Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific
Yes and No
Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Religion & Spirituality
| Author: | Larry Van De Creek | ISBN: | 9781136416873 |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis | Publication: | April 3, 2013 |
| Imprint: | Routledge | Language: | English |
| Author: | Larry Van De Creek |
| ISBN: | 9781136416873 |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
| Publication: | April 3, 2013 |
| Imprint: | Routledge |
| Language: | English |
Does the scientific process belong in pastoral counseling?
Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No examines the widespread ambivalence among pastoral caregivers and educators over the growing inclusion of science in pastoral care and counseling methodologies. Twenty-three seasoned professionals in the field give candid and sometimes emotional accounts of their interest in-and reservations about-the role scientific research plays in their profession. Some authors look at the issue from a historical perspective; others voice additional concerns. A few make concrete proposals on how chaplaincy can become more scientific. The result is a unique insight into the relationship between the secular and the religious.
The question of whether science belongs in pastoral care and counseling is moot; pastoral care already makes extensive use of psychological testing and psychotherapeutic skills-all products of scientific thinking. But as technology becomes more dominant and health care delivery reflects a more corporate perspective, pastoral caregivers and educators are divided on whether the changes represent the significant opportunity to improve a ministry or the surrender of the ministry’s very essence. The essays collected in Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No go a step farther, breaking down the issue of faith versus science into more specific questions for pastoral caregivers, such as:
- Can what you do be measured?
- Do you have an obligation to embrace the challenge of change?
- Is becoming more scientific a necessity for staying in touch with your health care peers?
- How cost effective is the pastoral care you provide if it doesn’t include the scientific process?
- Could a reluctance to incorporate science into your counseling cost you your job?
Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No presents thoughtful and thought-provoking debate that is a must-read for all pastoral caregivers and educators.
Does the scientific process belong in pastoral counseling?
Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No examines the widespread ambivalence among pastoral caregivers and educators over the growing inclusion of science in pastoral care and counseling methodologies. Twenty-three seasoned professionals in the field give candid and sometimes emotional accounts of their interest in-and reservations about-the role scientific research plays in their profession. Some authors look at the issue from a historical perspective; others voice additional concerns. A few make concrete proposals on how chaplaincy can become more scientific. The result is a unique insight into the relationship between the secular and the religious.
The question of whether science belongs in pastoral care and counseling is moot; pastoral care already makes extensive use of psychological testing and psychotherapeutic skills-all products of scientific thinking. But as technology becomes more dominant and health care delivery reflects a more corporate perspective, pastoral caregivers and educators are divided on whether the changes represent the significant opportunity to improve a ministry or the surrender of the ministry’s very essence. The essays collected in Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No go a step farther, breaking down the issue of faith versus science into more specific questions for pastoral caregivers, such as:
- Can what you do be measured?
- Do you have an obligation to embrace the challenge of change?
- Is becoming more scientific a necessity for staying in touch with your health care peers?
- How cost effective is the pastoral care you provide if it doesn’t include the scientific process?
- Could a reluctance to incorporate science into your counseling cost you your job?
Professional Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education Should Become More Scientific: Yes and No presents thoughtful and thought-provoking debate that is a must-read for all pastoral caregivers and educators.
