Ethics & Professional Practice for Neopagan Clergy by Katherine MacDowell - A Book Review by Bendis
Posted December 19th, 2009 by Anonymous
Ethics & Professional Practice for Neopagan Clergy by Katherine MacDowell, D.Div.,D.Th.,MA, M.Ed., HP, Sh,OCP
Reviewed by Deanne Quarrie
Ethics & Professional Practice for Neopagan Clergy is the first text of its kind, designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the parameters of ministerial practice and the importance of such practice being grounded within an ethical framework. Specifically designed for clergy and clergy-in-training, Ethics & Professional Practice seeks to provide critical guidance, exploring issues such as:
* An introduction to the philosophy of ethics;
* Discussion on values, virtues, & worldviews;
* Professional parameters of practice, including an in-depth discussion on the role of pastoral counselor;
* Introduction to religious developmental theory with spiritual care tips;
* Ethical issues associated with money, sex, working with children & adolescents; Introduction to ethical dilemmas & problem-solving;
* Developing an ethics code & more ...
Complete with case studies, questions for contemplation, diagrams for decision-making, and ample journal activities, Ethics & Professional Practice for Neopagan Clergy empowers the religious professional to feel confident in their capacity to care for the spiritual and emotional lives of their membership and students.
I am taking a course right now at Ocean Seminary College taught by Katie and the book is our text. I am loving this course! The book is and will be a tremendous resource for pagan clergy and those aspiring to become pagan clergy. Ethics is a very difficult topic for pagans, as we have no theological ethics provided for us by the Divine. “An ye harm none” is all most of us get and that is a widely debated base for forming ethical values.
It is very important for us to have clear ethical values and to make sure that those we train bring them into their practice as well. This little book will give you things to think about and certainly help you clarify for yourself your own ethics and values and then, being more informed, help you in discussing them with your students.
Here is a list of the chapters in the book so that you can see the topics covered.
One - Defining Ethics- An Introduction
Two - Theological Ethics of Neopaganism Defined
Three - Character & Worldview of the Priest/ess
Four - The Professional Role
Five - The Pastoral Relationship
Six - Power & Confidentiality
Seven - Sex & Multiple Relationships
Eight - Ethical Issues & Money
Nine - Working with Children & Adolescents
Ten - When to Refer
Eleven - Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Twelve - Establishing an Ethical Code
Ethics & Professional Practice for Neopagan Clergy
ISBN 978-0-557-09718$16.95
Available at amazon.com
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