Mercy beyond forgiveness as way to healing and wholeness : a theoretical model for narrative pastoral counselling

Abstract

The article explores the model of Christie Neuger with regard to pastoral counselling with women who have been sexually violated in an ecclesial context. This model is complemented by the narrative philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. The article focuses on the following questions: What are the conditions for forgiveness? How can the abused woman find forgiveness in her heart? What is the role of the pastor? What happens if the woman cannot forgive? What are the theological implications of forgiveness? How can pastor and counselee together reframe the story of violence? The article argues that Ricoeur’s notions of prefiguration, configuration and refiguration complement Neuger’s theoretical model. This modified model presents a possible way to healing and wholeness.

Spine cut of Journal binding and pages scanned on flatbed EPSON Expression 10000 XL; 400dpi; text/lineart - black and white - stored to Tiff Derivation: Abbyy Fine Reader v.9 work with PNG-format (black and white); Photoshop CS3; Adobe Acrobat v.9 Web display format PDF

http://explore.up.ac.za/record=b1001341