Interactional Morality: A Foundation for Moral Discernment in Catholic Pastoral Ministry (Not In A Series)

Poorman brings together ethics and pastoral practice in an interactional model that captures the distinctive character of Christian pastoral counseling. His work is especially important in a culture that often confuses pastoral counseling with therapy. It also challenges traditional notions which portray the pastoral minister as an instructor who dispenses the church's moral teaching. Poorman distinguishes the pastoral task from that of therapist or teacher, while drawing on the best resources of contemporary psychology and moral development theories. He brings moral theology into lively conversation with pastoral experience; at the same time, his clear presentation brings a critical method of moral discernment to Christian ministry which is rooted in faith and the wisdom of the community. 1. Introduction: Moral Discernment In Catholic Pastoral Ministry -- A Practice In Search Of A Method -- 2. A Note On Method: Warrants For Using Experience, Empirical Science, And Psychology -- 3. Interactional Psychology And Moral Reflection: Norma Haan's Search For Practical Morality -- 4. Philosophical And Theological Complements: John Macmurray And James Gustafson On Interactional Moral Reflection -- 5. A Conversation Among The Interactional Theories: Toward A Foundational Ethic For Pastoral Moral Discernment -- 6. Practical Implications: Toward A Critical Method Of Catholic Pastoral Moral Discernment. Mark L. Poorman. Includes Bibliographical References. Brings together ethics and pastoral practice in an interactional model that captures the distinctive character of Christian pastoral counseling. This title challenges traditional notions which portray the pastoral minister as an instructor who dispenses the church's moral teaching.