Compassionate Availability - a theology of pastoral care

Introduction

Writing a paper about the concepts of pastoral theology and pastoral care, invites you into an explosion of concepts. While the notions clearly come from a particular background, new meanings, understandings and developments are emerging in the contemporary context. However the diverse range of writings in the area also provides an opportunity to examine potential resources, in order to develop an awareness of your own theological approach to pastoral work.

This paper will start by naming the foundational material of the pastoral theology/pastoral care paradigm. It will then examine in particular, three examples of current academic debate, namely: the nature of interdisciplinary engagement; feminist and womanist critiques; and the communal and contextual aspects of the paradigm.

In the light of these particular themes the second part of the paper explores the theology of pastoral work, concentrating specifically on the notion of compassion as found in the work of Nouwen and Pembroke. Their writings will be used to explore some of the insights required for self care for pastoral workers; and the implications for the practical outworking of pastoral care.

Jesus the Galilean

Introduction

There is not an entirely consistent picture of Jesus’ life and ministry across each of the four Gospels. However, general ideas about Jesus and his likely situation in the social and political context of his time can be discerned from recent “historical Jesus” research. Interestingly, despite the disparity of Gospel portrayals, some researchers have concluded that the Gospel accounts are consistent with the available historical evidence about Galilee.

The research into Galilean life at around the time of Jesus can be categorised into a number of areas, namely:
• Cultural and religious life;
• Political and economic systems which impacted in the region;
• The land in both its geographical and agricultural aspects; and
• Sociological considerations.

The Jesus History wars - build a bridge guys!

Introduction

The “Third Quest” for the historical Jesus, is the latest manifestation in over 100 years of research dedicated to uncovering as much information about Jesus as a real person in a particular place and time.

Recent research appears to be based on generally agreed models for determining the authenticity of biblical witness to Jesus and is fuelled by contemporary academic developments which Borg notes have emerged as a result of “insights and models gleaned from the history of religions, cultural anthropology, and the social sciences.”

As a result, the area is ripe for further exploration. Currently however, three key issues appear to be presenting as a result of the research.

The first is the nature of the research itself. The literature surrounding the approach and methodology of the research is reminiscent of the recent “history wars” in Australia, as scholars argue about the legitimacy of each other’s approach. Such discussions evoke the broader questions about the relevance and application of the research to New Testament studies generally.

A second is the new information that is emerging about the social and cultural milieu in which Jesus lived.

The third is the struggle to come to conclusions about the nature of Jesus himself in light of new information.