Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC, 2000. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 110-114).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-127, 134-137).

Thesis (MTh) -- Stellenbosch University, 1996. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Grief pastorate often has the shortcoming where the ministry strategy focuses more on short term involvement than a long term accompaniment. The minister's involvement necessarily focuses on the crisis around the initial shock phase. The duration of the grief process is hardly predictable. The pastor must therefore follow a long term approach. This long term approach must set about in earnest with the interdependence of the grief process on the one hand and on the other hand a growth process. Such an approach can be characterised as a pastoral growth model where Clinebell's growth model is used as the basis. The aim of this pastoral growth model is the development of spirituality. Spirituality is understood as the total human life in communion with God and that includes the following aspects: Identity, intimacy, sinfulness, lordship, mortality, holiness and commitment. Through the holistic character of spirituality the mourner is addressed in totality- in his or her total humanness. This eliminates the danger where the pastorate is guilty, on the one hand of emphasis of the spiritual aspect, on the other hand the human aspect of man. A pastoral growth model for the development of spirituality during grief is a comprehensive, well-grounded pastoral model which could be made use of successfully during grief pastorate. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Rousmartpastoraat het dikwels die tekortkoming dat die bedieningstrategie meer op korttemyn betrokkenheid ingestel is as op 'n langtermyn begeleidingsproses. Die predikant se betrokkenheid fokus hoofsaaklik op die krisis random die aanvanklike skokfase. Die duur van die rouproses is moeilik voorspelbaar. Die pastor moet daarom 'n langtermyn benadering volg. Hierdie langtermyn benadering moet erns maak met die interafhanklikheid van enersyds die rouproses en andersyds 'n groeiproses. So 'n benadering kan tipeer word as 'n pastorale groeimodel waar Clinebell se groeimodel as basis gebruik word. Die doelstelling van hierdie pastorale groeimodel is die ontwikkeling van spiritualiteit. Spiritualiteit word verstaan as die totale menslike lewe in gemeenskap met God en dit sluit die volgende aspekte in: ldentiteit, intimiteit, sondigheid, heerskappy, sterflikheid, heiligheid en verbondenheid. Vanweë die holistiese karakter van spiritualiteit word die treurende in geheel aangespreek- in sy of haar totale menswees. Dit skakel die gevaar uit dat die pastoraat skuldig kan wees aan ‘n beklemtoning van enersyds die geestelike aspek of andersyds die menslike aspek van die mens. 'n Pastorale groeimodel vir die ontwikkeling van spiritualiteit tydens rousmart is 'n omvattende, begronde pastorale model wat met groot vrug gebruik kan word tydens rousmartpastoraat.

No description available.

This qualitative study focuses on the stories of a bereaved couple living with the death of two of their children. The effect of the children's death on the parents is explored, as well as the way in which the parents live with the death of their two sons. The stories of the bereaved couple show their courage and resilience in continuing with their lives, maintaining their bond with their deceased sons and trying to make meaning of their death. As a study in practical theology and pastoral care one aim of this study was to help transform the lives of the parents for the better. In one of the chapters of the research report a study of some literature on bereavement and the death of children is presented. Dominant cultural discourses about death, bereavement, grief and mourning are discussed, as well as voices protesting against these discourses. / Practical Theology / M.Th. (Pastoral Therapy)

Text in Afrikaans / Rituals are part of our everyday life and are usually performed unconsciously. In this dissertation rituals are used consciously, within a therapeutic context, with the purpose to facilitate healing and growth. The aim of the research is to focus the readers' attention on the therapeutic potential of rituals and its value as an intervention strategy. The study concentrates on the grieving process. The researcher therefore specifically wants to show how rituals are used during grief counselling. The following research problem was investigated in the study: "What is the attitude, opinion and knowledge of professional caregivers concerning the use of rituals as a therapeutic tool during grief counselling?" Out of the research data the following hypothesis was formulated: - To grief over a loss is essential. Because of the basic properties and remedial functions of rituals, rituals can be a valuable therapeutic tool in the facilitation of this process. - There is an inherent connection between professional caregivers' attitudes, opinions and knowledge of therapeutic rituals and the regular and effective use of them during grief counselling. - The use of rituals during grief counselling is only one component in the comprehensive pastoral care of the bereaved. / Practical theology / M.Th.

Text in Afrikaans / Rituals are part of our everyday life and are usually performed unconsciously. In this dissertation rituals are used consciously, within a therapeutic context, with the purpose to facilitate healing and growth. The aim of the research is to focus the readers' attention on the therapeutic potential of rituals and its value as an intervention strategy. The study concentrates on the grieving process. The researcher therefore specifically wants to show how rituals are used during grief counselling. The following research problem was investigated in the study: "What is the attitude, opinion and knowledge of professional caregivers concerning the use of rituals as a therapeutic tool during grief counselling?" Out of the research data the following hypothesis was formulated: - To grief over a loss is essential. Because of the basic properties and remedial functions of rituals, rituals can be a valuable therapeutic tool in the facilitation of this process. - There is an inherent connection between professional caregivers' attitudes, opinions and knowledge of therapeutic rituals and the regular and effective use of them during grief counselling. - The use of rituals during grief counselling is only one component in the comprehensive pastoral care of the bereaved. / Practical theology / M.Th.

This qualitative study focuses on the stories of a bereaved couple living with the death of two of their children. The effect of the children's death on the parents is explored, as well as the way in which the parents live with the death of their two sons. The stories of the bereaved couple show their courage and resilience in continuing with their lives, maintaining their bond with their deceased sons and trying to make meaning of their death. As a study in practical theology and pastoral care one aim of this study was to help transform the lives of the parents for the better. In one of the chapters of the research report a study of some literature on bereavement and the death of children is presented. Dominant cultural discourses about death, bereavement, grief and mourning are discussed, as well as voices protesting against these discourses. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Pastoral Therapy)