Abstract
This contribution explains the value of self-giving and critically questions the discourse on self-sacrifice in relation to ministerial spirituality. In practice, what others may describe as self-sacrifice may be experienced by a care-giver as an adequate form of self-giving inspired by the Christian vocation, without any praise for one’s own deeds, without any overestimation of the heroic character of one’s own giving. An inherent danger in the concept of self-sacrifice is a closedness to critically assessing the balance of power in one’s own relationships. In this sense, theologians are asked to use the concept self-sacrifice with caution, as the theological language may inspire people, ideas and the general discourse further than intended.
Highlights
A full page in one of the major newspapers in Flanders, Belgium, was devoted to the time pressure of a young priest
Must pastors care for others in such a radical way that they even risk their own lives and that they leave everything behind in order to care for others? I will show an adequate form of self-giving in pastoral work and demonstrate how we can avoid a sacrificial model of pastoral care
The discussion about metaphors of pastoral care has led us to a critical reflection on power and self-sacrifice
Summary
A full page in one of the major newspapers in Flanders, Belgium, was devoted to the time pressure of a young priest. I will show an adequate form of self-giving in pastoral work and demonstrate how we can avoid a sacrificial model of pastoral care. It is important that pastors recognise the giving of the other because in being able to ‘give’ to others, to care for others, people may feel their full humanness, their agency, which is a form of ‘power’ to choose one’s deeds and to give meaning to others.
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