The Pastoral Nature of Theology : An Upholding Presence

Classifying pastoral care as an applied theology suggests that it stems from a separate and pure theology. In this new volume, R. John Elford contends that pastoral concerns and actions are not products of theology, but in fact are the catalysts that prompt and necessitate it. Elford offers a detailed critical analysis of the relationship between theology and pastoral care and compares how different faith traditions understand the pastoral. He traces how shifting historical circumstances and perceptions of pastoral need spurred changes in theological understanding, and he asserts the need for these traditions to be in conversation with modern culture. In closing, The Pastoral Nature of Theology considers the role of morality in pastoral care and how contemporary issues often bring about profound theological problems. "Pastoral care is often defined as 'applied theology'. The Pastoral Nature of Theology challenges the implication that there is a separate, 'pure' theology from which pastoral care springs. Rather, R. John Elford argues that pastoral need, concern and action are, and always have been, the catalysts which prompt theology and make it necessary. This is a major subject re-definition - a pastoral paradigm shift." "Written for pastors who have received theological training and Christians in the caring professions who want to think theologically about what they do, The Pastoral Nature of Theology locates pastoral theology at the centre of Christian tradition. This new understanding will enable readers to appreciate how creative the notion of the pastoral actually is and to understand what it means to say that it is part of 'the biblical faith which is still in the making'."--BOOK JACKET This critical analysis of the relationship between theology and pastoral care considers the difference that other faith traditions make to the understanding of the pastoral