ABSTRACT
This chapter begins to construct a methodological and thematic map of the new theological space that has emerged over the course of these many contributions. It offers the concept of the serendipitous encounter as a new contribution to practical and public theology. The threshold represents the space of new insight and opportunity from which to engage in transforming and purposive action. The serendipitous encounter, produced by unforeseen events or a more deliberately intuitive placing of oneself, can lead to a space or experience that is initially strange, unfamiliar and disorientating. The definition of the word serendipity, that is, the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident', describes just the right amount of human agency in respect to making new connections. The chapter identifies five such realities or spectra in order express the full dynamism and complexity of what the authors believe is now required of the discipline of practical and public theology.
