Responding to Life Itself: A Proposed Understanding of Domain, Goal and Interventions for Chaplaincy in a Secular Age

J Pastoral Care Counsel. 2024 Dec;78(4):188-195. doi: 10.1177/15423050241296785. Epub 2024 Nov 5.

Abstract

In this article, we present a model of chaplaincy in a secular age which includes, in one coherent system: domain, goal and an intervention pathway. The domain is presented as the process of "responding to life itself". A corresponding goal of chaplaincy is considered in the context of "existential well-being". This goal can be achieved through the proposed "The Ritual Bath Model" based on these new defined concepts.

Keywords: Spirituality; chaplaincy; meaning; method; secular age; spiritual care.

MeSH terms

  • Chaplaincy Service, Hospital
  • Clergy / psychology
  • Goals
  • Humans
  • Pastoral Care*
  • Spirituality