Theology of relational care
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The theology of relational care relates to personal need in others, primarily those going through crises of a temporal nature. This may include individuals and families experiencing poverty, ill health, stigmatization, or ostracization from mainstream society. Addressing these needs in relation to theology is generally facilitated in a religious or parachurch environment.[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]
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.[5] For example, in Jesus’ ministry, he was intentional about spending time with those who were marginalized. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus commended the person who cared for the one who had been overlooked by others.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Frame, John Christopher. Homeless at Harvard: Street Culture Relationships and a Theology of Relational Care (Paper, 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 (Paper, Harvard University Divinity School).
- ^ a b Luke 10:25–37