| Summary: | This study examines the question of whether the faith-estranged could be guided from
their natural state of estrangement from God and resultant wounded ness since the Fall as well as subsequent wounds inflicted on earth due to traumatic events, by way of
counseling and prayer into experiencing God's salvation in Christ.
The section on basis theory has shown that a Biblical-pastoral anthropology is the
foundation of Biblical pastorate. Man's estranged and wounded condition since the Fall
and the resultant secondary wounding and suffering at the hand of fellow man on
earth,presents the pastorate with a unique opportunity regarding the facilitation of and
guiding towards both a spiritual and emotional healing process. This pastoral intervention addresses both primary and secondary wounded ness within the faith-estranged. The work of the Holy Spirit, confession of sin and guilt, prayer, forgiveness and faith, form part of the pastoral counseling process pointing towards salvation, healing and restored intimate communion with God. The meta-theoretical section brought to light the fact that the traumatized person is dealt not only a physical, cognitive and/or emotional wound but in fact also a spiritual wound by these events. A strong correlation was discovered between the healing of the body and the healing of the mind or spirit - in this regard forgiveness of the abuser, the self and of God (by implication a confession of personal rebellion) seemed to playa central role. It was also confirmed that an important link exists between, on the one hand, success in the therapeutic process with the wounded person, and on the other hand, the creation of a secure therapeutic environment, healthy relational structures as well as evoking hope in the heart of the counselee. The empirical section has proved to be of extreme importance regarding the distinctive role of the counselor in demonstrating God's closeness in Christ and His sharing in the pain of the counselee. The counselee does have an active role in this process of healing by accepting ownership of his future life choices and rational decisions. Perspectives derived from the sections of both basis theory and meta-theory has ultimately led to the formulation of a suitable practice theoretical model called Theo-phospromissio therapy.
This model demonstrates the path along which there can be a pastoral
engagement with the faith-estranged towards accepting God's redemption through Christ's finished work on the Cross. Furthermore, this model opens up a distinctive eschatological perspective on the final purpose of man's life on earth as it gives meaning to life here and now amidst seemingly unending life-crises and trauma, given the eternal hope it promises in God as the only secure anchor. === Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010
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