Customer Reviews

Spiritual Dimensions of Pastoral Care: Practical Theology in a Multidisciplinary Context

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'Spiritual Dimensions of Pastoral Care', edited by David Willows and John Swinton, was a book I read during my CPE turn at the local hospital. I found it to be an invaluable resource for contemplation and considering the different aspects of pastoral care that I was engaging in with patients and residents at the retirement home where I am chaplain. 'Within all caring encounters there is a transcendent dynamic that encompasses, yet lifts us beyond, our professional skills and competencies into the realms of mystery.'

This is a book of practical theology in many respects - practical theology is relatively new to the UK (this book is a product of Britain) but has a longer history in the United States - this is a book indicative of what Robin Gill et al. was talking about when he referred to the change in outlook of theology over the past generation, that Europe and Britain is now looking to the North America as much as North America looks eastward for inspiration and guidance.

While practical theology is important, it still needs to take place in context of a wider system of theological understanding and reflection. This book does not neglect that aspect. 'The art of theological reflection - the critical conversation between context and tradition, leading to revised theological understandings and ways of being in the world - has thus established itself as a particular method that forms the heart of the practical theological task.'

One part that I truly appreciate about the essays here is the final section, Practical Theology as Story. Narrative theology is a particularly important form for me, as it recognizes that we all have stories, are all informed by stories both in the surrounding culture and from historical periods, and that these have varying interpretations and meanings that can be crafted in community to have real power. Gordon Lynch and David Willows use a story from Martin Buber, highlighting the transformative and healing power of the story, and the storytelling of the Baal Shem Tov's ritual, leading into a larger discussion of how pastoral care relies upon the telling of and listening to stories.

This is a powerful book, and a very useful text for reflection and insight by any in caring professions.