Pastoral Care

Catalog description

This course teaches the art of pastoral care as it relates to the psychological and theological needs of persons and Christian communities. Theories of pastoral care, its ethical context, the healing functions of rituals, and specific interventions for predictable human needs such as birth, death, illness, trauma, marriage, divorce, and life passage celebrations will be considered. In addition, theological responses to the question of theodicy will be articulated. The class presents historical perspectives and practice through case studies and modeling. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: REL-501.