Pastoral Theology and the Correlation Method. Pastoral theology is concerned with the practical application of the study of theology in the context of regular church ministry. Pastoral theology seeks to give practical expression to theology, regards cultural pluralism as both challenge and opportunity and affirms cultural, philosophical and religious difference as a source for further dialogue and development. This may be achieved through the method of correlation. Correlation methodology assumes that though theology is an internal discourse of Christian identity, it is to be conducted in public. The correlative method conceives of theological reflection as occurring via a process of conversation (or ‘correlation’) between Christian revelation and surrounding cultures. Christianity did not spring up in vacuum. Historically it developed in a particular pluralistic religious context and from its inception its task has been to make its norms and theology meaningful and relevant to its faithful disciples. Therefore, Christian theology to be relevant must necessarily continually re-examine itself in the light of the cultural, religious, social, political, and other backgrounds. The assumption here is that a new mixed culture of sorts is emerging in our neighborhoods, place of work and schools and colleges and a new scenario is unfolding before our very eyes, that of intercultural couples. Should we just close our eyes and ears to this new dynamic or can the Church be 54 Xxxxxx, In Living Color….171-175. the beacon bearer for the society creating a voice for the voiceless? This research on intercultural premarital couples counseling seeks to briefly look at the relevance of a revised correlation method for pastoral theology. As a therapist, the lived experience of my clients is very important to me. Each individual, each family each culture and each relationship is unique and has myriads of overt and covert cultural dynamics that takes many sessions to uncover or name. Building the trust between the client and the therapist is crucial for this openness to occur. In the beginning of my work as a therapist with intercultural couples counseling I saw myself only as a therapist with a client, with little regard for gender, culture, language, color difference and them as clients, as if these were the only two dynamics present. Gradually, as an Indian American therapist working as a pastoral theologian, sitting with clients from different cultures and different nationalities, I learnt more about race, culture, re...
