Chaplaincy for a Plural World: Humanistic Perspectives

Chaplaincy for a Plural World provides a theoretical foundation for an inclusive understanding of chaplaincy and lays out key chaplaincy methods for providing spiritual care in a modern context. Inspired by recent humanist chaplaincy in the Netherlands and based on the interdisciplinary science of humanistic studies, the book explains chaplaincy as a multifaceted profession in which supporting people’s search for meaning in life is intertwined with the pursuit of humanizing organizations and society. The book offers a wide range of methods and practical tools for use by a diverse group of readers: chaplains, other professionals or volunteers, and students in higher education who prepare themselves for spiritual care work in secularizing and pluralizing societies. These methods include such key areas of work as individual counseling, group work, ritual, educational activities, supporting the moral development of individuals, teams, and organizations, conducting research, and doing sociopolitical work. The book fills the meaning gap that secularization has left in Western societies and offers a hopeful perspective for all who strive for a humane and meaningful world.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Theoretical Considerations 1. Meaning Making as a Process of Orientation in Life 2. Humanism as a Critical, Entangled, and Inclusive Worldview 3. Chaplaincy in Secularizing, Plural Societies Part II: Methods 4. Using Counseling Methods in Chaplaincy 5. Humanist Chaplaincy Support Groups 6. Re-inventing Rituals from Humanistic Perspectives 7. The Chaplain’s Educating Role in Spiritual Care 8. The Chaplain as a Researching Professional 9. Moral Development of Individuals, Teams, and Organizations 10. Doing Socio-Political Work in Chaplaincy

About the Author :
Carmen Schuhmann is associate professor of humanist chaplaincy studies at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Annelieke Damen is assistant professor of humanist chaplaincy studies at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Gaby Jacobs is full professor of humanist chaplaincy studies at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Marishelle Lieberwerth is completing her master’s degree at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Joanna Wojtkowiak is assistant professor of psychological and spiritual aspects of existential care at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Review :
"Carmen Schuhmann and her team have assembled a groundbreaking contribution to the study of chaplaincy. They strike a balance between the vital theoretical underpinning of spiritual care and practical tools that all chaplains can use immediately. Drawing on the deep history of humanistic spiritual care in the Netherlands, they pose a critical question: how can humanistic spiritual care inform a capacitive definition of 'a good life' for both individuals and societies? Far beyond the Dutch context from which it arises, this book must be studied closely by all who seek to advance the profession of spiritual care." Michael Skaggs, PhD, director of programs at the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab "The developing field of humanist and non-religious chaplaincy is fast paced and rich, though under-studied. This excellent volume is essential reading for everyone, from practitioners to students to researchers." Andrew Copson, chief executive of Humanists UK and president of Humanists International "This book meets a critical need for collaboratively developed models of spiritual care based on chaplain-specific competencies. I urge those who teach chaplaincy studies and education to read this comprehensive, worldview-inclusive perspective on spiritual care and chaplaincy based on norms and competencies in humanist chaplaincy and illustrated through compelling case studies." Carrie Doehring, PhD, professor emerita of pastoral care and counseling, Iliff School of Theology, Colorado, USA