Several years ago, the clinical pastoral movement encountered a significant setback when influential leaders prevailed in replacing the term “pastoral counseling” with “spiritual care” to describe the role of chaplains in the medical setting. This decision has had two significant consequences that merit careful and further examination.
Firstly, the decision to discard the evocative concept of “pastoral” marks a forfeiture of a metaphor deeply ingrained within the fabric of human culture. This metaphor, a symbol of nurturing, vigilance, and protection akin to the tender guidance of a shepherd tending to their flock, holds a timeless resonance across the tapestry of civilizations. In its place, the Clinical Pastoral Movement has, for the most part, gravitated toward the term “spiritual,” a word that, unfortunately, carries a somewhat nebulous connotation, evoking notions of otherworldliness and ethereal detachment. This substitution fails to capture the profound and grounded nature of the chaplain’s vocation and dilutes the very essence of their profession.
Secondly, the shift from “counseling” to the more encompassing “care” marks a noticeable reduction in the breadth of the chaplain’s responsibilities. The term “counseling” inherently conveys a weighty obligation, wherein chaplains assume the mantle of providing sagacious guidance, unwavering support, and a reservoir of expertise to individuals grappling with existential and emotional tribulations. Conversely, “care” lacks the same depth and significance, suggesting a more superficial and generalized approach. The painful erosion of the chaplain’s role as a pastoral counselor has unleashed a catastrophic impact on their work, leaving us with an uneasiness regarding the movement’s capacity to regain what has been lost.
The proponents of this paradigm shift argue that replacing “pastoral” with “spiritual” engenders inclusivity and compatibility with diverse faith traditions. Regrettably, this contention fails to stand up to scrutiny upon closer examination. To begin with, we must confront the stark reality that the very label “chaplain,” which remains unassailed, carries an inherent Christian provenance, harkening back to medieval Christian chapels. The undeniable historical association with Christianity and the word’s etymology rooted in the Latin term “capellanus” underscore the quintessential Christian essence inherent in the word “chaplain.” While the term has gracefully expanded to encompass individuals offering pastoral guidance beyond the Christian faith, we must remain cognizant of its Christian roots. Furthermore, the inclination to label all religious manifestations under the umbrella term “spiritual” reflects a regrettable oversimplification, failing to acknowledge the kaleidoscope of beliefs and their distinctive degrees of truthfulness and usefulness.
The ramifications of these critical evaluations indicate the profound blow inflicted upon chaplaincy from within the profession. The abandonment of the chaplain’s role as a pastoral counselor points to the erosion of our profession’s depth, meaning, and impact. As we survey the landscape marred by the loss of the “pastoral” concept and the demotion of “counseling,” we are left to grapple with the pressing question of whether we can successfully navigate the arduous path to restoration, reclaim our profession’s integrity, and restore the transformative power it once held.-George Hull