Onze hulp is in de naam van de Heer: wat zijn de visies op plaats en werking van gebed als interventietechniek in de kerkelijke en charismatische hulpverlening

Abstract

The central question of this thesis is: What are the views on the place and the functioning of prayer as an intervention technique in ecclesiastic and charismatic care, can be found with foundations such as “Zegenend Helpen” and “In Christus Heel”. As can be derived from, there is an increasing interest in religion. Unfortunately, care centers can not always address the religious questions in terms of interpreting the meaning of stressfulness and crises. Religious people often turn to Christian care centers hoping and expecting to be acknowledged in their need for integrating their religious beliefs in the care provided. In identifying the person asking for help, as portrayed in chapter 2, he of she characteristically often has an orthodox protestant background and is either involved in an evangelical and/or charismatic movement. This person greatly values personal spiritual experience and, wishes to allow the creative power of the Holy Spirit into their life. The aidworkers portrayed in chapter 4 primarily come from evangelical charismatic groups with a strong link to churches. There is a description of church-related and two charismatic care centers, which include the quest for meaningfulness in their care. Chapter 3 describes Pargament’s coping theory based on literature on psychology on religion. Pargament, who offers an important contribution to the theoretical thoughts on religious coping, shows that religion can play a part in rebuilding situations in life. Creating new values is of great importance an prayer as an intervention technique fulfils an important function in that process. Chapter 4 comments on the existing views regarding the place and the functioning of prayer as an intervention technique in ecclesiastic and charismatic care. This done applying a screen developed according to the criteria found in this study.