MHC 5530 History of the Cure of Souls Tradition

3 Hours

This course is an historical introduction to the care of souls tradition in Western Christianity. Students will explore the role of pastoral care in the early church, the patristic period, the Medieval church, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Modern and contemporary periods. Particular attention will be paid to how the human predicament is formulated and prescriptions for its amelioration, what we currently refer to as “diagnosis and treatment.” The theological rationale for these formulations will also be explored. Formerly listed as CTM 5530.