Public Theology: Historical Milestones

Abstract

Public theology is a relatively new theological field, but its themes and concerns are as old as the interaction between the Christian community and society. Different ages prompted different emphasis and approaches. This by far is not a way of pretending that public theology always existed in some form. This article is a biographical and historical investigation in tune with the defining features and interests of public theology and public theologians. The selection of the figures discussed here – without accounting for a complete history – aims to reflect the theoretical, practical, contextual and ecumenical aspects of public theology.

Keywords

• christian history
• common good
• public life
• social action
• social ethnics
• public theology