This Integrative Seminar course explores the nuanced understanding of pastoral theology and care as it has been developed throughout Christian history. In this course, students who are pastoral practitioners will be asked to identify what is at stake in their specific pastoral context and reflect psychologically, socioculturally, ethically, and theologically. Psychological and other social scientific theories and insights will be drawn to understand and interpret concrete pastoral care situations. Students will critically examine their ethical-theological beliefs or assumptions that impact and challenge practices of care as they engage with individuals, families, or communities. While students will be introduced to a variety of contemporary pastoral theological works, they will be encouraged to develop their own pastoral theological perspectives and practical strategies that address and tackle contemporary issues faced by the church and the wider public square today. This course is designed primarily for students in the Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling and Ph.D. students in Pastoral Theology, Personality, and Culture. However, other degree students interested in pastoral/spiritual care in the parish, chaplaincy or other ministry settings may find the course beneficial.
- Teacher: Jaeyeon Lucy Chung