Seelsorge

This collection of source material provides a selection of pivotal texts on the understanding of the Protestant doctrine of pastoral care and the practice of pastoral care. The book deals with a period of 200 years and documents the development of a self-concept of Protestant pastoral care from Friedrich Schleiermacher up to the present time, a self-concept which has always tried to offer constructive criticism of pastoral care. In addition to sources which have proven to be classics, such as the Protestant doctrine of pastoral care, the editors also provide extracts to document the current discussion and add to this discussion by including texts from the sociology and the psychology of religion. The examination of the source material can contribute to more historical depth in the conceptual discussion. There is an introduction to the texts and the historical development which focuses on the central problems of Protestant pastoral care.