The Art Of Interfaith Spiritual Care [Hardcover]

Relationships between people are frequently compromised as a result of religious viewpoints, but appropriate spiritual care requires bridges to understanding that will allow for trust and justice to become visible. The pattern for this book is shaped on the recognition that, while religious expressions differ markedly in their presentation, we can discern at the core of all religious expressions a supposition of sacred presence. It is therefore helpful for us all, in the daily events of our lives, that we approach people of other faiths with a degree of humility, recognizing that neither we, nor they, have a final answer to the question of faith. The book is divided into four parts, each part containing some chapters, in which elements of interfaith care are considered. Part one explores the complexities of interfaith engagement. Part two discusses ways for caring for each other in the search for meaning. Part three claims that spirituality is most difficult, if not impossible to define, but can be visible in a variety of experiences. The fourth part explores ways in which all that has gone before may be put into practice as spiritual care. Thought-provoking and stimulating, this book provides a way forward for spiritual care practitioners to critically reflect on their approach to spiritualcare within the growing plurality of faith traditions in health care settings. Full of practical wisdom, this book, in dealing with a complex subject, underscores the need for greater sensitivity to religion and spirituality in the context of helping relationships. It invites conversation and fosters further reflection on the subject of interfaith spiritual care. --Linda McWilliam, Director, Mission & Social Justice, Anglicare Southern Queensland This is a book for practitioners or inquirers who want to be challenged that spiritual care is not easy to define, nor something which is to 'be done.' Walter Stratford shows that spiritual care, when practiced with care, is a relalÃ*