THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS IN CHAPLAINCY (PR-2300)

Chaplaincy has significantly changed since its early Protestant clergy days, often catering to "spiritual, not religious" or nonreligious. The profession is adopting the universal language, training caregivers of many religions and caregivers who are non-clergy, calling itself "spiritual care" rather than chaplaincy, and focusing on a range of emotional and existential concerns rather than precisely matters of faith. Today's chaplains may still be grounded in theology, be called to their work because of their religion, seek to explore issues of transcendence for themselves and the people they serve. Hence, theological reflection is necessary for the development of chaplains and for offering spiritual care.
Theological reflections explore how the divine presence and additional dimensions can enrich and inform the chaplain's pastoral interactions. Theological reflection is a way of evaluating encounters, identifying religious texts, prayers, images, and stories that a visit evokes, both for the chaplain and the people they serve. The class will offer a combination of asynchronous and synchronous lectures, student presentations, working in pairs and small groups, and reading others' reflections with gentleness and curiosity. Open to MA, M.Div., D.Min., and Ph.D. students.[Auditors excluded]