Cure of Souls
Contents
Cure of Souls
The Cure of Souls has a long, rich history in the Anglican tradition of Christian life. The word "cure" is roughly the same as our modern English word "care"; it recalls the work of the priest as a pastor or shepherd, one who watches over souls and stands responsible for them before God. (The word "curate" thus refers to someone who practices this "cure of souls," who has been charged or delegated to care for a congregation.) But the phrase also captures a medical image, the vocation of a pastor to participate in Christ's work to heal (cure) souls that have been wounded by the disease of sin (see Sacrament of Confession), and all the assaults of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The "cure of souls" is therefore one of the major functions of the Christian community.
Recommended Reading
Resources
Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Andrew Purves
Christian Proficiency, Martin Thornton
Moral Theology & Ethics
a. Ability to identify morally relevant information in a situation b. Evaluate using 3 methods: consequences, rules, character/virtue c. Resources from scripture & tradition d. Lives of the saints - exemplars of Christian life e. Mandated Reporter f. Individual & corporate g. Pastoral implications h. Sacrament of confession i. Cure of Souls j. Contemporary Moral Issues
