life of the congregation and describe the major players in the incident.
  1. Description: State here what happened and what the people involved did. Include as much relevant detail as possible in the limited space. Leave out extraneous factors. Include those things which the group needs to know to discuss the incident intelligently. Identify issues, relationships, turning points, and other interesting features of the incident. Also indicate why you chose to bring this incident to the group.

For Group discussion

  1. Begin by having the presenter read the above document for the group. Ask any clarifying questions, remembering that the goal is theological/ethical reflection, not problem solving or evaluation.
  1. Identify the “goods” or values in conflict in the situation. (For example, the need of a particular parishioner vs. the need of the congregation, or the quality of life for an ill person vs. the quality of life for the caregiver, or the apparent harmlessness of agreeing to the request of one person vs. the impact on the parish if everyone makes that request.) There may be more than one such conflict in the incident. Why is each “good” or value important? What makes it important?

3. In what context have these conflicting values presented themselves in your life, in the

church, the secular world, or personal relationships?

4. What in Scripture, Reason/Experience, or Tradition helps clarify the situation and might

give guidance on how to respond or insight into the conflict?

5. What does it mean, if anything, that we are a group of ordained people wrestling with

this as opposed to a secular group(business, civic club etc.) or another group of

Christians?