Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

138the Christian orthodoxy of the mid-1960s era when Clebsch and Jaekle wrote.However, as a twenty-first century counterpoint, it could be conservativelyargued, in deference to these scholars’ words, that as much as non-Christianconcern for troubled persons can include reference to issues of ultimate meaning,“non-Christian ... concern for helping troubled persons is seen in our day toborder closely upon Christian pastoral care as we have defined it.” 382Inasmuch as this concession permits a sense of continuity and evolution inunderstanding between past and present pastoral epochs it also points to thelegitimacy of discerning traditional or classical understandings amidst thepastoral evolution generated by post-modern critique. This is so even if the linkmay be more in terms of principle rather than practical interpretation.4.1.4 Principles that Shape the Pastoral RoleFrom the perspective of the Western Judeo-Christian tradition, it can beargued that those appointed by the Christian church to engage in a particularpastoral ministry have done so with a commitment to honouring thetheologically-based principles and traditions of their denomination. This remainsso today. Whilst the traditions of different denominations vary, leading todifferences in pastoral emphasis both in theory and practice, nonetheless it wouldbe reasonable to assert that Christian pastoral carers have been appointed to theirrole out of Christian principles and traditions that affirm the centrality of Christ tofaith. This faith, however understood, is to be shared with others. It is on the basisof this fundamental Christian tenet that Campbell is able to assert that pastoralcare “is no more (and no less) than sharing with another in the experience ofgrace, a surprising, unsought gift.” 383 Furthermore, it can also be claimed thatfundamental to the church’s pastoral ministry, and appointment of persons to thatrole, is the church’s commitment to care for those whom Clebsch and Jaeklewould refer to as ‘troubled persons’ but which can be described more broadly as‘people in need.’ What then constitutes need depends on an array of variables,including the theological orthodoxy or otherwise of the Christian denominationrepresented, and the context and peoples to which care is offered. Nonetheless,382 Clebsch and Jaekle, Pastoral Care in Historical Perspective, 6.383 Campbell, “Rediscovering Pastoral Care”, 16.Bracketed words are those of author.