Abstract
This article describes the process of theological reflection and the necessity of its practice in the formation of pastoral identity and development of ministry. Drawing upon the philosophy of C.S. Peirce, pastoral theology of the past twenty-five years, and the authors' clinical and classroom experiences, the essay illuminates the distinctive work of pastoral care givers that makes them unique in health care settings.
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References
Pruyser, P.W., The Minister as Diagnostician: Personal Problems in Pastoral Perspective. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1976; Oden, T.C., Pastoral Theology: Essentials of Ministry. San Francisco and New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1983; Kinast, R.L., “A Process Model of Theological Reflection,” The Journal of Pastoral Care, 1983, 37, p. 144; Patton, J., From Ministry to Theology: Pastoral Action & Reflection. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990; rpt. Journal of Pastoral Care Publications, Inc., 1995; Lester, A.D., Hope in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995.
Thayer, N.S.T., Spirituality and Pastoral Care. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985, p. 70.
Killen, P.O. and J. De Beer, The Art of Theological Reflection. New York: The Crossroad. Publishing Company, 1995, p. viii.
Idem.
This is consistent with Monika Hellwig's assertion that it is not only the experiences, questions, and answers of western-educated academics as well as the history of Christian thought that are the valid and legitimate sources in “action-reflection” modes of learning. Hellwig, M., Whose Experience Counts in Theological Reflection? Milwaukee: Marquette University Press, 1982.
Smith, J.E., Purpose and Thought: The Meaning of Pragmatism. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1978, p. 87.
Colapietro, V.M., Pierce's Approach to the Self: A Semiotic Perspective on Human Subjectivity. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1989, pp. 55, 73.
Ibid., p. 84.
Ibid., p. 74.
Ibid., p. 57.
For different frameworks used in making such assessments see: Fitchett, G., Assessing Spiritual Needs: A Guide for Caregivers. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1993; Murray, J.L., “Spiritual Assessment Guide,” Department of Chaplaincy Services and Clinical Pastoral Education Program Manual and Handbook. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Health System, 1997; rpt. 2000–2001, p. 63.
A model process for the care giver to use in exploring his or her relationship with God can be found in Murray, J.L., “Relationship with God as a Dimension of Pastoral Supervision,” Journal of Supervision and Training in Ministry, 1997, 18, p. 82.
Lebacqz, K., Ethics and Spiritual Care: A Guide for Pastors, Chaplains, and Spiritual Directors. Nashville: Abindgon Press, 2000.
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Warren, H.A., Murray, J.L. & Best, M.M. The Discipline and Habit of Theological Reflection. Journal of Religion and Health 41, 323–331 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021122409771
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021122409771