Theology of relational care
Encyclopedia
The theology of relational care (which also could be called relational care theology) refers to a theology
of understanding how contemporary followers of Jesus
can relate to others, especially those who are poor
, marginalized, or considered to be outcasts from mainstream
society.
, participating in meaningful conversations
, and building trust. It emphasizes that Christians actively build relationships with others so as to bridge the chasm between persons in the mainstream and those who have become disenfranchised from the mainstream. It also emphasizes that God has a special concern for the poor and proposes that social capital for marginalized persons is increased while emotional and spiritual support is offered to them. An important tenet of the theology of relational care is reciprocity—that the relationship is mutually enriching for both parties. The theology of relational care stresses relational justice
, the idea that human beings have an inalienable right to be in relationship with other human beings.
, and is modeled from Jesus’ earthly practice of, and teachings about, relational ministry. For example, in Jesus’ ministry, he was intentional about spending time with those who were marginalized. And in the Parable of the Good Samaritan
, Jesus commended the person who cared for the one who had been overlooked by others.
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
of understanding how contemporary followers of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
can relate to others, especially those who are poor
Poor
Poor is an adjective related to a state of poverty, low quality or pity.People with the surname Poor:* Charles Henry Poor, a US Navy officer* Charles Lane Poor, an astronomer* Edward Erie Poor, a vice president of the National Park Bank...
, marginalized, or considered to be outcasts from mainstream
Mainstream
Mainstream is, generally, the common current thought of the majority. However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct....
society.
Theology
The theology of relational care emphasizes Christians engaging, validating, and loving marginalized persons through genuine, intentional interactions. Such interactions include establishing relationshipsInterpersonal relationship
An interpersonal relationship is an association between two or more people that may range from fleeting to enduring. This association may be based on limerence, love, solidarity, regular business interactions, or some other type of social commitment. Interpersonal relationships are formed in the...
, participating in meaningful conversations
Conversations
Conversations is the second album from alternative rock band Roses Are Red.-Track listing:# "White and Gold" # "I Felt I Knew Her" # "Time Signals Progress" # "Oceans" # "I Apologize" # "12:34"...
, and building trust. It emphasizes that Christians actively build relationships with others so as to bridge the chasm between persons in the mainstream and those who have become disenfranchised from the mainstream. It also emphasizes that God has a special concern for the poor and proposes that social capital for marginalized persons is increased while emotional and spiritual support is offered to them. An important tenet of the theology of relational care is reciprocity—that the relationship is mutually enriching for both parties. The theology of relational care stresses relational justice
Justice
Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics; justice is the act of being just and/or fair.-Concept of justice:...
, the idea that human beings have an inalienable right to be in relationship with other human beings.
Biblical basis
The theology of relational care is rooted in Jesus’ injunction that people love their neighborsGreat Commandment
The Great Commandment, or Greatest Commandment, is an appellation applied to either the first, or both, of two commandments which appear in , and...
, and is modeled from Jesus’ earthly practice of, and teachings about, relational ministry. For example, in Jesus’ ministry, he was intentional about spending time with those who were marginalized. And in the Parable of the Good Samaritan
Parable of the Good Samaritan
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a parable told by Jesus and is mentioned in only one of the Canonical gospels. According to the Gospel of Luke a traveller is beaten, robbed, and left half dead along the road. First a priest and then a Levite come by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a...
, Jesus commended the person who cared for the one who had been overlooked by others.
See also
- Brotherly love (philosophy)Brotherly love (philosophy)Brotherly love in the biblical sense is an extension of the natural affection associated with near kin, toward the greater community of fellow believers, that goes beyond the mere duty in to "love thy neighbour as thyself", and shows itself as "unfeigned love" from a "pure heart", that extends an...
- Christian theologyChristian theology- Divisions of Christian theology :There are many methods of categorizing different approaches to Christian theology. For a historical analysis, see the main article on the History of Christian theology.- Sub-disciplines :...
- Evangelical counselsEvangelical counselsThe three evangelical counsels or counsels of perfection in Christianity are chastity, poverty , and obedience . As Jesus of Nazareth stated in the Canonical gospels , they are counsels for those who desire to become "perfect"...
- Practical theologyPractical theologyPractical theology is the practical application of theology to everyday life. Richard Osmer explains that the four key questions and tasks in practical theology are:# What is going on? # Why is this going on?...