Content

In this unit students will explore the pastoral and theological implications of communal existential concerns, such as climate change, war, domestic violence, pathogenic threats, inequality and mental health. Students will evaluate known pastoral responses to a specific existential issue, identify what is lacking in the pastoral care and create their own response for a chosen context or community. This unit will include broad thinking about pastoral responses to existential concerns and the impact on people's faith while allowing students to deepen their understanding in a particular area of interest.

Unit code: DP9748Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically examine the pastoral and theological implications of existential concerns on individuals and communities

2.

Critically evaluate the effectiveness of pastoral responses to existential concerns

3.

Develop, implement and evaluate a pastoral response to an existential concern

Unit sequence

An elective postgraduate unit.

Pedagogy

Critical engagement with readings, discussion and interaction, case studies, reflective journalling, and guest speakers.

Indicative Bibliography

Brief Indicative Bibliography

  • Andrade, Luis Martinez and Seferosa Carroll. Facing Climate Collapse: Ecology, Theology and Capitalocene. SCM Press, 2025.
  • Douglas, Sally. Rewilding Prayer. Cascade Books, 2025.
  • Goroncy, Jason and Rod Pattenden. Imagination in an Age of Crisis: Soundings from the Arts and Theology. Pickwick Publications, 2022.
  • Middleton, Timothy A., and Project Muse. Witnessing a Wounded World: A Theology of Ecological Trauma. First edition. New York, NY: Fordham University Press, 2026. https://muse.jhu.edu/book/135444/.
  • Moore, Osheta. Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace. Herald Press, 2021.
  • Robinson, Stephen. Ministry in Disaster Settings: Lessons from the Edge. Atlantis books, 2007.
  • Slee, Nicola. Fragments for Fractured Times: What Feminist Practical Theology Brings to the Table. SCM Press, 2020.
  • Yoorrook Justice Commission. https://www.yoorrook.org.au

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 6000 1.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Apr, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-04-15 09:42:46 +1000