Whatever Became of Joy?

Abstract

Observes that much of pastoral care appears preoccupied with obstructions to the fullness of life rather than the possibilities of joy, even though there is a broad biblical base for emphasizing joy. Notes that an emphasis on joy may lead to a greater appreciation of perspectival modes of seeing. Explicates two pastoral issues related to joy: learning together how to be joyful, and experiencing how joy can move persons, including the pastoral care giver, toward the sort of humanity exemplified in Jesus Christ.