Models of Public Theology

In this article, diffferent models of public theology are characterized according to the reasons given for the importance of and need for a public theology (foundational models) and the ways proposed for its realization (action models). There are three emphases of identified foundations: the first understands public theology as a task driven by God (model of disclosure); the second anchors the need for public theology in religious questions that affect all of humanity (universal model); the third bases itself on the finding of the public presence of religious discourse in contemporary society (factual model). With regards to the prospects for action, three principal ways are identified, which affirm the possibility of the publicization of theology: addressing diffferent audiences, such as the academy and the church (model of the audience); articulating itself through a style and an accessible form of argument (apologetic model); addressing contextual challenges (contextual model).