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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Theology
Notes
- Abstract:
- The major concern of this thesis is the African American and the African-Caribbean pastors' approach to ministering supportively and therapeutically to persons who have been overtaken by the crises of life's ending. There is no hard evidence that most pastors have been professionally equipped to use themselves with knowledge and skill in helping persons at their lives' end stage to manage their dying with reality-oriented expectation and faith based resignation. Most grieving persons will grieve intuitively, but the risk of their grief being protracted inordinately for lack of sensitive and supportive intervention, is high. This thesis seeks to underscore the value of taking a responsible theological stance with a view to addressing end of life issues with spiritual discernment and application. Closely if not organically related to a theological stance, is the ethical framework out of which the pastoral caregiver will operate. in offering care. Patience, compassion and pastoral presence, as well as sensitivity towards cultural response patterns to the reality of death, receive substantial exploration. As it turns out, this project recognizes the limits of care giving, notwithstanding the 'omnipotent' attitude of the medical establishment's view of physician care giving. To the contrary, there is no 'Dr. Cure All' who can confront the mystery of death with an all-conquering upper hand. What is most important is the caregiver's commitment to be a person who has come to grips with his or her own mortality, and is further committed to be a patient, compassionate and loving presence mediating 'in time' company to one who is taking a not so smooth exit into the afterlife. Whereas this thesis deals inevitably with theology ethics, medical training and culture, it is also about divine revelation through Holy Scripture, in regard to negotiating the challenges of life's ending. Because of their religious and cultural heritage, African American and African-Caribbean clergy place high premium on Scripture, sometimes without commensurate valuing of the behavioral sciences' potential to contribute to their supportive role. In this project, a holistic view of pastoral care giving is lifted up. The fruits of this thesis equip me to be a trainer and regional if not national resource professional for Church of God clergy on issues related to end of life care, including ethical and bio-ethical issues as well.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (D.Min.)--Barry University, 2001.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 221-231).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Reginald George Smith. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- R726.8.S65 2001_SmithReginaldGeorge ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- R726.8.S65 2001 ( lcc )
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