The Theology and Practice of Individual Confession and Absolution and Its Application to Pastoral Care from an Early North American Lutheran Perspective
The two subjects of this study^ namely, pastoral care and Individual confession and absolution, have traditionally been seen as closely connected. Each has also a unique character. In this study both subjects will be focused on from the perspective provided by the historical analysis of their development within the Lutheran context, specifically that of North American Lutheranism in the nineteenth century. Pastoral care has been greatly developed, particularly in the area of pastoral counseling, in the last fifty years. This parallels the increasing development of the behavioral sciences in this century. The causes and consequences of such rapid growth in pastoral care will be analyzed in the present study. This growth has not been free from tensions; on the contrary, in many ways it has brought the ministry, and tile pastor himself, into conflicts and confusion. The solution for this critical situation rests in a correct understanding of the theological principles of pastoral care and of its relationship with basic Christian doctrine. For this reason a solid biblical definition of pastoral care must first be established. It is only on such biblical grounds, and by the guidance of the doctrinal formulations emerging therefrom, that the task of pastoral care and counseling can continue to be accomplished in the faithful use of Word and sacrament (including other Christian resources like confession and absolution, prayer, Chris tian fellowship and pastoral conversation) and in the discriminating application of insists from behavioral sciences. Finally» it is only on this biblical basis and the distinction of law and gospel thus provided that pastoral care will serve to accomplish the church\u27s ultimate purpose to be the servant of God\u27s reconciliation with man
