Faithfully Negotiating the Danger of this Existence: Stanley Hauerwas, Performing the Kingdom, and Psychotherapy as Ethical Discourse

Abstract

The life and work of Stanley Hauerwas are discussed in light of what his theological work might mean for clinicians in the fields of psychology and counseling. In particular, three broad themes are considered. The first theme highlights the manner in which Hauerwas critiques the assumptions of liberalism and argues for the story-formed nature of ethics and character. The second theme develops the way in which Hauerwas understands the role of tradition, narrative, grammar, practice, and virtue in shaping character specifically as it applies to his understanding of the Christian tradition. The last theme addresses how Hauerwas understands the church to be a political and subversive witness that embodies an alternative conception of life and of being human. Implications of Hauerwas’ thought for psychotherapy are considered for each theme as well as potential questions that might emerge for clinicians as they interact with Hauerwas’ work.