bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHAT TO DO ABOUT RELIGION
Authors: Sinclair Alistair J.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, I argue that we can challenge religion in its own backyard by setting up community centers to wean local communities from their dependence on organized religions. This is a new departure not to be compared with most humanist societies, which have a much narrower remit in promoting humanism itself. These centers may be based on humanist principles but no absolute conformity to these principles is required. Unlike religious organizations, there would be no need for orthodoxy or adherence to specific belief systems. Such centers are to be not purveyors of religion but explorers of the human condition in all its forms. They are to function as inclusive organizations rather than exclusive ones. All kinds of views and opinions would be considered and those that are disagreeable would not be excluded because they are unorthodox. By these means, we might at last inspire humanity to put religion behind it and move forward to pastures new.
SELF-DETERMINATION OR SOLIDARITY?
Authors: Murray John C.
Published: March 2015

Rather than use Habermas’s writings as a paradigm for critiquing The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, I intend to evaluate and to analyze the dynamic tension that develops between the ideas of pluralism and individualism. I will consider how Franklin defines rationalization and reason and how he continually adapts the definitions to recontextualize individual needs, interests, and values within the emergent general will. I will also suggest the ways in which Habermas’s theoretical language accommodates Franklin’s concept of self-determinism within his own conception of noncoercive consensus.
RELIGION AND SCIENCE AS SYSTEMS OF CAUSAL THOUGHT
Authors: March Frederic
Published: March 2015

This essay proposes a Cognitive Process Model of the Mind and a Cognitive Sub-Model of Causal Thought to explain how our minds produce religion and science. Our purpose here is to explore how the findings of cognitive science, as expressed in these models, may be applied to improve the social effectiveness of the humanist movement.
THE IMMORALITY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
Authors: White Amy
Published: March 2015

Because religious views are seen as sacred or holy, they are often protected from scrutiny more than other views. Simply, it seems that is not socially acceptable to say anything critical about them. While it is perfectly acceptable to argue over political views and human choices, we dare not critique religion in the United States. However, some religious assertions should be questioned: the morality of the Ten Commandments is such an assertion. In what follows, I argue that the Commandments are a poor guide to morality and do not deserve the respect they have been afforded.
A VISION OF HUMANIST EDUCATION FOR OUR COMPLEX WORLD
Authors: Winterbute Carol
Published: March 2015

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EDUCATING THE YOUNG FOR ETHICAL CITIZENSHIP
Authors: Fraser Paula K.
Published: March 2015

The exclusive emphasis on academic excellence in our schools today does not necessarily translate into excellence of character or lend our students an ethical disposition. Thus, I include ethics instruction to young people who will one day become the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Because ethics invokes questions that consider morals, values, and principles, and because it seeks to consider and respect alternate perspectives, I believe that ethics knowledge is essential to maintaining a civilized society. This essay will share some of the philosophy and methods that I have used successfully with middle-level students (grades 5-8) to help them reflect upon what it means to be ethical human beings and good citizens—in addition to supporting their efforts to achieve academic excellence.
NATURALISM AND HUMANISM
Authors: Pérez Guido O.
Published: March 2015

Naturalism is a worldview that rejects supernatural events and affirms that a complete account of reality can be given by entities and processes that occur in the natural world. It has a political, moral and spiritual dimension compatible with the Humanist Manifesto. In this paper, I present a description of naturalism based on recent developments in physics and biology. In my view, naturalism is based on scientific realism and accepts indeterminism as postulated by quantum mechanics. Because I cannot prove that only physical entities populate the world, I embrace methodological rather than ontological naturalism. I believe that complex systems exhibit behaviors such as emergence and chaos that can only be explained by non-reductive physicalism. We do not know the origin of life or the universe but there are many plausible theories under investigation. The theory of evolution is the best explanation we have for the amazing variety and complexity in the living world. It is unclear how brain events cause mind events; I suspect that mind is an emergent property of neural circuits in the brain. Religious beliefs have a socialevolutionary origin; I am an agnostic who rejects positive atheism and agrees that science may be compatible with Deism, pantheism and some liberal religions.
REAL AND IMAGINARY FREEDOM
Authors: Woo Ching-Hung
Published: March 2015

The body of this essay is free of philosophical jargons. Since however some readers are accustomed to thinking about the free-will problem in terms of the compatibilism/incompatibilism divide, I wish to briefly comment on why this emphasis is not very helpful. If by “freedom” one means that a person’s will is the ultimate choicemaker free from prior causes, then the position of this essay is that “freedom is incompatible with determinism”; but if by “freedom” one means that there is harmony between the intended consequences of a choice and the nature of the choice-maker, the position of this essay is that “freedom is compatible with determinism.” This illustrates that unless there is first an agreement on what is meant by “freedom,” it is premature to put the focus on whether freedom is compatible with determinism.
Living
Authors: Pinn Anthony B.
Published: March 2015

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The “Color” of Humanism
Authors: Allen Jr. Norm R.
Published: March 2015

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The Cowardice of My Convictions
Authors: Locascio Joseph
Published: March 2015

This essay makes the argument that contrary to long-standing, unquestioned, popular belief, human courage is not a virtue – not if courage is defined broadly as risking one’s personal well-being for a higher goal and virtue is defined as a quality conducive to the long-term betterment of oneself and/or humankind. I contend that courage in general is best viewed as a morally neutral, innate or learned, behavior or attitude which can be used for great evil, i.e., unnecessary harm, as well as for good. In the latter case, I would use the qualified expression “moral courage.” Continuing to indiscriminantly promulgate within human culture, the belief that courage is an aspirant virtue is I believe a mistake humankind can no longer afford to make with the advent of technological weaponry that threatens its survival.
Ingersoll’s Voice, Adler’s Vision
Authors: Croft James
Published: March 2015

Humanism, in contrast to traditional religions, often seems to find it difficult to generate moral energy and motivation in adherents. How will Humanists generate sufficient “moral energy” to achieve our societal aims? I argue that Humanism has within it sufficient resources to motivate Humanists to high levels of moral action. I suggest that we must listen to the voice of Robert Ingersoll, learning how to appeal to the emotions and to the full range of “moral tastes” human beings are sensitive to. We should also remember the vision of Felix Adler as we build moral communities and foster moral leadership.
For the Love
Authors: Kazanjian Christopher
Published: March 2015

The twenty-first century has experienced a surge of intellectuals and specialists that dominate understandings of life and human phenomena. Reawakening the Gramscian definition of the organic intellectual, this paper problematizes ideas of intellectual qualification. It argues that an amateuristic mind will ultimately come to appreciate a humanistic intellectualism. The paper also argues that those working in institutions of education must allow their humanistic endeavors for facilitating the growth of others and the self to be driven by amateurism.
Can We Afford to be “Post-Secular?”
Authors: Cooke Bill
Published: March 2015

The notion of our moving to a “post-secular” age has become a topic of conversation. As has been seen with discussions of “secular,” “secularity,” and “secularism,” much depends on what is meant by the term in question. This article surveys what some of the “post-secular” thinkers are saying and looks at how far their views actually differ from those of avowed secularists over the past century and a half. In light of this, it is then asked whether a “post-secular” situation is desirable or even possible.
Focusing on Horizontal Transcendence
Authors: Coleman III Thomas , Silver Christopher , Holcombe Jenny
Published: March 2015

Much of the reigning research on non-religion and non-belief focuses on demographics and personality characteristics. While this is a necessary foundation on which future research may be built upon, such data does not necessarily produce theory. In many ways the dominant cultural milieu of religions along with the benign intent of some researchers force a person who holds no belief in a God to assume an oppositional identity in relation to religion. This oppositional identity tautologically sets researchers up to continually define its object by the absence of something. This something cannot always function as a normative point of reference in which to tell researchers what to look for. This article provides one such normative trajectory, termed “horizontal transcendence.”
Paul Kurtz, Atheology, and Secular Humanism
Authors: Shook John
Published: March 2015

Paul Kurtz will be long remembered as the late twentieth century’s pre-eminent philosophical defender of freethinking rationalism and skepticism, the scientific worldview to replace superstition and religion, the healthy ethics of humanism, and democracy’s foundation in secularism. Reason, science, ethics, and civics – Kurtz repeatedly cycled through these affirmative agendas, not only to relegate religion to humanity’s ignorant past, but mainly to indicate the direction of humanity’s better future.
Emotions and Rationality as a Basis for Humanism
Authors: Friedlander Frank
Published: March 2015

Two primary philosophical underpinnings of humanism are rationality and emotionality. Rationality along with a focus on reason, logic, and an empirical brand of science fortifies our skepticism toward belief in God, and promotes our theories of evolution. Emotionality provides the deeper feelings and compassion we have for one another. These two, rationality and emotionality, are symbolized by the head and heart of ourselves as individuals. They also, to varying degrees, underlay the religions and institutions of which we are a part.
A Humanist Ethic of Ubuntu
Authors: Tschaepe Mark
Published: March 2015

The secular conception of ubuntu, as proffered by Thaddeus Metz, supplies a foundation for a humanist argument that justifies obligation to one’s community, even apart from a South African context, when combined with Kwasi Wiredu’s conception of personhood. Such an account provides an argument for accepting the concept of ubuntu as humanistic and not necessarily based in communalism or dependent upon supernaturalism. By re-evaluating some core concepts of community as they are presented in Plato’s Republic, I argue that this account of ubuntu fits as the basis from which to understand obligation to community from a secular humanist perspective.
Towards an Understanding of Moral Underpinnings
Authors: Knight III Victor
Published: March 2015

Much of today’s public and private discourse surrounding social norms, morals, and values is non-productive, if not counter-productive. It is rare that any kind of consensus is reached when such discrepancies surface. Some of this is due to honest disagreement among genuinely reflective and open-minded individuals, but it is becoming more obvious that a large and perhaps growing portion of this problem stems from misunderstandings about the nature of these concepts themselves. Sadly, these misunderstandings do not seem to be diminishing. This essay is an attempt to further the clarification of these ideas from the perspective of a concerned citizen.
“All The Consequences Of This”
Authors: Jones Kile
Published: March 2015

The variety of existentialist thought show existentialism to be a flexible denotation, one that can be shared by believers and atheists alike. When approaching such a loosely defined term as “existentialism” a few questions arise. What are the boundaries for inclusion or exclusion? Are there more authentic forms of existentialism than others? The former question is usually dealt with by showing the history of existentialism—from Kierkegaard to Nietzsche, Heidegger to Sartre—along with noting some common strands amongst their writings (e.g. subjectivity, powerlessness, anxiety, despair, dread, isolation, tragedy, nothingness, meaninglessness, absurdity, etc.). The latter question is much harder to deal with. It asks for a value judgement as to which kind of existentialism is more authentic than others. It relates to the former because the person answering such a question has to have an idea of what existentialism ought to look like, but it goes beyond it by asking a deliberately evaluative question. This article is going to take both questions into account by examining the concepts and content of existentialist authors, their strengths and weaknesses, and is going to explain why I think atheistic existentialism is more authentic than religious existentialism.
God? No and Yes
Authors: Stecher Carl
Published: March 2015

After a mild indoctrination into the Christian faith, at the age of 15 I discovered myself to be a non-believer: the idea of an invisible, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God suddenly seemed simply unbelievable. Years later I decided to re-examine the question. Perhaps I had missed something. This in turn led to a fascination with God questions and religious belief, but a re-confirmation of my earlier discovery: the traditional Christian concept of God was not only unbelievable, but incoherent and morally muddled. But further reflection has yielded a qualifying conclusion: God—or rather gods, many gods—do exist but as ideas, tremendously powerful ideas that shape our reality. The crucial concern is that these be good ideas, which has not always been the case.
Reflections on Qualitative Research with Muslim Families
Authors: Scourfield Jonathan , Khan Asma , Gilliat-Ray Sophie , Oh Sameh
Published: March 2015

Detailed accounts of fieldwork relationships can be helpful reading for those embarking on research with a similar population. In this spirit, the article presents reflections on the process of conducting qualitative research with 60 Muslim families. The main research aim was to describe and explain how children (aged 12 and under) are brought up to be Muslims. Fairly detailed reflections are presented about four main aspects of the research process: research team members’ identities and the implications of these, the recruitment of families to take part in the research, the conduct of fieldwork (interviews and observation) and the use of child-friendly techniques, such as interviews with young children, oral diaries and photo elicitation.
Living the Dream
Authors: Henrickson Mark , Staniforth Barbara
Published: March 2015

Religion and sexuality have been historically uneasy siblings. This large study (n = 2269) examines the role of religion (or no religion) in the construction and living out of gay, lesbian or bisexual identity in Aotearoa New Zealand. The study confirmed that more women consider spirituality important than do men, but that there is significant movement away from Christianity to No Religion. Christian women attain milestone ages later, and demonstrate greater sexual involvement and attraction to men over their lifetimes, and have more children, than do No Religion respondents. Christian men also had longer opposite-sex relationships. Christians were more likely to value, expect and behave exclusively in relationships. Regardless of religiosity, women preferred marriage and men civil unions as the legal recognition of their relationships. The adoption of a life-paradigm by Christian women is considered.
Exploring Acts of Agency within Christian Women’s Sexuality
Authors: Sharma Sonya
Published: March 2015

Conservative Protestantism’s message for sexuality is well known – sex is only for the context of heterosexual marriage. This teaching, bolstered by conservative constructions of femininity, motivates the author to explore acts of agency within Christian women’s sexuality. The author shows women between the ages of 18 and 25 negotiating competing ecclesial and secular discourses on sexuality. Drawing from 36 qualitative interviews in which 33 identified as heterosexual and 3 as lesbian, the author discusses women separating their sexuality and Christianity because they were experienced as conflictual, one woman’s sexuality that lead her back to church, and women choosing sexual abstinence until marriage. This article demonstrates that while women continue to face the dichotomy presented between their religion and sexuality, this conception is too simplistic to explain the multiplicity and complexity of women’s faith and sexual experiences.
“You again – what are you researching this time?”
Authors: Browne Kath , Dinnie Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

This article reflects on “going back” to the field as a researcher who has investigated the intersections of sexualities and spiritualities and occupying multiple and diverse positionalities in relation to research and researcher identities. It explores what it means to “go back” and “give back,” where the lines are permanently blurred between “participant” and “researcher” in particular spiritual spaces. We reflect on how sexualities are implicated in this process, as well as how spiritualities are enacted (or not) on return as a “non-researcher.” We look at what “matters” and what fails to matter through the themes of: being a (non) researcher; being known and unknown, and engaging spiritualities and sexualities. The article argues that “going back” is something that requires further exploration where pleasure and spirituality is found both in the experiences of the space itself and from undertaking research in these spaces.
Editorial
Authors: Yip Andrew
Published: March 2015

An introduction to a special issue of Fieldwork in Religion on 'Researching Religion/Spirituality and Sexuality'.
Sin or Slim?
Authors: Bacon Hannah
Published: March 2015

Is fat a sin? Popular ‘knowledge’ about obesity which frames fat as an avoidable behavioural condition would certainly suggest it can be blamed on the fat person. Discourses of health reproduced within public policy and media reporting assist in the pathologization of fat bodies, insisting that fat is the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. It is, however, not simply medical interpretations of fat that facilitate this moral discourse. Religion also provides an important source of moral judgment. This paper draws on my qualitative research inside a UK secular, commercial slimming group to consider how the Christian moral language of sin functions within this setting to construct a politics of choice that holds the dieter personally responsible for her fat. Interpreting weight loss and weight gain as a measure of moral character, this theological language assists in the operation of ‘normative conformity’, conforming women’s bodies to cultural knowledge about fat.
Cross Bones Graveyard
Authors: Harris Adrian
Published: March 2015

Cross Bones is an unconsecrated graveyard in south London that is the final resting place of around 15,000 bodies, mostly paupers and prostitutes. These are the outcast dead, unnamed and largely forgotten until construction workers began to unearth their bones in the early 1990s. A local urban Shaman became inspired by one of the spirits of Crossbones and soon Pagans began to honour the outcast dead with simple ceremonies and offerings. I begin with a short historical introduction concerning the origins of the Cross Bones graveyard and then I will briefly outline the significance of the text it inspired, The Southwark Mysteries (1999). I will introduce my ongoing research with a consideration of my methodology, after which I will describe the Halloween of Cross Bones festival of 2007, the monthly Vigils, and the significance of the graveyard gates as a roadside shrine. The second half of this article draws on interviews with numerous individuals who have a close relationship with Cross Bones. These interviews reveal the underlying power of the graveyard as a physical expression of radical acceptance. I close with a brief discussion of my current theoretical approach to understanding this complex phenomenon.
Unclean Truth
Authors: Talbot Lucy
Published: March 2015

The Metropolitan Police’s Crime Museum, famously known as the Black Museum, exhibits evidence from some of the most appalling crimes committed within English society from the late-Victorian era into modernity. Public admittance to this museum is strictly prohibited, preventing all but police staff from viewing the macabre exhibitions held within. The physical objects on display may vary, but whether the viewer is confronted with household items, weaponry or human remains, the evidence before them is undeniably associated with the immorality surrounding the performance of a socially bad death, of murder. These items have an object biography, they are both contextualized and contextualize the environment in which they reside. But one must question the purpose of such a museum, does it merely act as a Chamber of Horrors evoking the anomie of English society in physical form, or do these exhibits have an educational intent, restricted to their liminal space inside New Scotland Yard, to be used as a pedagogical tool in the development of new methods of murder investigation.
God
Authors: Davies Irene
Published: March 2015

In 1966 an unprecedented disaster struck the small coalmining village of Aberfan in South Wales. 144 lives were lost as thousands of tons of mining rubble hurtled down the mountainside into a local school; not only families, but the community was devastated as the village lost a generation, with 116 children perishing in the rubble. This paper explores the emotional, psychological and physiological affects experienced by the community in the aftermath of such a disaster, and the spiritual coping mechanisms individuals often employ in order to deal with their grief. This case study of Aberfan explores the wider connotations of disaster perception; what causes a disaster? Is it an act of God, an act of nature, or an act of man? A disaster certainly cannot be experienced neutrally, and this article with emphasize the progressive development of attitude, post-trauma, which allows society to construe a disaster as all three of these ‘acts’.
Context of Transcendent and Immanent use of Humour
Authors: McLachlan Angie
Published: March 2015

From my study, using an internet based questionnaire and field observation, data showed that workers in crematoria and cemeteries in the United Kingdom use immanent and transcendent coping mechanisms while witnessing the repetitive grief of others and the trappings of death and funerals. Data indicated that respondents used methods of coping in order to rise above death on a daily basis, which can be described in terms of Chidester’s (1990) theory of spiritual transcendence and Clack’s (2002) premise, that immanence, a worldly transcendence, may be gained by engaging with natural aspects of humanity. Throughout this study, respondents’ experiences were explored in terms of ‘working against death’ suggestive of Davies’ (2002) theory of ‘words against death’. Central to this article was the aspect of survey data which showed that many respondents purported to use humour as a coping strategy, and this article explores the ways in which their humour was found to be used contextually and responsibly, while maintaining its effectiveness against death.
WE ARE ALL STUDENTS AND THE TEACHER IS GOD
Authors: Brown W.
Published: March 2015

This paper analyses the contributions to the journal over the last ten years and draws conclusions about the nature of research into spiritual care and raises some questions for the future.
Celebrating 10 years of the Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy
Authors: Mitchell David
Published: March 2015

In the opening address of the 10th Anniversary Conference David Mitchell, retiring joint editor, reflects on the development of the journal since its inception. The content and management of the journal are explored in detail as is the international development of the journal with its world wide readership and on-line availability. The article concludes by outlining the changes and challenges for the new editorial team as they go forward into the future.
Orthodoxy or Heresy?
Authors: Foggie Janet
Published: March 2015

This essay uses this language of theological belief to examine the belief groups within the mental health system. Its purpose is to shed light from one world upon another, to investigate the relationship between chaplains, who think theologically, patients, and the professional members of the mental healthcare field.
provision of spiritual care in a hospice
Authors: Stirling Ian
Published: March 2015

Hospices are spiritual places. The need to be sensitive to the spiritual is embraced by a wide spectrum of professionals. This article is an attempt to map the territory of the provision of spiritual care. It introduces two spiritual care frameworks then offers a brief over view of some of the key issues within medicine, nursing, occupational therapy and social work as they embrace spiritual care in their caring role. This invites readers to consider the interface between chaplains and the rest the multidisciplinary team as the team collectively care for the spirit and make a compassionate response. This article is based on a paper originally submitted to the SJHC 10 th anniversary conference in Crieff, March 2007.
Childhood bereavement: elementary?
Authors: Brown Derek
Published: March 2015

‘Crocus' is a group based in Inverness, but working throughout Highland Region, which seeks to offer support to bereaved children. This article offers a look at the work of the Crocus Group and its challenges and achievements. Working with children of school age, and using a variety of activities, the Crocus Group's ‘Days To Remember' help these children to articulate their losses through play. This article is based on a paper originally submitted to the SJHC 10th Anniversary Conference in Crieff in March of 2007.
SPIRITUAL AGENDA FOR DOCTORS?
Authors: Williams Eleanor
Published: March 2015

In this article the author addresses the ambivalence felt by doctors in the delivery of spiritual care. A number of issues are addressed including the place of spirituality within healthcare and holistic care, the role of the doctor in the delivery of spiritual care and the need for greater cooperation between disciplines in this area of healthcare. This is the first of two articles examining the relationship between doctors, spiritual care and healthcare chaplaincy.
INTER-FAITH PASTORAL CARE AND THE ROLE OF THE HEALTH CARE CHAPLAIN
Authors: Carey Lindsay , Davoren Ronald
Published: March 2015

This paper explores the inter-faith pastoral care provided by Australian Christian health care chaplains to patients and their families of non-Christian religions in public hospitals within the culturally diverse western suburbs of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia). Chaplains completed an ‘Inter-Faith and Pastoral Care Questionnaire' followed by an in-depth interview designed to explore the strategies, techniques, knowledge and resources of chaplains ministering to adherents of traditional non-Christian religions. The majority of chaplains were found to have provided pastoral care to people of non-Christian faiths utilizing a variety of pastoral strategies. Differences were noted between Catholic and Protestant chaplains, and between lay and ordained chaplains, particularly concerning their knowledge of non-Christian faiths and their use of resources. It is argued that future chaplaincy personnel need to be better trained in order to maximize the effectiveness of inter-faith pastoral care.
SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS CARE CAPABILITIES AND COMPETENCES FOR HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINS
Authors: Foggie Janet , Levison Chris , Macritchie Iain , Mitchell David
Published: March 2015

This article examines the process of formation of the Spiritual and Religious Care Capabilities and Competences for Healthcare Chaplains: its history, the process of writing, the process of consultation, and the impact of the document. The authors argue that the capabilities and competencies are an essential component of the development of chaplaincy as a modern healthcare profession.
STANDARDS FOR NHS SCOTLAND CHAPLAINCY SERVICES SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL
Authors: Levison Chris , Munro Gillian , Young Sandy
Published: March 2015

In 2007 the first Standards for NHS Scotland Chaplaincy Services, with a related audit tool, were published. NHS Tayside Spiritual Care Forum formally adopted these to measure the development of the work of the department of Spiritual Care. The audit carried out was the first of its kind in Scotland therefore a process had to be developed. Consideration was given to who should be involved, what the aims would be and where and when the process would be carried out. Two assessors were appointed and following collation of evidence and information and consultation with wider representation submission was made. Representatives were invited from the department and other areas involved in the work to attend the submission meeting. The resulting report was presented by one of the assessors to NHS Tayside Spiritual Care Forum. Reflection on the process is offered.
Speaking of Dying: a practical guide to using counselling skills in palliative care Heyse-Moore L 2009 ISBN Jessica Kingsley Publishers London and Philadelphia 192 pages
Authors: Stirling Ian
Published: March 2015

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LIVE DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION AND THE PLACE OF CHAPLAINCY IN THE DONOR ADVOCACY TEAM
Authors: Lumsdaine Jen , Mulligan Anne
Published: March 2015

These two pieces (one from a transplant co-ordinator and one from a chaplain) outline some of the ethical and pastoral issues raised in the increasing field of live donor organ transplantation. These include autonomy, ‘first do no harm’ and the support of families facing these decisions. The articles are based on the work of two members of staff in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
RELIGIOUS PLURALISM AND THE HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN
Authors: Mundle Robert
Published: March 2015

Following theologian Raimon Panikkar, I argue that healthcare chaplaincy is authentic in regard to religious pluralism only when it is dialogical. In examples of pastoral problems of sacramental ministry and prayer that challenge the aims of denominational and multi-faith chaplaincy, I show how professional healthcare chaplains may enter into communion with patients in authentic relationships while maintaining a sense of alterity necessary for dialogue and effective ministry. I explore also the role of embodied alterity in the creative tension of intrapersonal rela-tionships. In response to the theological challenge of religious pluralism, I conclude that by experiencing dialogical pluralism in the reflective practice of ministry, healthcare chaplains can offer unique insights to pastoral theology.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN AS RELIGIOUS INTERPRETER IN BIOETHICAL DILEMMAS
Authors: Mundle Robert
Published: March 2015

Using a recent example of a highly publicized case in Canada in which a family’s demands for life-sustaining treatment based on religious beliefs were pitted against a physician’s re-fusal to provide “inappropriate” care, this article critiques the suggestion that chaplains function as “religious interpreters” in bioethics cases that seek to determine the medical validity of religious beliefs. It argues that the chaplain as interpreter of religious beliefs and values requires a full vision of the chaplain’s unique and complex role in healthcare that (1) regards the patient not the chaplain as the “expert,” (2) utilizes a variety of key images of pastoral care, and (3) engages a process of dialogical hermeneutics. It concludes that in its broadest understanding and fullest appreciation beyond judgemental interpretation of facts alone pastoral care provides a helpful re-source to healthcare teams and an influential model in the art of ethics consultation that embraces uncertainty to build trust among stakeholders.
WHAT DO NURSING STUDENTS UNDERSTAND BY SPIRITUALITY AND SPIRITUAL CARE?
Authors: Seymour Beth
Published: March 2015

The assumption that nursing students have an understanding about the nature of spiritual care requires examination especially in an environment which expects nurses and other health care staff to provide spiritual care. Unfortunately there is little by way of spiritual education in nursing courses. This article describes a case study of nursing students’ understandings of spirituality and experiences of spiritual education. The focus is on a particular method of data collection from the larger study, the nominal group technique, and discussion surrounds its use, analysis and findings.
ASSESSMENT AND DOCUMENTATION OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE LIVERPOOL CARE PATHWAY FOR THE DYING PATIENT
Authors: Tuck Claire
Published: March 2015

Introduction: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying (LCP) provides a standardised evidence-based approach to caring for patients and their relatives in the final days of life (MCPIL, 2009). Goal 6, Section 1 of the LCP assesses religion and spirituality. Methods: A retrospective audit of assessment and documentation of Goal 6, Section 1 of the LCP was carried out between 1.6.08 – 31.8.08. Following discussion with the MCPIL, a standard for 80% compliance was set. Results: Compliance with the 80% standard was not met. 50% of patients and 74% of relatives had their religious/spiritual needs assessed with them. 42% of patients had a religious tradi-tion/spiritual need identified and 42% of patients were offered internal chaplaincy support. Internal discussion suggested Hospice staff were not always comfortable discussing religion/spirituality with patients and their families and that religion was easier to document than spirituality. Conclusions: Ways in which provision of religious/spiritual care to dying patients and their families might be facilitated were discussed internally and recommendations for providing this care were made.
SPIRITUAL CARE OF STAFF IN AN ITU
Authors: Brown Derek
Published: March 2015

In this article we learn how the method of data collection in a study of chaplaincy support of staff in ITU provides a model for such support. We also learn how difficult it is for staff to free themselves up for group discussion. Staff in an ITU are usually aware of spiritual aspects of their work but overwhelmed by the technological imperatives. Without careful introduction families may see the chaplain as a harbinger of doom in an already highly emotional setting. Staff do not always have the time to do the careful introductions. When the chaplain meets with the staff to help them debrief and creates space and time for them to talk about their work this in turn helps them better support patients and families, enhancing the opportunity for those in their care to access the chaplain if they wish.
SPIRITUAL CARE OF OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Mowat Harriet , Wilson Claire , Lachlan Geoff , Gray William , Gray Alastair , Faubert Ellen , Adams Liz , Coates Stuart , Bunniss Suzanne
Published: March 2015

This article focuses on both methods and outcomes of a piece of participatory research. The intention was to combine an educational experience with the production of useful research. Here we see that a group approach to research might serve chaplaincy well. The combination of perspectives and skills is greater than the parts. This article shows that reflection and discussion can produce “new horizons”. We have used the gadamerian stages of the hermeneutic cycle as headings for the presentation of the data. We have also identified the findings before showing the workings. This deviates from the standard presentation of research but we think that it allows the research story and the workings to be exposed more helpfully. Our conclusions show that adapta-tion both internally and externally are required in old age and a major task for chaplaincy is to help in the adaptive process through focussing on the underlying meaning to a life’s experience.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A HEALTHCARE CHAPLAIN TO ENTER INTO RESEARCH?
Authors: Bull Alister
Published: March 2015

In this personal eye view article Alister shows how the engagement with research leads to reflective practice and greater support for practice. He gives an account of his own journey into research and the advantages that this has given him in terms of his working life. I am just one of a few chaplains who have taken up research as part of our work. As a member of the newly formed Spiritual Care National Research Development Group, I have been asked to share my research journey, thus far, to reveal what it might mean for other chaplains should they consider research for part of their work. In regards to my research background, I have published a couple of arti-cles. One of these was reporting on an audit concerning staff training needs for spiritual care, while the other was on the spiritual needs of children in hospital. I am currently working on a PhD where I am researching the insights gained from using an age-appropriate spiritual assessment tool with children in hospital.
USE OF MBTI PERSONALITY TYPING AS AN AID TO COMMUNICATION WHEN DEALING WITH SPIRITUAL INJURY/ DISTRESS IN SPECIALIST PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Brandon Anne
Published: March 2015

This article seeks to explore the benefits of awareness of personality typing theory, as described by Jung and further by Briggs and Briggs Myers, in the context of communicating with patients in the setting of Specialist Palliative Care. In particular, dealing with the issue of spiritual injury/distress is considered. A brief summary of how the different dichotomies of Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) for personality type can influence how a person interacts with their surrounding world is offered. Finally, there is an examination of how knowledge and understanding of this theory might aid communication.
PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF HEALTH CARE CHAPLAINS (HCC’S) AND REGISTERED NURSES (RN’S) SUPPORT OF FAMILY MEMBERS DURING RESUSCITATION OF THEIR LOVED ONE
Authors: James Jayne , Cottle Elita , Hodge Debbie
Published: March 2015

This paper explores the background to the development of the role of the family support person (FSP) during family witnessed resuscitation in the acute care setting. The focus of this study is on the experiences of this role from the perspective of both the Healthcare Chaplain and Registered Nurse. There are some merits and limitations to family member’s presence during this procedure. The role of the FSP in supporting family members has not been previously explored therefore a qualitative approach was undertaken. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and analysed. Further quantitative studies are warranted to explore this issue further.
Introducing a Companion Sitter Service to hospice patients
Authors: Murphy Karen
Published: March 2015

As referrals to Weston Hospicecare increase and the number of patients supported continues to grow, the services of one full time chaplain are spread more thinly. Responding to the issue of limited capacity, the author describes the development of a companion sitter service and outlines the benefits to the hospice.
Lessons for Chaplaincy from a Management Secondment
Authors: Macritchie Iain
Published: March 2015

Following a secondment in NHS management, the author reflects on the absence of spiritual care from many of the policies that shape the delivery of healthcare in NHS Scotland. He calls for a greater integration of existing spiritual care and chaplaincy policy with NHS Scotland’s policies. He looks at ways in which chaplaincy can contribute to the process of greater integration by becoming more involved in current changes in healthcare delivery. He applies some of the lessons learned in the management secondment to his current practice as a Mental Health and Learning Disability Chaplain.
Reflective practice in a very busy world
Authors: Capelin Howard
Published: March 2015

Trying to persuade ‘time constrained’ practitioners to regularly practice ‘time hungry’ reflective practice can easily fail. Therefore what is the irreducible minimum or essence of reflective practice? This article concludes that the essence of reflective practice is more about process (artistry, intuition, tact) than the ‘evidence base’ outputs that have been built on it; and advocates 5 essential features.
Learning Disabilities
Authors: Murning John , Swinton John
Published: March 2015

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Orere Source
Authors: Brown W.
Published: March 2015

As a hospital chaplain I am very conscious of boundaries. Over the years I have stood at the boundaries be-tween birth and life, life and death, sickness and health. I have also been challenged by my contacts with other professionals in healthcare whose thoughts about their lives and work stimulated my thinking and faith. The boundaries between social worker and chaplain, medicine and religion, pastoral care and psychotherapy. I have also been enriched by my contacts with clergy of other faiths, with rabbis, priests, ministers, imams, and healers - the boundaries of religious faiths. So it was both a privilege and a pleasure to be asked to contribute the fol-lowing section to this new journal which will be a forum for information across many of those same boundaries, not forgetting geographical boundaries. For the past 10 years now I have been channelling my interest and en-ergy in the boundary issues into the construction of a database which contains records of the ideas and beliefs of chaplains from around the world, as well as other healthcare professionals whose work has, in my judgement, significance for the practice of pastoral care. In this and in future issues, I shall be bringing to your attention material that I hope will enrich your ministry. It will be material culled from an international selection of pastoral care writings, as well as other peer-reviewed journals. It will reflect the ministries of men and women of different faiths. I hope their words will stimulate your thinking as well as deepening and enriching your ministry.
Good Grief?
Authors: Murray Derek
Published: March 2015

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Week is a Long Time in Chaplaincy
Authors: Coutts Fred
Published: March 2015

Fred Coutts is one of the chaplains at Aberdeen Royal Hospitals. The team of 5 whole-time chaplains, together with their Roman Catholic and Episcopal colleagues provide chap-laincy services to 1500 patients, their relatives and 5500 staff in a large acute hospital, a mater-nity hospital, a children's hospital, a palliative care unit and a convalescent hospital. Fred gives us a peek into his diary for one particularly stressful week when he was on-call. (Names have been changed to preserve confidentiality)
What is Spiritual about Being Ill?
Authors: Williams Jenny
Published: March 2015

An exploration of how spirituality in healthcare can be understood and effected within local community settings. How will churches and community groups relate to GP practices and offer resources? What language might facilitate this? How is the term spirituality changing our understanding of illness for the individual and for society? The metaphor of a bridge is suggested and related to both individuals who are ill, and community groups that might work in partnership with primary health care delivery.
Enhancing Confidence, Credibility and Continuing Learning
Authors: Kelly Ewan
Published: March 2015

With reference to the experience of the first cohort of students completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Chaplaincy delivered by the University of Glasgow, the programme director of healthcare chaplaincy and spiritual care at NHS Education for Scotland, the sponsoring organisation, reflects on the significance of the course for healthcare chaplaincy in Scotland.
Evidence Based Practice
Authors: Hundley Vanora
Published: March 2015

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Advance Directives
Authors: Boyd Kenneth
Published: March 2015

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Chaplain as Patient
Authors: Levison Chris
Published: March 2015

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WHEN BIRTH AND DEATH COME TOGETHER
Authors: Hamilton David
Published: March 2015

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SOME ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE
Authors: McKie Andrew
Published: March 2015

The prevention of suicide is often discussed alongside the ethics of suicide itself. The ethics of prevention often centres around the use of ethical principles in the context of dilemmas and problems. The limitations of this approach are highlighted by focussing upon the concept of the moral community. Relational virtues arising from this commu-nity suggest important strategies for both client and carer alike.
Chaplaincy Support to Bereaved Parents - Part 1
Authors: Newitt Mark
Published: March 2015

This article explores the spiritual needs of bereaved parents and the way chaplaincy support helped meet that need. It argues that underlying all other need was a loss of control experienced by parents. Alongside this, three further themes are identified: a loss of meaning and purpose, a loss of self worth, and a desire to do something. Liturgy and ritual provided by chaplains helped meet each of the spiritual needs. The ceremonies performed by chaplains were most meaningful to parents when accompanied by the chaplain relating well to them. Of particular importance was the ability of the chaplain to draw alongside parents through attentive listening. As a contrast to the rotation of nurses and doctors, parents often viewed chaplains as a consistent or constant presence. It is recommend that, if possible, the same chaplain provides support to parents throughout.
Importance of Supervision
Authors: Shohet Robin
Published: March 2015

This article is a reflection on my extended and rewarding experience of supervision. Through having a nourishing and challenging first experience of supervision I was able to be supported in the very demanding environment of a residential therapeutic community for people who had come out of psychiatric hospital. It was not only the individual supervision I had, but the ethos of the staff team which made sure my supervision time was protected, and built in as part of team supervision (staff dynamics).
Politics of Caring
Authors: Swinton John
Published: March 2015

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BEYOND JOHN KNOX?
Authors: Blount Graham
Published: March 2015

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CHAPLAIN AS TRANSLATOR
Authors: Macritchie Iain
Published: March 2015

The Chaplain finds herself continually in the position of the translator, having to move in the space between subject and object. This space Winnicott calls "Transitional", and Ulanov sees as particularly the domain of the clergy. The nature of these gaps is ana-lysed, especially with respect to Chaplaincy and the work of the individual Chaplain. Various kinds of transitional space are examined, and the challenges facing the Chap-lain in these situations are highlighted.
CHAPLAINCY – A RESOURCE OF CHRISTIAN PRESENCE
Authors: Scott Tom
Published: March 2015

This article is an extract of a lecture by the late Tom Scott presented at Heriot- Watt University in 1979. Twenty-one years hindsight shows the authors clear train of thought and while much in chaplaincy has moved forward there is much remains the same. Tom explores: the changes the individual needs to make moving from minister to chaplain, issues of training, the temptation to develop chaplaincy as a department, and the opportunity the Church has to use chaplaincy for theological experiment.