Pastoral Care and Counseling: Redefining the Paradigms

by Joretta L. Marshall

Pastoral Care and Counseling has changed radically since the publication of the Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling . Rapid changes have occurred in theological, social, and medical contexts broadening the understanding of care. The shift from the "living human document" to the "living human web" both enriches and challenges the study and practice of pastoral theology. Just as the Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling defined the field of Pastoral Care, this volume brings the field current. Edited by Nancy J. Ramsay. Contributors for the essays include Nancy J. Ramsay, Joretta L. Marshall, Emmanuel Y. Lartey, Christie Cozad Neuger, Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, and Loren L. Townsend. Topics Pastoral Theology; Public Theology; Power and Difference; Globalization, Internationalization, and Indigenization; Training in Clinical Ministry; Methodology.

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title might suggest, this compilation of essays is concerned with providing a history of pastoral care and counseling in order to better understand the current framework of the according fields. In all honesty, I found the book a bit dry and repetitive. This might also be a result of the nature in which I read it: straight through, front to back, in two weeks (for two class sessions). I imagine this is not the way the book was intended to be read or the best way to engage the material. I found its premises and explanations helpful. However, I doubt I will ever read the entire things straight through again. I recommend it to those interested in better understanding how pastoral care and counseling came to be where it is today and what some of the major concerns in the field are. It is broad and accessible for those who, like me, have had little in depth exposure to the premises of pastoral care and/or counseling.