TMPS7006 · Theology and Ministry

Grief and Loss

Clough School of Theology and Ministry

Grief may be understood as the response to a significant loss. We will explore pastoral, theological, religious, and secular perspectives on grief and loss and seek to integrate these perspectives where appropriate. We'll consider important new research in thanatology and review traditional psychological theories of grief in light of contemporary critiques. We will explore the experience of grief in light of context and culture and consider which features may be universal. We will attend to often unrecognized dimensions of grief—disenfranchised grief and the grief born of injustice. We'll focus on how to respond pastorally to grieving individuals and communities.