Articles tagged with: Humanities
Congregations and Older Adult Resources
Abstract This article defines ways in which a community can honor older adults as an invaluable resource to community life. A biographical
study of a particular community is undertaken in order to extricate its theological convictions and ethical values. This study
underscores the pivotal role of older adults in community function. Moreover, this article challenges scholars, caregivers,
congregations to develop theories and strategies of care efficacious for healing.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11089-010-0308-5Au [...]
Abstract This article defines ways in which a community can honor older adults as an invaluable resource to community life. A biographical
study of a particular community is undertaken in order to extricate its theological convictions and ethical values. This study
underscores the pivotal role of older adults in community function. Moreover, this article challenges scholars, caregivers,
congregations to develop theories and strategies of care efficacious for healing.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11089-010-0308-5Au [...]
Asian Female and Caucasian Male Couples: Exploring the Attraction
Abstract This essay examines the dynamics that trigger attraction between Asian females and Caucasian males. The author conducted ten
interviews with Caucasian males who are interested in having a relationship with an Asian female; these men discussed their
assumptions about Asian females. This essay then explores these dynamics in light of two books on East-West relations: Orientalism by Edward W. Said (1979) and The Asian Mystique by Sheridan Prasso (2005). Next this essay explores the psychological aspects of finding partners by [...]
Abstract This essay examines the dynamics that trigger attraction between Asian females and Caucasian males. The author conducted ten
interviews with Caucasian males who are interested in having a relationship with an Asian female; these men discussed their
assumptions about Asian females. This essay then explores these dynamics in light of two books on East-West relations: Orientalism by Edward W. Said (1979) and The Asian Mystique by Sheridan Prasso (2005). Next this essay explores the psychological aspects of finding partners by [...]
Forever Young: Pastoral Care and the Experience of “Aging,” Reconsidered
Abstract As we age, we inevitably experience diminishment in our physical functioning yet this need not yield a diminished sense of
self. Our personal interior life and our ability to find grace in the midst of challenges are not adequately defined by the
psychological, medical, or theological understandings of aging that we have inherited. Rather, there is positive potential
in aging, particularly if we hone our adaptive coping skills. Pastoral care providers can facilitate enrichment of individuals’
and faith communities’ c [...]
Abstract As we age, we inevitably experience diminishment in our physical functioning yet this need not yield a diminished sense of
self. Our personal interior life and our ability to find grace in the midst of challenges are not adequately defined by the
psychological, medical, or theological understandings of aging that we have inherited. Rather, there is positive potential
in aging, particularly if we hone our adaptive coping skills. Pastoral care providers can facilitate enrichment of individuals’
and faith communities’ c [...]
The Craftsman and His Apprentice: A Kohutian Interpretation of the Gospel Narratives of Jesus Christ
Abstract Kohutian theory suggests that relationships play a central role in structuring and sustaining the psychological self. In this
article, we apply self psychology to the Father-Son dyad found in the Synoptic and Johannine narratives in order to understand
the Jesus of the gospels in a new, psychologically informed manner. Conclusions are drawn related to how self psychology can
help to elucidate the biblical relationship between God the Father and Son, or the craftsman and his apprentice, as well as
how, conversely, the Fat [...]
Abstract Kohutian theory suggests that relationships play a central role in structuring and sustaining the psychological self. In this
article, we apply self psychology to the Father-Son dyad found in the Synoptic and Johannine narratives in order to understand
the Jesus of the gospels in a new, psychologically informed manner. Conclusions are drawn related to how self psychology can
help to elucidate the biblical relationship between God the Father and Son, or the craftsman and his apprentice, as well as
how, conversely, the Fat [...]
A Time to Learn: A Comparison of Policies Dealing with Clergy Sexual Misconduct
Abstract This is the first article to compare a variety of religious organizations’ codes of conduct when dealing with clergy sexual
misconduct. The comparison of codes from Catholic, Protestant and Jewish institutions provide a valuable indication of how
this important and complex set of issues is being approached. Moreover, the sharing of information contained in this article
will encourage clergy based organizations to learn from the practices of others in order to improve their regulatory procedures.
In addition, it is hope [...]
Abstract This is the first article to compare a variety of religious organizations’ codes of conduct when dealing with clergy sexual
misconduct. The comparison of codes from Catholic, Protestant and Jewish institutions provide a valuable indication of how
this important and complex set of issues is being approached. Moreover, the sharing of information contained in this article
will encourage clergy based organizations to learn from the practices of others in order to improve their regulatory procedures.
In addition, it is hope [...]
“Don’t Give Up on Them”: Older Adults with Physical Limitations
Abstract Some older adults must learn to navigate the terrain of significant physical limitations due to disabling conditions or illnesses
that may accompany the aging process. First-person accounts illustrate developmental stages of older adulthood and illuminate
concepts and definitions of disability and dependence. Ultimately, older adults, though their lives may bear similarities
to generalizations about later life, are unique and complex people. Congregational care to older adults with disabilities
includes greater incorpora [...]
Abstract Some older adults must learn to navigate the terrain of significant physical limitations due to disabling conditions or illnesses
that may accompany the aging process. First-person accounts illustrate developmental stages of older adulthood and illuminate
concepts and definitions of disability and dependence. Ultimately, older adults, though their lives may bear similarities
to generalizations about later life, are unique and complex people. Congregational care to older adults with disabilities
includes greater incorpora [...]
Spiritual Autobiography and Older Adults
Abstract Spiritual autobiography groups constitute a form of ministry that can potentially enrich the lives of older adults, their
families, and their congregations. Such groups, when competently led, provide participants with an environment in which they
can make meaning out of their lives, grieve their losses, and give and receive support. The actions and interactions involved
in composing, telling, and hearing life stories are salutary exercises that can increase participants’ experiences of clarity,
coherence, and connectio [...]
Abstract Spiritual autobiography groups constitute a form of ministry that can potentially enrich the lives of older adults, their
families, and their congregations. Such groups, when competently led, provide participants with an environment in which they
can make meaning out of their lives, grieve their losses, and give and receive support. The actions and interactions involved
in composing, telling, and hearing life stories are salutary exercises that can increase participants’ experiences of clarity,
coherence, and connectio [...]
Italian-American Immigrants and Religious Conversions
Abstract In spite of significant efforts by American Protestants in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century to convert the
huge influx of Italian immigrants, their results were disappointing for a variety of theological, psychological and sociological
reasons. This confluence of immigration, religious conversion and mission has received scant attention, even though it offers
an object lesson for contemporary immigration and conversion studies.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11089-010-0304-9Authors
Linda A. [...]
Abstract In spite of significant efforts by American Protestants in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century to convert the
huge influx of Italian immigrants, their results were disappointing for a variety of theological, psychological and sociological
reasons. This confluence of immigration, religious conversion and mission has received scant attention, even though it offers
an object lesson for contemporary immigration and conversion studies.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11089-010-0304-9Authors
Linda A. [...]
Asian Medicine and Holistic Aging
Abstract This article introduces a holistic model of care for the elderly from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
a body-spirit-social-environment perspective, deeply influenced by Chinese religions, which laid the foundation of Chinese
health beliefs and practices. The author evaluates practices that promote health, longevity, and quality of life, and support
end of life care. Insights address care for Chinese and other ethnic Asian older adults.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11089-010-0305-8Au [...]
Abstract This article introduces a holistic model of care for the elderly from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
a body-spirit-social-environment perspective, deeply influenced by Chinese religions, which laid the foundation of Chinese
health beliefs and practices. The author evaluates practices that promote health, longevity, and quality of life, and support
end of life care. Insights address care for Chinese and other ethnic Asian older adults.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11089-010-0305-8Au [...]
Resistance to Women in Ministry and the Psychodynamics of Sadness
Abstract The relationship between losses within mainline Protestant churches and the resistance to women in ministry is explored. Loss
in congregations and denominations awakens an unconscious desire for a “dominant other” that will save the church from real
or perceived loss or even the threat of death. Women are not seen as “dominant” and are thus overlooked when leadership for
restoration is sought. Loss may also awaken unconscious resentment and hatred against women. Women are associated with the
“wombishness” of [...]
Abstract The relationship between losses within mainline Protestant churches and the resistance to women in ministry is explored. Loss
in congregations and denominations awakens an unconscious desire for a “dominant other” that will save the church from real
or perceived loss or even the threat of death. Women are not seen as “dominant” and are thus overlooked when leadership for
restoration is sought. Loss may also awaken unconscious resentment and hatred against women. Women are associated with the
“wombishness” of [...] 
