Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World

by Emmanuel Y. Lartey

The author looks at the content and context of Pastoral Theology and argues that whilst it starts with the human condition, its aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of God.

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lartey has a written a book that begins a dialogue about developing one’s own theology of spiritual care by demonstrating why the task is important, why an intercultural approach is necessary, what a theology of spiritual care likely needs to address, and many other considerations. Lartey is a systematic thinker who acknowledges that context demands that one situates themself into a theology that responds to their context. Lartey makes no attempt to impose a method or theology; he simply shows us how he has worked through the questions for himself.

This is not an easy read for everyone; I believe the appropriate audience is near the end of a MDiv program, CPE residents, clergy in ministry and DMin students. I am using it as a text for students in the third unit of a CPE residency to help them integrate their theology into their practice of spiritual care.

This book is not perfect for my purpose; I work in a multi-faith context, and my goal is to use materials that are not centered in Christianity. Lartey speaks from his own context, which is Christian. I can certainly present his material in a more multi-faith presentation. The problem is, my role is to facilitate learning for people from any spiritual/values-based orienting system, and not having a resource written with that context in mind puts me at a disadvantage. The reality for me is that over-reliance on the clinical model of spiritual care with an emphasis on psychology is based on having inadequate resources to facilitate reflective spiritual care practices.

[Mereoncemoore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy in theory. But important

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little heavy on theory in the first half, but beautiful reflections on pastoral care rooted in the God who loves.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A text for a Winter mester class at Brite Divinity, "Pastoral Care in Congregations" - a well organized and direct explanation of Pastoral Theology from an intercultural view--Dr. Lartey provides excellent real life examples to support his ideas. -- From the publisher: In today's world the challenge of care is how to respond to people's emotional as well as their economic circumstances. How can we be respectful of the individual and the community in ways that affirm both? How are we to live respectfully with difference and ambiguity? Where shall we find our models of life and care from--the dominant Western or else some kind of global perspective that includes indigenous knowledge? In our theologies do we continue to privilege the study of abstract, conceptual theory or do we give place to pragmatic, aesthetic, and nonverbal forms? In the face of increasing extremism, terrorism, and violence, is it possible to make a sensible choice between radical relativism and absolute essentialism? Are we to be drawn towards the various expressions of religion or to the opportunities and ambiguities of spirituality as it is called upon in many societies today? With the scarce resources available or allocated to health care in many national budgets across the world, shall we give greater attention to the eradication of disease through increasingly advanced technologies and therapeutic strategies or to the promotion of health through primary health care and public health education? Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World presents practical theological resources for the broad vision, deep passion, and thoughtful action needed for pastoral care in the twenty-first century. Endorsements: ""Grounded in deep pastoral wisdom and theological integrity, Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the heart of pastoral theology. Lartey provides an important analysis of the relationship between theology and pastoral care, and offers an inviting vision of theology in our time of globalization."" --Dr. Gordon Lynch, Senior Lecturer in Religion and Culture, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are parts of it that are interesting, but I see this books audience as being very narrow. I can't figure out why this would be a standard text in a graduate course.