Healing in contemporary parish pastoral ministry

Abstract

This thesis explores the reality of healing in today's pastoral ministry from a 'participant observer' stand and view points. It is based on personal experience of this phenomenon in the mission field and the impact and influence this ministry has continued to effect on parish pastoral practice. Chapter one examines the meaning and interpretation from the biblical and secular understanding of the concept. The second chapter gives the medical and charismatic understanding of healing. In chapter three the African basis of evil, medicine and healing is examined. It also looks into the missionary factor in the understanding of healing and medicine in Africa and the pastoral implications. Chapter four discusses the contemporary response to the healing ministry and the conclusion gives the Catholic doctrinal directives on the ministry of healing.