PC169-512 - Biblical and Theological Foundations of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  • 2,940 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • Pastoral & Church-Focussed Ministry Unit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of biblical and theological perspectives for chaplaincy and spiritual care.

2. Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding relating to Christian distinctives in chaplaincy and spiritual care.

B. Be able to

1. Outline a theological framework for chaplaincy practice.

2. Reflect on a theological approach to suffering, crisis and change that is grounded in Scripture.

C. Be in a position to

Relate perspectives and skills from biblical and theological foundations to contemporary chaplaincy and spiritual care practice.

Content

1. A Biblical and theological rationale (including issues such as the shape of the biblical grand narrative, the doctrine of creation and the creation mandate, the doctrine of sin and the fall, the doctrines of redemption and consummation and the overlap of the ages, the doctrine of the Trinity, theology and human flourishing)

2. Biblical themes and motifs for spiritual care (e.g. Resurrection, Formation, Vocation, Community, Holistic shepherding, Friendship, Prayer [including a basic introduction to the Psalter], Wisdom [including a basic introduction to the Wisdom literature]).

3. Tasks and practices of spiritual care

4. The cycle of theological reflection: Theological reflection. Lived theology. Theological method. Integration of theological understanding with observed and experienced reality.

5. Contextualising care – chaplaincy and spiritual care in a multi-faith, multicultural community (i) A secular age? Living under the “Immanent Frame”. Spiritualities, faiths, and religions

6. Contextualising care – chaplaincy and spiritual care in a multi-faith, multicultural community (ii). Cultures, practices, and worldviews

7 .A caring, theologically-informed response to suffering, crisis, and change

Set Readings

Recommended

Ansberry,Christopher B. Reading Wisdom and Psalms as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Introduction. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2024.

Augustine. Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford World's Classics. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.

Bartholomew, Craig G., and Michael W. Goheen. The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2024.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together. New York: Harper, 1954.

Bretherton, Luke. Hospitality as Holiness: Christian Witness Amid Moral Diversity. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006.

Estes, Daniel J. Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005.

Grenz, S. Created for Community: Connecting Christian belief with Christian living. 3rd ed. Baker Academic, 2014.

Dykstra, R. Images of pastoral care. Chalice Press, 2013.

Forster, Greg. Joy for the World: How Christianity Lost Its Cultural Influence & Can Begin Rebuilding It. Wheaton: Crossway, 2014.

Johnson, Eric L. God & Soul Care: The Therapeutic Resources of the Christian Faith. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2017.

Harrower, Scott, & Cole, Graham A. God of All Comfort: A Trinitarian Response to the Horrors of This World. Bellingham: Lexham, 2019.

Jones, Beth Felker. Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2023.

Kapic, Kelly M. You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News. Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2022.

Lartey, E. Y. In Living Color: An Intercultural Approach to Pastoral Care and Counseling. Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2013.

Meek, Esther L. Loving to Know: Introducing Covenant Epistemology. Eugene: Cascade, 2011.

Mowat, H., & Swinton, J. What Do Chaplains Do? The Role of Chaplains in Meeting the Spiritual Needs of Patients. Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, University of Aberdeen, 2005.

Nouwen, Henri J. M. The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society. Garden City: Doubleday, 1972.

Pohl, Christine D. Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition. 25th anniversary ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2024.

Rosner, Brian S. Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2017.

Root, Andrew. The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms: Why Spiritualities without God Fail to Transform Us. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2023.

Shead, Andrew G. Walk His Way: Following Christ through the Book of Psalms. London: IVP, 2023.

Stewart, W. Christopher, Seiple, Chris, & Hoover, Dennis R. “Toward a Global Covenant of Peaceable Neighborhood: Introducing the Philosophy of Covenantal Pluralism.” The Review of Faith & International Affairs 18 (2020): 1-17.

Strange, Daniel. Making Faith Magnetic: Five Hidden Themes Our Culture Can't Stop Talking About... And How to Connect Them to Christ. Epsom: Good Book Company, 2021.

VanDrunen, David. Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.

Thompson, J., Pattison, S., & Thompson, R. SCM StudyGuide to Theological Reflection. SCM Press, 2008.

Whipp, M. SCM Study Guide: Pastoral Theology. London: SCM Press, 2013.

Woodward, J., & Pattison, S. The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology. Blackwell, 2000.

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