CPE and Therapeutic Pastoral Theology (DP9061P)

Postgraduate, 12.0 points

Content

Many pastoral and spiritual carers engage Clinical Pastoral Education as a part of their theological education and practical training. Yet not all are introduced to the biography and theology of Anton Boisen (1876-1965), the US Presbyterian minister with whom CPE originates. This unit enquires into Boisen's experiences shaping his theological convictions--including that people are to be revered as scripture--and explores their expression in practices still used in CPE and other care setting, as well as evaluating the 'therapeutic tradition' of pastoral care which CPE exemplifies.

Unit code: DP9061P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 12.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate key theological convictions undergirding Clinical Pastoral Education.
2.

Apply insights of therapeutic traditions of pastoral care to critical situations.
3.

Construct verbatim as tools for engaging 'living human documents'.
4.

Evaluate the challenge of key theological convictions undergirding Clinical Pastoral Education to 'classical' ways of doing theology.

Pedagogy

Class discussion, lectures, guided reading, guided exercises.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Boisen, A. Exploration of the Inner World. Philadelphia: Penn. UP, 1971.
  • Boisen, A. Out of the Depths. San Francisco: Harper, 1960.
  • Burns, S. Pastoral Theology for Public Ministry. New York: Seabury, 2015.
  • Doehring, Carrie. The Practice of Pastoral Care. Louisville: WJKP, 2015.
  • Gerkin, C. An Introduction to Pastoral Care. Nashville: Abingdon, 1997.
  • Lartey, E. Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World. Peterborough: Epworth, 2006.
  • Miller-McClemore, Bonnie. Christian Theology in Practice. Grand Rapids: Eerdmanns, 2012.
  • Ramsey, Nancy, ed. Pastoral Care and Counseling. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report - -

Briefly outline the dominant understanding of theology in your experience (of church, of familiar pastors, of popular culture), especially focusing on its value in times of closely-mediated crisis (your own or others).

 500 20.0
Critical Review - -

Review one of the designated readings associated with this assignment, especially noting challenges to your own understanding of the tasks and methods of theology.

 1750 40.0
Case Study - -

Use Verbatim to explore two conversations with 'living human documents', highlighting critical correlation with Christian doctrine and challenge to 'classical' ways of doing theology.

 1750 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-15 16:59:42 +1000