Aspekte der Seelsorge in den paulinischen Gemeinden

In this study, Hajnalka Ravasz examines the nature of pastoral care within Pauline congregations using social-psychological theories. After some introductory epistemological questions, she explores the relevance of role models, the role of the pastor, mourning processes, and the means of pastoral care among the church members. The term pastoral care is not found in the Bible, although traces of successful and unsuccessful pastoral care practices are evident in 1 Thessalonians. After a diligent exegesis, the author presents social-psychological theories and employs them for textual analysis. She thus reveals social systems of relationships, Paul's interactions with his congregations, and the clashes in their relationship, stimulating intra- and interdisciplinary dialogue.