 Catholic Web Content Development Articles Series (1 of 7) - Using
the SEE-JUDGE-ACT Theological Method
Introduction
This first of a series, introduces the use of a theological method for web
content development. This theological method, known familiarly as SEE-JUDGE-ACT,
can help us develop web content that challenges the mind to think more analytically.
Though the more theologically-minded can comprehensively cover all that is
involved in the method, for small Catholic web content development purposes,
we can use the method to simply engage our readers in reflection.
The SEE-JUDGE-ACT theological method
This method, according to "The Dictionary of Theology", by editors Komonchak,
Collins and Lane, is actually one of eight dominant theological methods. The
SEE-JUDGE-ACT method is based on Bernard Lonergan's view of theology, that moves
in a fourfold way: from experience to understanding, then to judgment, and finally
to decision. Theology professors trained in the Louvain school of theology,
compact this fourfold way of Lonergan into just three: SEE-JUDGE-ACT. The other
prevailing theological methods mentioned together with this SEE-JUDGE-ACT
method, view theology: 1. as existentialism, 2. as transcendental anthropology,
3. as hermeneutics, 4. as eschatology, 5. as linguistic analysis, 6. as process
thought, and 7. as liberation praxis. The most basic of all these methods, the
SEE-JUDGE-ACT, is easily applicable to Catholic web content development.
Form and content in writing the SEE-JUDGE-ACT method
Using SEE-JUDGE-ACT need not be complicated in Catholic web content development.
The three main sections of a Catholic article and blog post are (as an example):
actual human experience in the family or work setting (SEE); what our Scriptures and
Church teaching (catechism or encyclicals) teach as a value in relation to
living together as a family (JUDGE); and what our decision will be, to commit
ourselves to this value that must be upheld (ACT). With an introduction to
set the tone of our Catholic article, and a summary to recap all the essential
points considered in going through this theological process, we can already
develop solid web content for those seeking a deeper understanding of family
life in the context of their Catholic faith.
Organisation technique in writing SEE-JUDGE-ACT
If we take, for example, the present phenomenon of broken families, as our
subject in this method, we can then organise both our ideas and actual
statistics, in developing an effective Catholic article or blog post.
In the introduction, we can be free-flowing in describing the human
family in the context of a specific culture. Then in the "SEE" paragraph,
we can begin to explore the present situation of the human family - backed
up with statistical data and percentages of broken families to strongly-bonded
families.
JUDGE
As we move on to the "JUDGE" section of this theological process, we then
explore what the Scriptures and Church teaching say about the human family.
One good writing technique we can employ is to always quote, or at least give
the reference from Scripture or Church teaching, which upholds the values of
a strongly-bonded family.
ACT
In the process of analysing what causes broken families, and how the Church
really wants to take a pastoral approach to heal such brokenness, we can then
move on the ACT paragraph, and start with questions for reflection. We can
ask ourselves, what would I be if I became a product also of a broken family?
How would this experience shape my attitudes towards marriage and family
life? We can write effective reflections in this stage
(quoting also examples from real life), and then move on to a decision,
that would make us commit more strongly to the value of a God-centered
family.
Finally, we can end with a summary that recaps the insights and wisdom
we have uncovered in our theological reflections, and present this as a
common truth we can relate to in dealing with the reality
of family life: its imperfections, and the woundedness or trauma it can
inflict upon some members, due to every family member's basic sinfulness.
Then we can end with a positive note, saying that the Church always gathers the
family and gives it support through the sacraments of healing and reconciliation.
Making SEE-JUDGE-ACT an effective writing technique
In web content development, aside from the substantial content we are
organising to help us reach a pastoral solution, we must also remember
the application of search engine optimization techniques. If we can
strike a balance between objectively stating the facts, touching
the hearts of our readers with our deep theological reflections at the
same time, and finally editing the whole article to make it search-engine
friendly, then our writing can produce a positive impact: providing
both educational and inspiring material; presenting objective and spiritually
uplifting insights; and achieving an incisive understanding of how human
families follow the commandment of love given by Christ.
Comprehensive research applied to web content development
For this structured theological method of SEE-JUDGE-ACT, if we are able
to research well all data and statistics concerning the subject being
developed, then readers will truly benefit from our Catholic articles
and Catholic blog posts which use this method. The key to effectively
writing and developing web content using SEE-JUDGE-ACT, is to be familiar
with the subject we are developing, and to introduce the wisdom of Scripture,
Church teaching, and actual human experience we have obtained in relation
to the subject being examined.
Related resources
Dennis Emmanuel Cabrera
Web Developer Methods for Catholics
www.c-web-developer.net
My Main Catholic Blog
www.c-internet-mission.net
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