Abstract
In this article, I argue that the notion of ecclesia or faith community is a central, existential anthropological premise that can shape how we understand facets of pastoral counseling such as diagnosis, process, and aims. Implicit here is the idea that the distinctiveness of pastoral counseling lies not simply in accountability and authority vis-à-vis community, but in its use of a communitarian anthropology to understand the importance of community for psychosocial development, resiliency, and healing. I argue further that in the 21st century the centrality of the notion of community is, and will continue to be, critical, because of political and economic forces that undermine community, giving rise to psychosocial alienation, depression, etc.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling: Advancing theory and professional practice through scholarly and reflective publications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
