Theology of relational care: Difference between revisions
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The '''theology of relational care''' (also called '''relational care theology''') refers to a [[theology]] of understanding how contemporary followers of [[Jesus]] can relate to others, especially those who are [[poor]], [[marginalized]], or considered to be outcasts from [[mainstream]] society.<ref>Frame, John Christopher. ''[http://discovery.lib.harvard.edu//?itemid=%7clibrary%2fm%2faleph%7c012115337 Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care]'' (Thesis, Harvard University Divinity School).</ref> |
The '''theology of relational care''' (also called '''relational care theology''') refers to a [[theology]] of understanding how contemporary followers of [[Jesus]] can relate to others, especially those who are [[poor]], [[marginalized]], or considered to be outcasts from [[mainstream]] society.<ref>Frame, John Christopher. ''[http://discovery.lib.harvard.edu//?itemid=%7clibrary%2fm%2faleph%7c012115337 Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care]'' (Thesis, Harvard University Divinity School).</ref> |
||
==Theology== |
==Theology== |
||
The theology of relational care emphasizes [[Christians]] engaging, validating, and loving marginalized persons through genuine, intentional interactions. Such interactions include establishing [[Interpersonal relationship|relationships]], participating in meaningful [[conversations]], and building trust. It emphasizes that Christians actively build relationships with others so as to bridge the chasm between persons in the mainstream and those who have become disenfranchised from the mainstream. It also emphasizes that God has a special concern for the poor<ref>Sider, Ronald J. ''Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger'' (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005).</ref><ref>Van Til, Kent A. ''Less Than Two Dollars a Day'' (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2007).</ref> and proposes that social capital for marginalized persons is increased while [[emotional]] and [[spirtuality|spiritual]] support is offered to them. An important tenet of the theology of relational care is reciprocity—that the relationship is mutually enriching for both parties. The theology of relational care stresses relational [[justice]], the idea that human beings have an inalienable right to be in relationship with other human beings.<ref>Frame, John Christopher. ''[http://discovery.lib.harvard.edu//?itemid=%7clibrary%2fm%2faleph%7c012115337 Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care]'' (Thesis, Harvard University Divinity School).</ref><ref>{{ |
The theology of relational care emphasizes [[Christians]] engaging, validating, and loving marginalized persons through genuine, intentional interactions. Such interactions include establishing [[Interpersonal relationship|relationships]], participating in meaningful [[conversations]], and building trust. It emphasizes that Christians actively build relationships with others so as to bridge the chasm between persons in the mainstream and those who have become disenfranchised from the mainstream. It also emphasizes that God has a special concern for the poor<ref>Sider, Ronald J. ''Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger'' (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005).</ref><ref>Van Til, Kent A. ''Less Than Two Dollars a Day'' (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2007).</ref> and proposes that social capital for marginalized persons is increased while [[emotional]] and [[spirtuality|spiritual]] support is offered to them. An important tenet of the theology of relational care is reciprocity—that the relationship is mutually enriching for both parties. The theology of relational care stresses relational [[justice]], the idea that human beings have an inalienable right to be in relationship with other human beings.<ref>Frame, John Christopher. ''[http://discovery.lib.harvard.edu//?itemid=%7clibrary%2fm%2faleph%7c012115337 Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care]'' (Thesis, Harvard University Divinity School).</ref><ref>{{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abqkCxUplWo}}</ref> |
||
==Biblical basis== |
==Biblical basis== |
||
Revision as of 16:21, 13 September 2010
The theology of relational care (also called relational care theology) refers to a theology of understanding how contemporary followers of Jesus can relate to others, especially those who are poor, marginalized, or considered to be outcasts from mainstream society.[1]
Theology
The theology of relational care emphasizes Christians engaging, validating, and loving marginalized persons through genuine, intentional interactions. Such interactions include establishing relationships, participating in meaningful conversations, and building trust. It emphasizes that Christians actively build relationships with others so as to bridge the chasm between persons in the mainstream and those who have become disenfranchised from the mainstream. It also emphasizes that God has a special concern for the poor[2][3] and proposes that social capital for marginalized persons is increased while emotional and spiritual support is offered to them. An important tenet of the theology of relational care is reciprocity—that the relationship is mutually enriching for both parties. The theology of relational care stresses relational justice, the idea that human beings have an inalienable right to be in relationship with other human beings.[4][5]
Biblical basis
The theology of relational care is rooted in Jesus’ injunction that people love their neighbors, and is modeled from Jesus’ earthly practice of, and teachings about, relational ministry.[6] For example, in Jesus’ ministry, he was intentional about spending time with those who were marginalized. And in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus commended the person who cared for the one who had been overlooked by others.[7]
References
- ^ Frame, John Christopher. Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care (Thesis, Harvard University Divinity School).
- ^ Sider, Ronald J. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005).
- ^ Van Til, Kent A. Less Than Two Dollars a Day (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2007).
- ^ Frame, John Christopher. Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care (Thesis, Harvard University Divinity School).
- ^ Template:Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abqkCxUplWo
- ^ Luke 10:25–37
- ^ Luke 10:25–37