There are many rooms in God's house: bridging the gap between pastoral counseling and the community of faith

Joseph A McKay

Etd

There are many rooms in God's house: bridging the gap between pastoral counseling and the community of faith

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Joseph A McKay. There Are Many Rooms In God's House: Bridging the Gap Between Pastoral Counseling and the Community of Faith. Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/d73e837d-f867-498a-a1db-0f552d72cc97.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

J. A. Mckay. There are many rooms in God's house: bridging the gap between pastoral counseling and the community of faith. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/d73e837d-f867-498a-a1db-0f552d72cc97

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Joseph A McKay. There Are Many Rooms In God's House: Bridging the Gap Between Pastoral Counseling and the Community of Faith. Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/d73e837d-f867-498a-a1db-0f552d72cc97.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Joseph A McKay

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

This thesis, 'There are Many Rooms in God's House,' is a pastoral perspective using drama to enable individuals to journey beyond counseling and tell their story in the context of the Biblical tradition. The power of drama to communicate values, truths, and beliefs has a long history in the secular milieu. Although the biblical tradition is not a dramatic tradition, its narrative is flexible enough to become a dramatic presentation. This study traces the role of drama in the Roman Catholic tradition of faith and its use as a viable tool for individuals to experience healing and reconciliation as they tell their story in the context of sacred scripture. Research has revealed that while many individuals may seek pastoral counseling, such intervention may not always lead them to a place of acceptance in the community of faith. These individuals may take solace in hearing the Word of God and allow that Word to draw them into the compassionate presence of a loving God. Empirical data from pastoral counseling experience, biblical and theological insights, use of active contemplation methods, social and theological issues take on new meaning when one experiences exclusion from 'the rooms' of the Christian community. The power of a dramatic play can be used to build a bridge between the individual and the Christian community. The reflections of the participants are revealed in the power of this medium, which brings healing and reconciliation to individuals and communities. This work recognizes drama as a credible tool to communicate truth, to address issues that are often ignored, and to engage a community in a dynamic way. Drama has power where words fail. It causes something to happen within both the community and the dramatist.

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