Guide to Reference Resources

This library reference guide is designed to direct you to valuable resources in the field of Pastoral Theology.

Pastoral theology seeks to deepen our understanding of God, humanity, and the world by engaging with pastoral work and lived experiences. Drawing on theological practices and insights in dialogue with psychological theories, methods, and practices, it informs the care of individuals, congregations, and communities.

Pastoral theology promotes psychological and spiritual well-being in individuals and groups, critiques societal and systemic oppression, and advocates for justice.

How to Start Research for Pastoral Theology

Starting from Human Experience

• Who is suffering?

• Which groups are facing hardship in the world?

• Who needs care, and what are their challenges?

Examining the Problems and Challenges

• What was their trauma like?

• What are the sources of their suffering?

• What underlying social structures contribute to their struggles?

Considering Psychological Approaches to the Topic

• How can psychoanalysis deepen our understanding of the lived experiences of those we research?

• How can psychological frameworks help us understand suffering and suggest potential solutions?

Suggesting Theological and Pastoral Implications as Present and Future Hope

• What theological and pastoral insights can be drawn from this analysis?

• What pastoral guidance can they offer for those in need of care?

• How can these findings inspire hope for the present and future?

Pastoral theology encompasses a variety of disciplines and methods, each with its own distinct emphasis. 

The following texts highlight the diverse approaches and disciplines explored by pastoral theologians.

Pastoral theology and care are contextual, meaning that approaches vary depending on specific circumstances.

The following books focus on a variety of pastoral theological approaches, including perspectives from African and African American women and men, as well as Latina, Latino, and Korean women.

Pastoral care and counseling focus on supporting minors, including children and youth who are often overlooked or subjected to abuse.

The following texts address various topics, such as caring for children of abused parents, supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and ministering to adopted children.

Pastoral counseling is a branch of counseling where psychologically trained ministers provide therapy and care for those in need. These texts introduce pastoral counseling within specific contexts.

Psychology offers a unique perspective and valuable insights for understanding religious beliefs, practices, and experiences, which help construct religious and spiritual meaning.

These texts explore key aspects of the relationship between psychology and religion.

Psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy developed by Sigmund Freud. It focuses on the unconscious mind, revealing the deep longings of human beings. The goal of therapy is to uncover unacknowledged meanings, thoughts, and behaviors to help individuals understand their psychological distress.

This reference includes the works of early psychoanalytic theorists as well as contemporary contributors to the field.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event, such as an accident, crime, or natural disaster. Its devastating impact on individuals can be profound, with unresolved trauma often haunting victims. In the contemporary world, coping with trauma has become a crucial issue. Theology has been used to examine and reimagine trauma, aiming to understand its psychological effects and explore potential solutions within a theological framework.

These texts address the relationship between theology and trauma, focusing on how religion and theology can contribute to the care and healing of the traumatized.

Moral injury refers to the psychological, social, and spiritual impact of events that shatter an individual’s moral beliefs and values. This term is often associated with veterans who have experienced situations such as unwanted violence, which profoundly undermines their moral values and leads to psychological harm. Although commonly used in the context of veterans, the concept of moral injury extends to other individuals whose moral values are repeatedly damaged or destroyed by oppressive orders or structures.

The following books explore moral injury from both psychological and theological perspectives, providing insights into potential paths for healing.