A theology of chaplaincy from below: changing the locus of theological agency

Smith, G. (2023) A theology of chaplaincy from below: changing the locus of theological agency. Practical Theology, 16 (4). pp. 501-512. ISSN 1756-0748

[thumbnail of This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Practical Theology on 19 February 2023, available onlinehttps://doi.org/10.1080/1756073X.2023.2168230. © Contact Pastoral Trust 2023] Text (This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Practical Theology on 19 February 2023, available onlinehttps://doi.org/10.1080/1756073X.2023.2168230. © Contact Pastoral Trust 2023)
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Abstract

The article argues that a theology of chaplaincy needs to identify, analyse, and evaluate the theological reflection undertaken by their chaplaincy clients. Chaplains, when questioned about their theological ideas, usually speak briefly about notions such as a ‘ministry of presence’ or ‘incarnational ministry or theology’ to explain and justify their commitment to the welfare and pastoral care of their clients. In our research project, we interviewed chaplaincy clients discussing with them their theological ideas. And what became apparent was that in the seafaring context, it is not only chaplains who are theological agents; theology is also being produced by the seafarers. Previously seafarers have been a neglected presence in any discussion of a theology of chaplaincy, as, in fact, have other clients be they patients in hospitals, prisoners, school pupils, or university students. We identified and vocalised this client theology and in the second half of the article, we explore the implications for a ‘theology of chaplaincy’ of listening to and dialoguing with the theology produced by chaplaincy clients. This includes a discussion of how we conceive of the chaplaincy space and what ethical questions are raised when the clients’ theology is taken seriously.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: © Contact Pastoral Trust 2023
Uncontrolled Keywords: Philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, seafarers popular theology port chaplains
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology > BV1460 Religious Education
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Arts and Humanities > Theology, Philosophy and Religion
SWORD Depositor: Publications Router Jisc
Depositing User: Publications Router Jisc
Date Deposited: 08 Mar 2023 11:47
Last Modified: 04 Oct 2023 11:07
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/6740

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