MACMILLAN Pastoral Care in a Korean American Context (Asian Christianity in the Diaspora)

This book provides theoretical background and pastoral strategies for pastors, lay leaders, and congregation members to foster a restoration of the human dignity imputed by God and the good community God desires. It addresses issues in pastoral care and pays particular attention to Korean and Korean American contexts. Some of the specific issues addressed include wisdom for common life (Chung Yong) as a theological and pastoral task, tension between Confucianism and feminism, care of the abused and abusers in intimate violence, ageism and elderly care, racism and cultural identity of Korean youth, sexual ethics among Korean young adults, and depression and addiction among Korean American youth and young adults. All of the contributors have a strong background in clinical and/or pastoral practices in addition to theoretical expertise. Review “Living in an age of interculturality that declares racial and ethnic identity rather than cultural homogeneity, this volume acknowledges the unique experiences of Korean Americans within America’s history of race relations. Whereas this is a Kairos moment for declaring and advocating culturally specific care ministries, this text is a must read in order to honor the lived experiences of Korean Americans!" (Lee H. Butler, Jr., PhD, Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, William Tabbernee Professor of the History of Religions and Africana Pastoral Psychology, Phillips Theological Seminary) “Pastoral Care in a Korean American Context, edited by the Rev. Dr. Angella Son, as the first book entirely devoted to spiritual care with Korean Americans, is a much needed addition to the pastoral literature!  This anthology includes contributions from highly regarded Korean and Korean-American pastoral theologians today, who bring expertise to complex intersectional issues impacting Korean Americans across generations.” (Pamela Cooper-White, Dean and Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor of Psychology and Religion, Union Theological Seminary, New York, and author of Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counseling) “I celebrate this  trailblazing book, the first of its kind. With clinical expertise and scholarly wisdom, the contributors show how common issues take on unique form among those also contending with racism, acculturation, identity confusion, and Confucian values. Rich with case material and pastoral strategies, this collection is destined to become a classic and will transform how you view pastoral care." (Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore,E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, Vanderbilt University Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion, USA) “This brave book succeeds beyond measure in advocating expansive approaches to pastoral care with Korean Americans across the lifespan. Seamlessly melding theology, social psychology, and pastoral psychotherapy, its authors delve into complexities of childhood shame, youthful sexuality, intimate partner violence, addiction, and discrimination against older adults. While engaging a particular community, readers gain entrance into a wider world of shared humanity.” (Robert C. Dykstra, Charlotte W. Newcombe Professor of Pastoral Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA) “We have waited more than a century for this book, the first of its kind to address the pastoral and spiritual care needs of Korean-Americans.  Angella Son and her colleagues bring into focus both the needs of the individual and their cultural and societal context. It is a must read for anyone seeking to provide care within Korean American contexts.”(Shari K. Brink, President & CEO, Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center, USA) “I am so excited to teach this book to my pastoral theology and care students, giving us fresh takes on addressing intimate violence, depression, racism, pastoral wisdom, addiction, and more. The book spotlights the experiences and voices o