The Importance of Pastoral Theology in the 21st Century - Essay Example

Introduction

As we know, the world is evolving into an age of rapid development characterized by evident economic growth, vast communication abilities that have diversified how people pass information, and enhancement in the field of science. Despite all these advancements that the world has made in terms of advancement, people are still searching for the ultimate meaning of life. However, there are situational crises, and developmental, and existential situations in the age we live. These situations often create injustice and suffering that cannot be solved through reason, technology, or science. Despite the availability of different kinds of strategies that may be used in addressing the situations, one of the most efficient means has been through pastoral theology. Pastoral theology has helped create a communal identity that provides care and meaning in crises and difficulties. It is, therefore, paramount to study pastoral theology and analyze its importance in the 21st Century.

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Understanding Pastoral Theology

Pastoral theology can be understood as the field of inquiry and theological knowledge, bringing the shepherding perspective upon the minister and the church's various functions and operations. From the reflection of these observations, conclusions of the theological order are drawn. Pastoral theology is a type of theology that is functionally centered or operational-centered and often begins with the operations of need and suffering (Ramsay, 2018). Pastoral theology is important in understanding the deliverance of care as a response to a certain need. The particulars involved in the suffering of congregational being cared for are what constitutes the understanding of pastoral theology.

In recent times, pastoral theology is slowly experienced a shift into postmodernity from the modern era. It has become more involved in the care of the destitute who need help either due to sickness or crisis, the guidance of people to find solutions to life problems, and questions, and to help them face various life questions and reconciling the relationships of the people. Psychology can be viewed as a part of pastoral theology since its description encompasses its functions (Ramsay, 2018). Psychology can be defined as a discipline that helps and guides people into discovering existential solutions and meaning to various problems that humans face in their everyday lives.

Psychology and pastoral theology are two distinct disciplines that are aimed at different outcomes. Pastoral theology can be understood by the counseling sense where the pastors practice their psychological obligations to the people. The only difference becomes the primary source of references. The pastor is guided by the scripture rather than the clinical frameworks—the pastor in their ministry practices counseling and spiritual counseling, which can be Christian and biblical (Johnson, 2020). The importance of pastoral theology in the modern age is quite evident through its application in modern psychology. Authors have published several publications to spread awareness of the importance of pastoral theology in people's everyday lives.

Pastoral Theology

The pastoral ministry can then be termed as the caretakers of the soul with pastoral theology identifying itself as the science of souls' caring. According to the branches of theology, whether practical or practical is to lead us to believe that we are the servants of Christ and the receivers of the blessings of God which is evident in the scriptures. Pastoral theology is integrated with insights from various disciplines like historical theology, liturgics, the sacraments, psychology of religion, ascetical, apologetic, homiletics, and dogmatic. Despite these integrations, pastoral theology holds its distinctive discipline, which is more concentrated in the care of a person (Johnson, 2020). This contribution is through the improvement of personal experiences and making meaningful contributions to humans' improvement while also considering their salvation.

Pastoral theology can be understood as art designed to assist Christian ministers in applying the gospel's truths to the lives of the various individuals who get a chance to experience it. It can be defined as pastoral because it highlights divine things in an aspect that relates to the priest, who is the sole guide of the people to follow the holy scripture's instructions. It is also termed theology because it primarily has to do with God's matters and the word from His holy scripture (LaMothe, 2017). The word Pastoral is coined from the word pastor, which is from the Latin language the means of a shepherd. A shepherd is known for tending to his sheep, and just like how the shepherd tends to his sheep, so does the pastoral ministry ensure they take care of their sheep who are the believers.

Pastoral theology is currently strong and vigorous, with the range of its interest having expanded largely. Its unique characteristic is the care that it has in the marketplace and the care that it gives to the community. There seems to be a new openness between pastors to take care of the people under their pastoral ministry (Ramsay, 2018). That is evident in the connection that the ministry has forged with society through the provision of services like leadership, guidance, and counseling to them regarding the scripture.

Spiritual Care

Spiritual care, or otherwise known as pastoral care, is one of the pastoral theology levels that has always been a critical part of the pastoral ministry's vital importance. There are several duties associated with the pastor's role in the church, and one of the major ones is teaching. The offering of care to all faith individuals who are not within the institutional settings is known as pastoral or spiritual care. All the religious leaders can do this care and counseling to the congregation members, including chaplains and pastors (LaMothe, 2017). This type of care can consist of various activities, including home visitation by the church members or by the pastors who are professionally licensed to offer counseling services.

The care of the soul by a pastoral leader is likened to how a physician takes care of the body. According to classical Christian terms, the soul is referred to as the "unitive center of the inner powers" of a person. In recent times there has been a lot of unfortunate sickness and disasters, leading to much depression. Personal care is vital to ensure that people receive spiritual and communal help to get through their misfortunes(Johnson 2020). It helps people to connect with themselves and their communities through psychological sessions in the pastoral ministries. In today's age, psychologists consider the relationship between the body, mind, soul, religion, and health. That has enabled them to work hand in hand with other healthcare professionals and the clergy and pastors. That has been efficient, even pastoral marriage counseling, which has been quite essential in reuniting couples that were probably facing some challenges.

Conclusion

Pastoral theology is still relevant in the 21st Century through the various means that the pastoral ministry supports people from an individual level to the community. Pastoral theology provides a hand of help to both the parishioners and others when they get lost trying to maneuver through life. People live in a world full of pain and suffering, and they need a place where they can find the healing they are looking for. Today, pastoral theology has embraced modern psychology. They co-exist in a spiritual openness state where doctors can openly cooperate with the pastors to ensure individuals receive good personal care.

References

Johnson, T. D. (2020). The Professionalization of Pastoral Care: The SBC's Journey from Pastoral Theology to Counseling Psychology. Wipf and Stock Publishers. https://books.google.com/books

LaMothe, R. (2017). Care of souls, care of polis: Toward a pastoral political theology. Wipf and Stock Publishers. https://books.google.com/books

Ramsay, N. J. (Ed.). (2018). Pastoral theology and care: critical trajectories in theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com/books