Pastoral Theology Research Articles

Spirituality in Practice: Paul’s Call Toward a Pastoral Theology of Relationships

This article examines Paul’s letter to the Romans (with supporting texts) to assess the intersection between beliefs about God, behaviors for God, and being in community. Additionally, it offers suggestions to deepen Christian spiritual formation among congregants in churches and small groups with a view toward missiology and communal witness.

Is Pope Francis a Marxist?

Abstract Pope Francis has been widely portrayed by the popular media as a ‘revolutionary left-wing’ Pope, owing to his open stance on same-sex relationships and his harsh criticism of capitalism. His South American background has also led the media to casually associate him with the tradition of liberation theology, whose methodology is deeply influenced by Marxism. In this article, I argue that Pope Francis’s public theology is neither a Marxist theology nor a liberation theology, as some critics have suggested. In contrast, his theology is an assemblage of the critical heritage of Catholic social thought, Franciscan theology of the poor, Argentine theology of the people, and Ignatian pastoral theology.

‘Forget your people and your father’s house’ (Ps 45:11): The Hebrew Bible, marriage rites and spousal abuse in contemporary Ghana

Spousal abuse is one of the foremost threats to peaceful coexistence in families the world over. In Ghana, stakeholders, particularly Christian leaders, have raised concerns about the increasing violence associated with spousal abuse, which sometimes results in the death of victims. Although both men and women suffer abuse in marriages, those meted out to women are prevalent. While substantial effort has been made by biblical scholars to discuss these problems in the light of the New Testament teachings on marriage, a gap still remains on what light the Hebrew Bible could shed on these matters. This article, using the distinctive interest approach of African biblical hermeneutics, examines Psalm 45 as a text of Hebrew Poetry intended to accompany the marriage ritual. It argues that the portrayal of the bride and groom, and the admonitions offered in the psalm contain some of the same disturbing elements present in contemporary Ghanaian marriage celebrations, elements that engender spousal abuse. The article proposes both a theological and cultural review of these elements as a way of attenuating their combined negative effect on the marriage institution in contemporary Ghana.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This brings African biblical hermeneutics into dialogue with issues in gender studies, World Christianity, Pastoral Theology and the Exegesis of the Hebrew Psalter.

Examinations for Vicars in the Diocese of Tarnów Between 1918 and 1939

Since its inception, the Church has paid great attention to the intellectual formation of the clergy. After the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, for the pastoral and intellectual formation of the clergy of the Diocese of Tarnów between 1918 and 1939, theological examinations were of vital importance and they were carried out in accordance with the dispositions of the universal legislator contained in the 1917 Code of Canon Law in Canon 130. In the period under discussion, examinations for vicars were held in August in the auditorium of the Theological Seminary in Tarnów. The examination material included dogmatic theology, moral theology, pastoral theology and canon law. This study is a contribution to the history of canon law, as the development of the institution of examinations for vicars in the Diocese of Tarnów between 1918 and 1939 has not yet been studied.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Clergy Identity, Their Practice of Ministry and Theology

ABSTRACT This essay reflects upon some of the practical and pastoral theological implications of the results of a mixed methods study using two intuitional ethically compliant surveys regarding the well-being of New England Congregational Christian clergy. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on the clergy was not a focus of this study. The study’s results show that (1) mindful self-care is imperative for the clergy, (2) denominations would benefit from promoting existing self-care strategies and practices, including using the experience of older clergy, and (3) denominations and local congregations must provide for and promote the self-care of the clergy. These research findings are discussed through a framework of practical and pastoral theology.

Towards Theology of Parenthood: Mother Mary as the Role Model for Sensitive and Secure Christian Parenting

Mother Mary’s intimate and confidential relationship with God has inspired Christians around the world for the last two millennia. Her role in salvation history has already been discussed in detail in various church documents and scholarly literature. However, from an interdisciplinary point of view, her maternal role has not yet been fully evaluated from a psychological and child-rearing perspective. Therefore, in this article, we conduct a psychological analysis of the Gospel passages that talk about her maternal role and we evaluate these passages through the prism of the well-established attachment theory. Despite temporal and cultural differences, Mary’s maternal attitude is found to be highly consistent with the key findings in research on quality parenting and interpersonal relationships. As we show, her “maternal genius” is revealed through the following fundamental characteristics of attachment-focused parenting: unconditional acceptance, sensitive guidance, compassionate accompaniment and continuous emotional regulation. These characteristics of Mary’s motherhood come to the fore especially in the key moments of salvation history. The psychological analysis of Mary’s motherhood brings an important contribution to the “aggiornamento” of Mariology and enables some new opportunities for pastoral theology. With new scientifically supported insights, the Church will be better equipped to help parents to discover the beauty and depth of the mission of parenthood, following Mary’s example. The findings of our research therefore also represent an important foundation for the emerging theology of parenthood.

Christian Humanitarianism, Violence and the Debate over Empire

It may appear odd to write a review article focused on two books that are fundamentally different in intention and scope. The first is a self-conscious attempt by a moral theologian of conservative inclinations to contribute a Christian ethical perspective to the culture wars currently raging on both sides of the Atlantic on empire, race, and slavery. Its author, Nigel Biggar, is the Emeritus Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford. The second book is a collection of papers by imperial and mission historians given at a workshop at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, in July 2018. Its brief is more limited, namely to explore the professed commitment of nineteenth-century Christian missions to bringing a gospel of peace into contexts that were frequently sites of violence, not least between indigenous peoples and European settlers and other colonial actors. Its geographical remit is limited to Africa and the Pacific. Biggar's book has provoked a predictable storm of criticism, both within the historical academy and beyond it. The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History, for example, rapidly published a 15,000–word rebuttal of Biggar's arguments by Alan Lester, Professor of Historical Geography at the University of Sussex, together with an almost equally lengthy reply by Biggar.1 In contrast, Geoffrey Troughton's edited volume, extremely valuable though it undoubtedly is, seems unlikely to attract notice beyond the limited constituencies of professional historians and scholars of mission studies. Although obviously differing in character, these two books, when set in juxtaposition, bring into focus some of the most pertinent issues raised for Christianity by the imperial past and the ambiguous role played within it by Christian missions.

Being Womanish: A Womanist Perspective on Black Girlhood

ABSTRACT This article asserts the value of Black girls’ lived experiences as a source for theological reflection in Womanist pastoral theology. In doing so, it proposes a methodological shift in Womanist pastoral theology and introduces a method called the Kaleidoscopic Analysis Perspective or KAP—a methodology designed with and for Black girls toward a Womanish vision of pastoral theology and care.

The necessity of an empirical study to determine if church congregations function as a family

Scripture’s reference to believers as the ‘family of God’ may indicate that believers should mutually care for one another like members of a caring family do, and not merely that members are part of a ‘spiritual’ family. From this perspective, the article investigated the extent of mutual care within congregations. The increasing need for pastoral care, within and outside church congregations, reveals the need for mutual care between members. The necessity for empirical studies within church congregations were revealed by the differences in the intensity of the answers by the participants. Without knowledge about the experiences of church members, leaders of church congregations may overlook potential needs of their members. A quantitative empirical study was done through an anonymous online survey with church members, pastoral counsellors, and pastors and ministers from various denominations who completed the survey, according to their experiences within their individual church congregation. The concepts of fellowship (koinōnia), service (diakonia), care, and family were used in the survey to determine the experiences of mutual care between members of the church congregation. The deficiency of mutual care between members of the congregation may motivate leaders to intentionally develop relationships through fellowship (koinōnia) to foster mutual care between members, and intentionally develop members to serve (diakonia) one another and their community.Contribution: This article contributes to an interdisciplinary discussion between pastoral theology, practical theology, and systematic theology from a Reformed perspective with a focus on the practical participation of members of the church congregation in pastoral care as the ‘family of God’.

The foundations of Franciszek Blachnicki's pastoral-educational concept based on nature

Father Franciszek Blachnicki was a Polish priest, professor of pastoral theology at the Catholic University of Lublin (Poland) and the creator and first moderator of the Light-Life Movement, also known as the Oasis Movement. Its goal was to care for the upbringing and formation of children and youth, and later also adults, in the Christian spirit. Blachnicki developed an original educational method in which observing nature played an important role. Important elements for such upbringing, education and formation are ‘discovery expeditions’, also called ‘open-eye expeditions’. Their goal is to observe and experience nature. Natural phenomena help explain difficult issues in the field of spirituality and morality and other issues related to the meaning and purpose of human life. This article focuses on two issues. The first are small religious groups, an example of which is the Light-Life Movement. The second is a ‘directed life’, meaning to discover the Creator's plan for creatures, especially man. The inspiration of this text is the 70th anniversary of the first formation and educational meetings of the Light-Life Movement.

‘Pastoral and ecclesial madness’ Facing the failure of ‘democratism’ within the current civil turmoil in South Africa

‘Pastoral and ecclesial madness’ Facing the failure of ‘democratism’ within the current civil turmoil in South Africa

Понятийно-терминологический аспект практики откровения помыслов в традиции египетского и палестинского монашества IV — VII вв.

The article analyzes the original terminology of the patristic writings of Egyptian and Palestinian monasticism of the 4th - 7th centuries, which is found when mentioning the practice of revelation of thoughts as an important pastoral-ascetic activity and a form of spiritual leadership in the monastic tradition of this period. The author identifies the main terms related to this area, analyzes the context of their use and various semantic shades that reflect the corresponding forms, conditions and characteristics of this activity. Modern patrolologists strictly distinguish the practice of revealing thoughts from confession, which in ancient times was carried out in all forms of monastic life: hermitage, semi-hermitage, community and laura. At the same time, the most ancient sources do not always reflect this difference, their external forms and ideological content. Another equally important question remains not entirely clear: how the great fathers of ancient Eastern monasticism understood this saving remedy, whether for them there was a division between confession and revelation of thoughts as between two different actions of repentance, and if so, what appeared for them clear criteria for such division. The sources for the study were the most famous and significant works of monastic writing in the tradition of Egypt and Palestine in the 4th - 7th centuries, as the period of formation, development and greatest flowering of monasticism, and at the same time its ascetic and pastoral theology. Some manuscripts of individual sources were also used as sources, including the most ancient ones, reflecting the understanding of the practice being studied in the minds of scribes belonging to various manuscript traditions - Greek, Latin and Coptic. The subject of study are terms denoting revelation (of hidden thoughts, sinful falls committed in secret), revelation (of oneself, one’s emotional experiences, demonic temptations, etc.), confession (of sins, a passionate disposition of the soul and its destructive consequences), etc.

Perempuan Disabilitas dan Hubungannya dengan Teologi Belas Kasih Katolik

Abstract: Humans are the image of God and have the dignity of life as a special gift from God. In this regard, it must be noted that gender differences as men or women, normal physical conditions or as people with disabilities are never a measure of human dignity. Women with disabilities have the right to live and be loved like other human beings. Discrimination and various acts of injustice against women with disabilities are a moral issue that threatens the value of equal human dignity. This research aims to call for the need to realize Catholic theology of compassion, especially for women with disabilities. Women with disabilities are often ignored in various groups such as families, local communities, and in religious/religious circles. To overcome these problems and collect data and analyze problems comprehensively, this research uses case studies and qualitative methods through literature studies. Thus, the problem is studied through quantitative and qualitative approaches. First, I will explain that women with disabilities experience marginalization in general society; second, I will outline the idea of Catholic theology of mercy; Third, build a theological reflection and show the possible direction of pastoral theology. Through this research, the author hopes to be able to tell the concrete experiences of women with disabilities in relation to Catholic theology of compassion. In this way, it is hoped that there will be a joint movement that will increasingly promote peace, love, justice and prosperity. Keywords: human dignity; women with disabilities; mercy; discrimination

The Limits of Liminality: Where do Trans People Fit in to Pope Francis's Church?

AbstractThis paper explores a tension between Francis's openness to ‘liminality’ and certain papal statements condemning transness that reproduce the ways in which people are marginalised as trans. It seeks to make sense of these tensions, reading them back through Francis's theology of history, and suggesting a place for trans people to locate ourselves within the Church in spite of them. It argues that Francis's failings around transness can be viewed as ‘limitations’ to be overcome in a redemptive movement. It then argues that Francis's theology of history is reflected in his ‘dialogical’ use of authority, which admits a space and role for us as pastorally accompanying the Church beyond these limitations. Finally, it argues that Francis's pastoral theology is founded on a theology of encounter which suggests that this process is an expression of divine love that draws people to God through a loving encounter with others. Trans people are thus called to put ourselves at the service of this love, and can take hope in its powers even amidst our own weakness.

Biographically Anchored Liturgies as a Starting Point for Liturgical Formation

The liturgical professional development project for pastoral workers and clergy in the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Liturgical Studies at the University of Tübingen. The concept of biographical learning is the innovative element that explores a new type of liturgical formation (Bildung) where the learning content explores the participant’s unique biography of learning, faith development, and theological education and the impact of these on their understanding of the liturgy and their liturgical practice. The learning process aims to equip professional pastoral theologians to reflect on and be responsive to the liturgical–pastoral contexts in which they work. The Department of Liturgical Studies provides the learning structure and context, while the diocese provides the teaching space and enables the participants to attend. The learning outcomes are unrelated to a specific professional or employment structure or associated with a points system, management, or career progression process. The project provides a learning process rather than a program of learning, distinguishing itself from many traditional approaches to liturgical formation. The challenge for the teaching team is to provide the participants with conceptual or theoretical material to reflect on their biographical narrative of theology and then apply this concept of biographical learning in their specific and diverse pastoral contexts. As part of the biographical learning process, participants contribute to “feedback loops” to the diocese and the teaching team. This paper does not address the competency framework for career development, employment assessment, or learning comprehension. All evaluations of professionalism, role attainment, career development, and competency are employment matters and are the purview of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. However, the learning process provides participants with frameworks for self-assessment and feedback loops to evaluate the teaching team, the process, and the content.

A Case Study Method for Integrating Spirituality and Narrative Therapy

Theological/spiritual reflection in psychotherapeutic practice has increased in recent years. Approaches for reflection and integration vary depending on the practitioner’s spiritual and theoretical beliefs. The integrative approach utilized in this paper is derived from a phenomenological perspective of the author, who was schooled in pastoral theology and later family therapy. Considering the pastoral theologian Seward Hiltner’s perspectival approach, this integrative approach creates a conversational method, integrating the client’s concerns with specific narrative therapy interventions or practices and the theological/spiritual concepts of immanence–transcendence. Finally, this case study’s methodology offers constructive questions that clinical practitioners can apply to specific psychotherapy approaches as well as theological concepts.

‘The Lord defends refugees, protects the orphans and widows’ (Psalm 146:9). Emerging Challenges in Supporting People after Loss and Traumatic Events

This study, rooted in patristics and social sciences, delves into the historical evolution of support for orphans and widows in the Christian and Catholic tradition, underscoring its profound significance in the identity of these faith-based communities. Tracing the modes of assistance from pre-Christian times through the Old and New Testaments and the teachings of the Church Fathers, the paper elucidates various aspects of the caregiving process. Additionally, it explores the evolving sensitivities across different epochs in modernity, encompassing the contemporary, postmodern and recent years, with a specific focus on the periods before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this analysis, a fundamental question arises: What are the primary pastoral responsibilities of Catholic parishes in Poland regarding support to individuals who have experienced the loss of loved ones, borne multiple losses or endured severe traumas (such as war refugees from Ukraine in local communities)? This work provides guidance to over 10,000 Catholic parishes in Poland, considering the context of an aging society and the lessons derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. It extends an invitation for further research and the initiation of practical endeavours by pastoral theologians and specialists in social and healthcare, to ensure the highest quality of care in parish communities and local societies.

Navigating the Postmodern Landscape: Embracing Interdisciplinary Openness in Pastoral Theology

In the face of rising secularization and the waning influence of the Church, contemporary pastoral theology encounters both a formidable challenge and an enticing opportunity in the postmod­ern era. This article explores how enhanced interdisciplinary engagement of pastoral theology can fos­ter a renewed approach to evangelization aligned with contemporary sensibilities. Through a compre­hensive literature review, we shed light on the experiences of the postmodern individual. By applying the analogy method and anchoring the concepts of “Logos Spermaticos” and “Influence and Vulnerabil­ity” in pastoral theology, we reveal its potential contribution to the interdisciplinary evolution of the con­cept of universal fraternity. The analysis shows that interdisciplinary collaboration in pastoral theology unfolds developmental prospects on two levels – learning from and learning with other disciplines. The “Logos Spermaticos” concept underscores the importance of acquiring new skills, empowering pastoral workers to communicate Christian doctrine more effectively. Simultaneously, the “Influence and Vulner­ability” concept fosters a dialogical approach, positioning pastoral theology as a respected interlocutor in contemporary interdisciplinary dialogues. Collaborative efforts with other disciplines empower pastoral theology to foster dialogue and deepen the idea of universal fraternity, both in academic discourse and practical application. The interdisciplinary and global development of fraternal humanism represents the necessary “loosening of the soil” for the seed of the Word of God to sprout in the future. Therefore, it becomes imperative for pastoral theology to transcend its conventional role, actively engaging in inter­disciplinary dialogue, thereby charting a course toward an elevated societal role and innovative avenues for proclaiming the Gospel.

Duszpasterstwo katechetyczne – spór o pojęcie

Aim: The aim of this study was to present the dispute over the concept of "catechetical pastoral ministry" which emerged in theological reflection, especially in the fields of pastoral theology and catechesis. Methods: To comprehensively illustrate the meaning of the discussed term, the method of analyzing contemporary literature on the subject was used. Additionally, through the method of synthesis, a clarification of the meaning and application of this concept in the field of scientific reflection within practical theology was achieved. Results: The analysis revealed that the emergence and use of terms such as "liturgical pastoral ministry" or "catechetical pastoral ministry" in common church language are the result of a certain shorthand, describing the pastoral mission of the Church in the areas of liturgy or catechesis. Therefore, it is justified to use the term "catechetical pastoral ministry" in the context of a broader pastoral perspective on catechetical activities. Analyzing the ongoing "dispute over the concept" in publications, arguments were drawn, including those of Adam Przybecki, who advocates the need to clarify the discussed approach, considering it "illogical" and a form of misuse, especially when this term became widely used in the Catechetical Directory of the Catholic Church in Poland in 2001. Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the conducted analysis defining the meaning of the term "catechetical pastoral ministry," the suggestion is made to focus on practical actions and the positive evangelical outcomes that will permanently contribute to the functioning of parish communities and the conducted pastoral ministry, considering a broader pastoral perspective. Originality: Undoubtedly, in the field of practical theology, the undertaken analysis and attempt to clarify the concept constitute an important and original approach, confirming the need for discussion and even debate regarding the meaning of used terms and concepts. Keywords: parish catechesis, "catechetical pastoral ministry," sacramental catechesis, selected pastoral aspects of catechesis, liturgy, parish, practical theology.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PAULUS HENDRIKUS JANSSEN’S PASTORAL STRATEGY IN THE MISSION WORK OF STP IPI ALUMNI IN MALANG DIOCESE

Pastoral work requires certain techniques or strategies. The success of such work depends on how accurately the techniques or strategies the pastoral agent selects and uses. One of the pastoral theologians who introduced pastoral strategies was Father Paulus Hendrikus Janssen, CM. This research focuses attention on the implementation of Paulus Hendikus Janssen's pastoral strategy in the pastoral work of STP IPI alumni who work in the Malang Diocese. In an effort to obtain data related to this theme, the approach used was qualitative, using an interview method with several alumni involved in pastoral work in the Malang Diocese. The research results show that there is implementation of Paul Janssen's pastoral strategy by alumni of the Indonesian Pastoral Institute Pastoral College in the Diocese of Malang. This is practiced, because there are many benefits to be gained, namely they know the context of the mission better, understand the problems of the people in depth, there is a lot of local wisdom and religious wealth that is discovered and is useful for developing the faith of the people, there is a mission framework that is structured by following a pattern. -pattern developed by Paul Janssen. Apart from the benefits, there are also challenges and difficulties that must be overcome by pastoral agents. This research is expected to contribute to the development of pastoral patterns in the Malang diocese in particular and in Indonesia in general. At a theoretical level, Paul Janssen's pastoral strategy enriches the knowledge of pastoral theology.