Embracing Life and Gathering Wisdom: Theological, Pastoral, and Clinical Insights into Human Flourishing at the End of Life, 2020
Aged care chaplaincies operate at the intersections of faith, religion, belief, and spirituality ... more Aged care chaplaincies operate at the intersections of faith, religion, belief, and spirituality within contexts defined by the fourth stage of life, culture, and healthcare. Often a form of civil chaplaincy, aged care chaplaincies commonly serve in institutions subject to government scrutiny and regulation. Furthermore, they are subject to increasing calls for professionalisation as spiritual-care practitioners, recognition as allied health professionals, and to the adoption of formal standards of practice. This chapter considers the development of a framework that will enable the critical evaluation, specification, and continual improvement of the attributes of assistant, practising, accomplished, and lead practitioners. This will enable consideration of faith-based distinctives, specifications of regulatory bodies, professional associations and peak bodies, research on spiritual care in aged care, and research on inter-cultural and inter-faith practices.
This chapter argues that the terms of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:10-11) can be used to inform th... more This chapter argues that the terms of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:10-11) can be used to inform the design of a learning outcomes framework for Christian education, personal development, and spiritual formation. This is grounded in the view that the internalisation of the law that is at the core of the New Covenant promise can be interpreted in virtue-based terms, and hence relates to the character required to live virtuously. To explore this, the Scriptural theme of covenant will first be briefly outlined. The internalisation of the law on mind and heart will then be considered in both OT and NT contexts. This will involve close examinations of the centrality of the New Covenant in the rhetorical structure of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the meaning of the terms mind, heart, and law in Heb. 8:10b, and the concept of virtue. Following this the law, as addressed in the New Covenant and understoodto be the Decalogue, will be related to the development of virtues.
The paper will provide a New Covenant based appraisal of the development of Key Competencies in t... more The paper will provide a New Covenant based appraisal of the development of Key Competencies in the Australian context. It will overview the development of these concepts through the Finn Review, the Mayer Report, the emergence of Employability Skills, Core Skills, the AQF related concept of Generic Skills and the discussion surrounding Graduate Attributes. It will also draw on the key competencies research of the OECD’s DeSeCo project. The content and trajectory to the discourse surrounding the Key Competencies will be compared with qualities of character implied in the promise of the New Covenant.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a g... more This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Abstract to Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the Ne... more Abstract to Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Chapter 2 of PhD Thesis at Sydney College of Divinity, 2019
Abstract for Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the N... more Abstract for Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Abstract for whole thesis.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the ... more Abstract for whole thesis.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Chapter 4 of PhD Thesis for Sydney College of Divinity, 2019
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context and prove... more BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context and provenance of the promise of New Covenant in Heb. 8:10b. These chapters provide grounding for the validation of ministry outcomes derived from this stich. Chapter 4 considers the Old Testament background; Chapter 5, the New. These chapters pay close attention to the message of this stich in Jeremiah and Hebrews. They also consider related passages in Ezekiel. They examine the historical and theological background of the themes of covenant in general and the New Covenant in particular. They draw on rhetorical criticism to demonstrate the central importance of the New Covenant to the intent of the authors of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hebrews. 1 1 Rhetorical criticism is an effective method for the examination of intent: or as Muilenburg puts it, the discovering of "the text and fabric of the writer's thought".
PART 2 BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context an... more PART 2 BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context and provenance of the promise of New Covenant in Heb. 8:10b. These chapters provide grounding for the validation of ministry outcomes derived from this stich. Chapter 4 considers the Old Testament background; Chapter 5, the New. These chapters pay close attention to the message of this stich in Jeremiah and Hebrews. They also consider related passages in Ezekiel. They examine the historical and theological background of the themes of covenant in general and the New Covenant in particular. They draw on rhetorical criticism to demonstrate the central importance of the New Covenant to the intent of the authors of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hebrews. 1 1 Rhetorical criticism is an effective method for the examination of intent: or as Muilenburg puts it, the discovering of "the text and fabric of the writer's thought".
The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to re... more The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to reduce the risk of deriving invalid ministry outcomes flawed by faulty exegesis. The following chapters examine the meaning of writing the law on mind and heart and relate the outcome of this process to the development of virtue. Chapter 6 examines the meaning of law, mind and heart in Heb. 8:10b. First, it argues that the Decalogue heads and summarises the law that God will write on mind and heart. Second, it draws attention to the breadth of meaning of mind and heart in Hebrew, the Greek of the Septuagint, the Greek of the New Testament and modern English. Finally, it distinguishes between the use of "law" in modern English and its use in the ancient languages: this is to avoid anachronisms that might arise from the psychological language of modern education and the juridical emphasis on the meaning of "law" that is inherent in modern English. Chapter 7 first addresses the meaning of virtue within the context of the New Covenant. Second, it proposes the elements of virtue for use alongside the taxonomies of objectives in the analytical framework: this provides the second dimension of the outcomes framework proposed in Part 1. Finally, it proposes outcome sets for use with the precepts of the Decalogue. Chapters 8 and 9 illustrate the use of this framework for the preface of the Decalogue and its sixth precept.
The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to re... more The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to reduce the risk of deriving invalid ministry outcomes flawed by faulty exegesis. The following chapters examine the meaning of writing the law on mind and heart and relate the outcome of this process to the development of virtue.
The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each a... more The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each applies it to a single precept of the Decalogue. Chapter 8 examines the Preface. Chapter 9 examines the sixth precept. Each chapter assembles and applies a two-dimensional table (found at the end of each chapter). The first dimension of each table addresses the transformation of mind and heart. It allows the derivation of outcomes specific to each precept and associates them with the domains of learning. The second dimension allows the derivation of components of virtues from the selected precept. The chapters propose some simple and basic level outcomes. Associated passages of Scripture validate and illustrate the outcomes.
The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each a... more The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each applies it to a single precept of the Decalogue. Chapter 8 examines the Preface. Chapter 9 examines the sixth precept. Each chapter assembles and applies a two-dimensional table (found at the end of each chapter). The first dimension of each table addresses the transformation of mind and heart. It allows the derivation of outcomes specific to each precept and associates them with the domains of learning. The second dimension allows the derivation of components of virtues from the selected precept. The chapters propose some simple and basic level outcomes. Associated passages of Scripture validate and illustrate the outcomes.
This chapter ends this study. What follows is a brief summary of its four parts, a discussion of ... more This chapter ends this study. What follows is a brief summary of its four parts, a discussion of the achievements of its purposes, the gaps it has addressed, a brief consideration of its ongoing validity, indications for further research, and a concluding statement.
Encountering God: Practical Theology and the Mission to Heal, 2023
The need for and importance of healing is often spoken about in the circles of those concerned wi... more The need for and importance of healing is often spoken about in the circles of those concerned with spiritual care in its many forms. Similar considerations arise in the practices of spiritual formation. This paper asks, “What is spiritual health?” “How do conceptions of spiritual health relate to spiritual healing?” and “What does a spiritually healthy person look like.” It also asks “How do our conceptions of spiritual health, implicit or otherwise, guide the practices of spiritual care and spiritual formation. It argues that having coherent answers to these questions is central to these practices. Noting the current recognition of the importance of spiritual health, the current difficulties encountered in medicine in developing a definition of health that excludes the spiritual dimension, and current general definitions of spiritual health, it will suggest how a New Testament based approach might enrich the practices of spiritual care and spiritual formation.
Educating for Virtue: The New Covenant as a Framework for the Development of Character, 2022
An exploration of the 7th commandment "You shall not commit adultery" in New Covenant context.
T... more An exploration of the 7th commandment "You shall not commit adultery" in New Covenant context.
This paper provides a goal-centred virtue-based analysis of the seventh precept of the Decalogue. In accord with the terms of the New Covenant it is focussed on the positive force of this precept. Instead of simply determining what is right or wrong, permissible, or impermissible, it approaches the dimensions of marriage, sexuality, and the family that come under the purview of this precept as fields of learning and growth. As such, it sets out to explore a scripturally grounded understanding of how a person redeemed by Christ might grow into alignment with the sexual dimension of the divine image of their creation, a state of wellbeing in which the binary telos or purpose of their creation is joyfully fulfilled. Following the structure of the previous chapter, this chapter begins with an overview that addresses both the trajectory of the seventh precept through scripture and then pauses for an extensive reflection on marriage that considers of the positive force of the precept. It also explores associated contests and complexities, many of which dominate modern commentary. After this it proposes the category heading of Chaste and Faithful Commitment for the internalisation of the underlying virtues implied by the scope of the precept. It then reflects on how evidence of growth for the attributes thus identified might be gained in formational contexts. Finally, it provides a two-dimensional analytical grid that relates the components of this virtue to the domains of learning.
Embracing Life and Gathering Wisdom: Theological, Pastoral, and Clinical Insights into Human Flourishing at the End of Life, 2020
Aged care chaplaincies operate at the intersections of faith, religion, belief, and spirituality ... more Aged care chaplaincies operate at the intersections of faith, religion, belief, and spirituality within contexts defined by the fourth stage of life, culture, and healthcare. Often a form of civil chaplaincy, aged care chaplaincies commonly serve in institutions subject to government scrutiny and regulation. Furthermore, they are subject to increasing calls for professionalisation as spiritual-care practitioners, recognition as allied health professionals, and to the adoption of formal standards of practice. This chapter considers the development of a framework that will enable the critical evaluation, specification, and continual improvement of the attributes of assistant, practising, accomplished, and lead practitioners. This will enable consideration of faith-based distinctives, specifications of regulatory bodies, professional associations and peak bodies, research on spiritual care in aged care, and research on inter-cultural and inter-faith practices.
This chapter argues that the terms of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:10-11) can be used to inform th... more This chapter argues that the terms of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:10-11) can be used to inform the design of a learning outcomes framework for Christian education, personal development, and spiritual formation. This is grounded in the view that the internalisation of the law that is at the core of the New Covenant promise can be interpreted in virtue-based terms, and hence relates to the character required to live virtuously. To explore this, the Scriptural theme of covenant will first be briefly outlined. The internalisation of the law on mind and heart will then be considered in both OT and NT contexts. This will involve close examinations of the centrality of the New Covenant in the rhetorical structure of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the meaning of the terms mind, heart, and law in Heb. 8:10b, and the concept of virtue. Following this the law, as addressed in the New Covenant and understoodto be the Decalogue, will be related to the development of virtues.
The paper will provide a New Covenant based appraisal of the development of Key Competencies in t... more The paper will provide a New Covenant based appraisal of the development of Key Competencies in the Australian context. It will overview the development of these concepts through the Finn Review, the Mayer Report, the emergence of Employability Skills, Core Skills, the AQF related concept of Generic Skills and the discussion surrounding Graduate Attributes. It will also draw on the key competencies research of the OECD’s DeSeCo project. The content and trajectory to the discourse surrounding the Key Competencies will be compared with qualities of character implied in the promise of the New Covenant.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a g... more This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Abstract to Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the Ne... more Abstract to Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Chapter 2 of PhD Thesis at Sydney College of Divinity, 2019
Abstract for Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the N... more Abstract for Whole Thesis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Abstract for whole thesis.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the ... more Abstract for whole thesis.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Chapter 4 of PhD Thesis for Sydney College of Divinity, 2019
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context and prove... more BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context and provenance of the promise of New Covenant in Heb. 8:10b. These chapters provide grounding for the validation of ministry outcomes derived from this stich. Chapter 4 considers the Old Testament background; Chapter 5, the New. These chapters pay close attention to the message of this stich in Jeremiah and Hebrews. They also consider related passages in Ezekiel. They examine the historical and theological background of the themes of covenant in general and the New Covenant in particular. They draw on rhetorical criticism to demonstrate the central importance of the New Covenant to the intent of the authors of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hebrews. 1 1 Rhetorical criticism is an effective method for the examination of intent: or as Muilenburg puts it, the discovering of "the text and fabric of the writer's thought".
PART 2 BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context an... more PART 2 BIBLICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The two chapters of Part 2 examine the content, context and provenance of the promise of New Covenant in Heb. 8:10b. These chapters provide grounding for the validation of ministry outcomes derived from this stich. Chapter 4 considers the Old Testament background; Chapter 5, the New. These chapters pay close attention to the message of this stich in Jeremiah and Hebrews. They also consider related passages in Ezekiel. They examine the historical and theological background of the themes of covenant in general and the New Covenant in particular. They draw on rhetorical criticism to demonstrate the central importance of the New Covenant to the intent of the authors of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hebrews. 1 1 Rhetorical criticism is an effective method for the examination of intent: or as Muilenburg puts it, the discovering of "the text and fabric of the writer's thought".
The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to re... more The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to reduce the risk of deriving invalid ministry outcomes flawed by faulty exegesis. The following chapters examine the meaning of writing the law on mind and heart and relate the outcome of this process to the development of virtue. Chapter 6 examines the meaning of law, mind and heart in Heb. 8:10b. First, it argues that the Decalogue heads and summarises the law that God will write on mind and heart. Second, it draws attention to the breadth of meaning of mind and heart in Hebrew, the Greek of the Septuagint, the Greek of the New Testament and modern English. Finally, it distinguishes between the use of "law" in modern English and its use in the ancient languages: this is to avoid anachronisms that might arise from the psychological language of modern education and the juridical emphasis on the meaning of "law" that is inherent in modern English. Chapter 7 first addresses the meaning of virtue within the context of the New Covenant. Second, it proposes the elements of virtue for use alongside the taxonomies of objectives in the analytical framework: this provides the second dimension of the outcomes framework proposed in Part 1. Finally, it proposes outcome sets for use with the precepts of the Decalogue. Chapters 8 and 9 illustrate the use of this framework for the preface of the Decalogue and its sixth precept.
The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to re... more The two chapters of Part 3 examine the biblical roots and background of Heb. 8:10b: this is to reduce the risk of deriving invalid ministry outcomes flawed by faulty exegesis. The following chapters examine the meaning of writing the law on mind and heart and relate the outcome of this process to the development of virtue.
The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each a... more The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each applies it to a single precept of the Decalogue. Chapter 8 examines the Preface. Chapter 9 examines the sixth precept. Each chapter assembles and applies a two-dimensional table (found at the end of each chapter). The first dimension of each table addresses the transformation of mind and heart. It allows the derivation of outcomes specific to each precept and associates them with the domains of learning. The second dimension allows the derivation of components of virtues from the selected precept. The chapters propose some simple and basic level outcomes. Associated passages of Scripture validate and illustrate the outcomes.
The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each a... more The two chapters of Part 4 illustrate the methodology developed in the preceding chapters. Each applies it to a single precept of the Decalogue. Chapter 8 examines the Preface. Chapter 9 examines the sixth precept. Each chapter assembles and applies a two-dimensional table (found at the end of each chapter). The first dimension of each table addresses the transformation of mind and heart. It allows the derivation of outcomes specific to each precept and associates them with the domains of learning. The second dimension allows the derivation of components of virtues from the selected precept. The chapters propose some simple and basic level outcomes. Associated passages of Scripture validate and illustrate the outcomes.
This chapter ends this study. What follows is a brief summary of its four parts, a discussion of ... more This chapter ends this study. What follows is a brief summary of its four parts, a discussion of the achievements of its purposes, the gaps it has addressed, a brief consideration of its ongoing validity, indications for further research, and a concluding statement.
Encountering God: Practical Theology and the Mission to Heal, 2023
The need for and importance of healing is often spoken about in the circles of those concerned wi... more The need for and importance of healing is often spoken about in the circles of those concerned with spiritual care in its many forms. Similar considerations arise in the practices of spiritual formation. This paper asks, “What is spiritual health?” “How do conceptions of spiritual health relate to spiritual healing?” and “What does a spiritually healthy person look like.” It also asks “How do our conceptions of spiritual health, implicit or otherwise, guide the practices of spiritual care and spiritual formation. It argues that having coherent answers to these questions is central to these practices. Noting the current recognition of the importance of spiritual health, the current difficulties encountered in medicine in developing a definition of health that excludes the spiritual dimension, and current general definitions of spiritual health, it will suggest how a New Testament based approach might enrich the practices of spiritual care and spiritual formation.
Educating for Virtue: The New Covenant as a Framework for the Development of Character, 2022
An exploration of the 7th commandment "You shall not commit adultery" in New Covenant context.
T... more An exploration of the 7th commandment "You shall not commit adultery" in New Covenant context.
This paper provides a goal-centred virtue-based analysis of the seventh precept of the Decalogue. In accord with the terms of the New Covenant it is focussed on the positive force of this precept. Instead of simply determining what is right or wrong, permissible, or impermissible, it approaches the dimensions of marriage, sexuality, and the family that come under the purview of this precept as fields of learning and growth. As such, it sets out to explore a scripturally grounded understanding of how a person redeemed by Christ might grow into alignment with the sexual dimension of the divine image of their creation, a state of wellbeing in which the binary telos or purpose of their creation is joyfully fulfilled. Following the structure of the previous chapter, this chapter begins with an overview that addresses both the trajectory of the seventh precept through scripture and then pauses for an extensive reflection on marriage that considers of the positive force of the precept. It also explores associated contests and complexities, many of which dominate modern commentary. After this it proposes the category heading of Chaste and Faithful Commitment for the internalisation of the underlying virtues implied by the scope of the precept. It then reflects on how evidence of growth for the attributes thus identified might be gained in formational contexts. Finally, it provides a two-dimensional analytical grid that relates the components of this virtue to the domains of learning.
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Papers by Peter Carblis
To explore this, the Scriptural theme of covenant will first be briefly outlined. The internalisation of the law on mind and heart will then be considered in both OT and NT contexts. This will involve close examinations of the centrality of the New Covenant in the rhetorical structure of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the meaning of the terms mind, heart, and law in Heb. 8:10b, and the concept of virtue. Following this the law, as addressed in the New Covenant and understoodto be the Decalogue, will be related to the development of virtues.
Thesis Chapters by Peter Carblis
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
Drafts by Peter Carblis
This paper provides a goal-centred virtue-based analysis of the seventh precept of the Decalogue. In accord with the terms of the New Covenant it is focussed on the positive force of this precept. Instead of simply determining what is right or wrong, permissible, or impermissible, it approaches the dimensions of marriage, sexuality, and the family that come under the purview of this precept as fields of learning and growth. As such, it sets out to explore a scripturally grounded understanding of how a person redeemed by Christ might grow into alignment with the sexual dimension of the divine image of their creation, a state of wellbeing in which the binary telos or purpose of their creation is joyfully fulfilled.
Following the structure of the previous chapter, this chapter begins with an overview that addresses both the trajectory of the seventh precept through scripture and then pauses for an extensive reflection on marriage that considers of the positive force of the precept. It also explores associated contests and complexities, many of which dominate modern commentary. After this it proposes the category heading of Chaste and Faithful Commitment for the internalisation of the underlying virtues implied by the scope of the precept. It then reflects on how evidence of growth for the attributes thus identified might be gained in formational contexts. Finally, it provides a two-dimensional analytical grid that relates the components of this virtue to the domains of learning.
To explore this, the Scriptural theme of covenant will first be briefly outlined. The internalisation of the law on mind and heart will then be considered in both OT and NT contexts. This will involve close examinations of the centrality of the New Covenant in the rhetorical structure of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the meaning of the terms mind, heart, and law in Heb. 8:10b, and the concept of virtue. Following this the law, as addressed in the New Covenant and understoodto be the Decalogue, will be related to the development of virtues.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
This study conceives Christian ministry as a vocation defined by the New Covenant. Addressing a gap in the application of the New Covenant to moral and spiritual formation, it proposes and illustrates a two-dimensional method for the definition and validation of ministry outcomes for New Covenant-based attributes of character. It maintains that New Covenant outcomes result from the work of God within the mind and heart. It also maintains that ministers are co-labourers with God in this process. The study proceeds in four parts. First, it explores how outcomes-based educational theories can apply to formational objectives. This defines the first dimension of the method. Second, it examines the promise of the New Covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. This ensures biblical accuracy and explores the central place of the Decalogue in the New Covenant. Third, it considers the meaning of the writing of the law on the mind and heart. It relates this to the Decalogue and the development of virtue. This develops the second dimension of the method. The study ends by illustrating the application of method to the preface and sixth precept of the Decalogue.
This paper provides a goal-centred virtue-based analysis of the seventh precept of the Decalogue. In accord with the terms of the New Covenant it is focussed on the positive force of this precept. Instead of simply determining what is right or wrong, permissible, or impermissible, it approaches the dimensions of marriage, sexuality, and the family that come under the purview of this precept as fields of learning and growth. As such, it sets out to explore a scripturally grounded understanding of how a person redeemed by Christ might grow into alignment with the sexual dimension of the divine image of their creation, a state of wellbeing in which the binary telos or purpose of their creation is joyfully fulfilled.
Following the structure of the previous chapter, this chapter begins with an overview that addresses both the trajectory of the seventh precept through scripture and then pauses for an extensive reflection on marriage that considers of the positive force of the precept. It also explores associated contests and complexities, many of which dominate modern commentary. After this it proposes the category heading of Chaste and Faithful Commitment for the internalisation of the underlying virtues implied by the scope of the precept. It then reflects on how evidence of growth for the attributes thus identified might be gained in formational contexts. Finally, it provides a two-dimensional analytical grid that relates the components of this virtue to the domains of learning.