After a brief review of the origins of practical theology in Finland, the authors trace the several institutional locations in which practical theological scholarship occurs. The bulk of the article elaborates on recent developments in the field within seven distinctive research areas in Finland: ecclesiastical law, ecclesiastical administration, worship and homiletics, pastoral care, religious education, church and culture (focused on aesthetics and communications), and church and social studies. The authors close by noting that, beginning in the 1960s, Finnish practical theology shifted from historical studies toward empirical approaches and international collaboration, even though interest in historical trends still persists.

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