Smart Theology and Social Competency: Navigating Youth Engagement in the Digital Age

Based on an interdisciplinary study of practical theology, pedagogy, and business education, this article elaborates on aspects of social competence, digitality, engagement, and lived theology. The article further describes in which areas and how often young adults completing vocational training are involved in society and the church and how they use their smartphones. In addition, the young people’s assessment of the opportunities and risks of digital possibilities is discussed as aspects of etiquette regarding manners with the smartphone. Furthermore, it is worked out how young adults perceive themselves as socially competent and what implications this has for social learning. Finally, the authors describe the significance of these findings for hybrid-liquid church life and the extent to which practical action promotes the theological productivity of young adults and supports their development.