DESCRIPTION: This course offers an exploration of issues involved in using the
Bible in Christian spiritual and pastoral care, such that the dynamics of
Scripture are brought into critical and creative relationship with the
transformative strategies and actions of practical ministry. It is vital to
recognize that the Bible is at least as ready to subvert as it is to affirm the
values and practices of pastoral care and counseling. The course is structured
around a sustained reflection on journeys from alienation, through hatred, to
love as a basis for the renewal of Christian discipleship and witness.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course students will have (a) shown
understanding of the critical issues involved in engaging the Bible and the
pastoral care of persons and communities in the same conversation; (b)
developed a critical perspective on understanding the Bible text as prophetic
theological reflection arising from the experience of the people of God; (c)
developed skills in evaluating the implicit and explicit values in their own
use of the Bible in spiritual and pastoral care, and in deciding practical
strategies for engagement with Scripture as the key "third voice" in the
pastoral conversation; and (d) engaged in a reflective theological journey from
alienation through hatred to love as a basis for renewal of effective Christian
discipleship and witness.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The mutual isolation between critical Biblical Studies
and carefully engaged practical theology served to deprive Biblical Studies
from fruitful access to many of the people of God and Practical Theology of the
transformative presence of the "word of the Lord" in the pastoral conversation.
This course requires practical engagement with Scripture and pastoral care
through exploration of one of the most pressing questions of today for the
integrity of Christian relationships and the effectiveness of Christian
witness.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet in four-hour sessions daily, for two weeks,
for lecture presentations, discussions, and individual and group work. Students
will be invited to engage with some personal material at the level they are
able. Classes require reading preparation and written assignments in
preparation for sessions, as well as a final course assignment.
REQUIRED READING: Approximately 980 pages of required reading.