In addition, we will examine how the process of grief is an integral part of the emotional experiences of life, often in ways that are hidden from conscious awareness. Course goals include the acquisition of basic skills for understanding grief as it relates to numerous types of counseling issues. The major opportunities for pastoral care emerge from loss, pain, grief, death, and the encounter with dying.
Nothing is more relevant to pastoral ministry than presence and support in crisis and loss.
The theology of suffering and the problem of theodicy are central issues in pastoral theology. Lecture and experiential exercises will be part of the format. This class will meet once per week for three hours. Crenshaw, David A . On Death and Dying .