Observed aversion to raising hell in pastoral care: the conflict between doctrine and practice

Stoddart, E. and Pryce, G. (2005) Observed aversion to raising hell in pastoral care: the conflict between doctrine and practice. Journal of Empirical Theology, 18(2), pp. 129-153. (doi: 10.1163/157092505774649234)

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Abstract

This paper explores complexities in the relationship between beliefs about hell and the practice of Christian pastoral care by clergy. It tests the hypotheses that observed aversion to raising the topic will be greater the more inclusive the minister's doctrine; that sensitivities are a strong motivation for the carer to seek a doctrinal 'loophole' to avoid it; and that inability to reconcile one's beliefs about hell with aversion to raising the subject does not mean that a minister will necessarily follow through on the implications of his/her doctrine. The data is derived from a postal survey of clergy in Scotland, conducted across the Trinitarian denominations. It is concluded that a model of applied-theology is ameliorated even by its proponents in the context of hell and pastoral care.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Pryce, Professor Gwilym
Authors: Stoddart, E., and Pryce, G.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
Journal Name:Journal of Empirical Theology
ISSN:0922-2936
ISSN (Online):1570-9256

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