Shades of Lament: Phenomenology, Theopoetics, and Pastoral Theology

Abstract

This article describes an exercise that integrates the use of writing lament poetry with the teaching of pastoral theology. The intent is to expand the poetic imagination of graduate students in formation for Christian ministry with a skillset that transcends specific techniques of pastoral care (listening, empathy, moral engagement, etc.). This article expands pedagogical practice in pastoral theology by incorporating phenomenological insight with poetic imagination in a pattern of attention–assimilation–voicing–acting. The aim is to cultivate a more robust set of dispositions that enable pastoral attention, the assimilation of complexity, the ongoing development of compassion, and the actions that pertain to this life orientation of the ministering person. The article interacts with descriptions of phenomenological research by Luigini Mortari and Max van Manen, noting key elements of convergence with the theopoetic movements of the pattern employed. The lament poems from the course are published separately but are available at: http://www.mcmasterdivinity.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Shades-of-Lament.pdf .

Reflection on these poems reveals eight moods of lament that emerge from this pedagogical exercise in pastoral theology.