Showing papers by "Protestant Theological University published in 2021"
TL;DR: The authors explored how parents and siblings of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities view siblings' role regarding future care/support for their family member, and found that explicit family communication may make siblings feel more prepared for the future and decrease the discrepancy between parents' and siblings' views regarding an expected future burden.
Abstract: Background: Since the life expectancy of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is increasing, siblings may take over care/support roles from their parents. Method: To explore how parents and siblings of persons with PIMD view siblings’ role regarding future care/support for their family member, we interviewed eight parents and 13 siblings of seven persons with PIMD and analysed the data thematically. Results: While some parents expected that a future care/support role would burden the sibling unfairly, most siblings anticipated such a role and reported no concerns about this future responsibility. Despite a lack of explicit communication, expectations of parents and siblings regarding future responsibilities corresponded. However, some siblings mentioned the lack of explicit communication made them feel unprepared for the future. Conclusions: Explicit family communication may make siblings feel more prepared for the future and decrease the discrepancy between parents’ and siblings’ views regarding an expected future burden.
12 citations
TL;DR: The division of parents’ concerns into roles helps to address future care and support gaps for people with PIMD.
Abstract: The life expectancy of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is increasing and parents express concerns about being possibly outlived by their child with PIMD. However,...
11 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the religious identity commitments of 18 emerging adults who grew up in strictly Reformed contexts in the Netherlands during in-depth narrative interviews with adults who identify as religious observant.
Abstract: This qualitative study examines the religious identity commitments of 18 emerging adults who grew up in strictly Reformed contexts in the Netherlands During in-depth narrative interviews with phot
10 citations
TL;DR: In the Netherlands, the annual incidence of euthanasia in the Netherlands as a percentage of all deaths rose from 1.9% in 1990 to 4.4% in 2017 as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Background The annual incidence of euthanasia in the Netherlands as a percentage of all deaths rose from 1.9% in 1990 to 4.4% in 2017. Scarce literature on regional patterns calls for more detailed insight into the geographical variation in euthanasia and its possible explanations. Objectives This paper (1) shows the geographical variation in the incidence of euthanasia over time (2013–2017); (2) identifies the associations with demographic, socioeconomic, preferential and health-related factors; and (3) shows the remaining variation after adjustment and discusses its meaning. Design, setting and methods This cross-sectional study used national claims data, covering all healthcare claims during 12 months preceding the death of Dutch insured inhabitants who died between 2013 and 2017. From these claims all euthanasia procedures by general practitioners were selected (85% of all euthanasia cases). Rates were calculated and compared at three levels: 90 regions, 388 municipalities and 196 districts in the three largest Dutch cities. Data on possibly associated variables were retrieved from national data sets. Negative binomial regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with geographical variation in euthanasia. Results There is considerable variation in euthanasia ratio. Throughout the years (2013–2017) the ratio in the three municipalities with the highest incidence was 25 times higher than in the three municipalities with the lowest incidence. Associated factors are age, church attendance, political orientation, income, self-experienced health and availability of voluntary workers. After adjustment for these characteristics a considerable amount of geographical variation remains (factor score of 7), which calls for further exploration. Conclusion The Netherlands, with 28 years of legal euthanasia, experiences large-scale unexplained geographical variation in the incidence of euthanasia. Other countries that have legalised physician-assisted dying or are in the process of doing so may encounter similar patterns. The unexplained part of the variation may include the possibility that part of the euthanasia practice may have to be understood in terms of underuse, overuse or misuse.
9 citations
TL;DR: The work of three African theologians as discussed by the authors challenges Girard's theory in three important ways: first, they challenge his traditional typological approach with a dialogical typological one.
Abstract: In the Global North, the notion of “sacrifice” is highly controversial in contemporary discussion. In recent years, the influential work of Rene Girard has succeeded in putting sacrifice back on the intellectual agenda, but his story of sacrifice has primarily emphasised the theme of violence. Today, many theologians consider sacrifice inherently problematic and some would like to do away with it altogether. In Africa, however, the notion is highly popular across a wide range of theological traditions. The work of three African theologians – John Ekem, a Ghanaian mother-tongue biblical scholar, Edison Kalengyo, a Ugandan inculturation theologian, and Mercy Oduyoye, a Ghanaian women’s theologian – challenge Girard’s theory in three important ways. First, they challenge his traditional typological approach with a dialogical typological one. Second, they challenge his focus on violence by highlighting multiple themes. Third, they challenge his lack of an ecclesial dimension with fresh ways of appropriating Jesus’ sacrifice today.
9 citations
TL;DR: This paper explored the relation between metaethical reflection and value experience, and did so by focusing on robust realism, which is typically criticized for its ontological and epistemic properties, and explored the relationship between meta-ethics and robust realism.
Abstract: This paper explores the relation between metaethical reflection and value experience, and does so by focusing on robust realism. Robust realism is typically criticized for its ontological and epist...
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that caregivers should be seen as witnesses, not assessors, and their statements on QoL as testimonies, not assessments, which implies a relationship characterized by trust and suspicion.
Abstract: Persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) cannot speak about their Quality of Life (QoL), which makes it necessary to involve others. In current approaches, these ‘others’ are seen as assessors trying to describe QoL as objectively as possible, which involves a reduction of their experiences, through which they develop knowledge on the QoL of the person with PIMD. The objective of this paper is to give caregivers’ knowledge on the QoL of a person with PIMD a theoretical basis that values these experiences. We will argue that caregivers should be seen as witnesses, not assessors, and their statements on QoL as testimonies, not assessments. Audiences judge the trustworthiness of these witnesses intersubjectively, which implies a relationship characterized by trust and suspicion. Trust supports the witness to tell in her own words about the QoL of the person with PIMD; it demands receptivity, indicating that both the witness and the audience are willing to reconsider their perspective on QoL. Suspicion is necessary too, which helps the witness to critically approach her own interpretations and supports her to create more trustworthy testimonies. We conclude that the concept of witnessing helps to acknowledge caregivers’ experiential knowledge of QoL of a person with PIMD, which may also apply to other persons who cannot speak about their own QoL. We hope that our study will empower caregivers to give testimonies on QoL of a person with PIMD, which is crucial when complex decisions about the life of this person have to be made.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the role of imagination in ethical life and discuss the thought of Kierkegaard and Murdoch, both of whom stress the importance as well as the dangerousness of imagination.
4 citations
TL;DR: Van Holten and Walton as mentioned in this paper argue that Swinton's restatement of God's eternal presence in terms of unchangeableness comes with a serious theological price, namely, a static image of the divine.
Abstract: In this article, Wilko van Holten and Martin Walton continue the exchange with John Swinton regarding the understanding and usefulness of the “timelessness of God” (Swinton, 2016) in the context of dementia (see HSCC 8(1), “A Critical Appraisal of John Swinton’s Theology of Time and Memory” by van Holten and Walton, 2020, and “A Rejoinder to van Holten and Walton” by Swinton, 2020a). Both van Holten and Walton argue that Swinton’s restatement of God’s eternal presence in terms of unchangeableness comes with a serious theological price, namely, a static image of the divine. Swinton’s refusal to pay this price points to a tension in his thinking on this point. The authors adduce some empirical evidence to substantiate the claim that a timeless and immutable God is psycho-spiritually less appropriate in the context of pastoral care. For van Holten and Walton, their major concern is not with the intentions or conclusions at which Swinton arrives, but with the way in which he argues for those conclusions and expresses these intentions. In this exchange, practical and philosophical theology meet, and the authors explore some of the questions which are raised. These questions ultimately are concerned with theological method. A response to this article by Swinton will also be published in this issue of HSCC (see Swinton, 2022).
3 citations
TL;DR: This article argued that the Qumran pesharim and TgJon originate from a common, though internally varied, elite intellectual tradition with a priestly character, which developed particular interests, e.g. messianism and eschatology, and transmitted individual textual and interpretative traditions.
Abstract: This article argues that the Qumran pesharim and TgJon originate from a common, though internally varied, elite intellectual traditionwith a priestly character. This tradition developed particular interests, e.g. messianism and eschatology, and transmitted individual textual and interpretative traditions. As it appears, this tradition has pre70ce roots, but continued after the destruction of the temple. Both the Qumran commentaries andTgJon reflect the interests of this priestly tradition and incorporate some of its textual and exegetical traditions, though not through literary dependence.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the results of two surveys conducted with chaplains in the Netherlands in 1997 and 2017 and found that the expertise has been developed by a growing but highly diverse body of knowledge.
Abstract: Chaplaincy has become increasingly professionalized in response to both the standardization in healthcare and the changing religious landscape. Whereas several studies have paid attention to the professionalization of chaplaincy as a whole, no research has been found that describes the implications for individual chaplains. The present article describes the professionalization of Dutch chaplains in the last two decades. We compared the results of two surveys conducted with chaplains in the Netherlands in 1997 and 2017. We describe professionalization by distinguishing between the changed values, expertise, and positioning of chaplains. We found that chaplains' expertise has been developed by a growing but highly diverse body of knowledge. Furthermore, a pluralization of chaplains' worldviews was observed, including non-religious and non-affiliated positions. Lastly, no major changes were observed in the embedding of chaplains.
23 Jul 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors criticise the use of religious arguments favouring any specific position, and argue that when discussing assisted dying, we should concentrate on legal, societal, empirical, and ethical arguments that are understandable to all.
Abstract: espanolEn discusiones sobre la muerte asistida (eutanasia, suicidio asistido), aquellos que argumentan estar “en contra” de la legalizacion a menudo razonan desde un angulo religioso, mientras que los que estan “a favor” adoptan una postura secular. La experiencia holandesa es mas matizada: aqui, la defensa de la eutanasia se origino en gran medida por creyentes religiosos protestantes. En esta contribucion, critico el uso de argumentos religiosos que favorezcan cualquier posicion especifica. La religion puede proveer un contexto heuristico para explorar normas relevantes en la discusion, y la religion puede ayudarnos a formular nuestra postura personal. Pero cuando se trata de debates sociales (a menudo enfocados en la legalizacion o no de la eutanasia), debemos concentrarnos en argumentos juridicos, sociales, empiricos y eticos que sean comprensibles para todos. portuguesEm discussoes sobre a morte assistida (eutanasia, suicidio assistido), os que argumentam estar “contra” a legalizacao com frequencia pensam a partir de um ângulo religioso, enquanto os que estao “a favor” adotam um posicionamento secular. A experiencia holandesa e mais fusionada: aqui, a defesa da eutanasia foi originada em grande medida por crentes religiosos protestantes. Nesta contribuicao, critico o uso de argumentos religiosos que favorecam qualquer posicionamento especifico. A religiao pode promover um contexto heuristico para explorar normas relevantes na discussao, e a religiao pode ajudar-nos a formular nosso posicionamento pessoal. Contudo, quando e tratado de debates sociais (as vezes focados na legalizacao ou nao da eutanasia), devemos concentrar-nos em argumentos juridicos, sociais, empiricos e eticos que sejam compreensiveis para todos. EnglishIn discussions about assisted dying (euthanasia, assisted suicide), those who argue ‘against’ legalisation often reason from a religious angle, whereas those ‘in favour’ adopt a secular stance. The Dutch experience is more nuanced: here, euthanasia advocacy largely originated from protestant religious believers. In this contribution, I criticise the use of religious arguments favouring any specific position. Religion may provide a heuristic context to explore norms relevant in the discussion, and religion may help us formulate our personal stance. But when it comes to societal debates (often focusing on whether or not to legalise euthanasia), we should concentrate on legal, societal, empirical, and ethical arguments that are understandable to all.
TL;DR: This paper found that religious identity development is highly influenced by contexts and that this influence is even more powerful for young people who grew up in strict religious contexts because of the prominence of orthodox...
Abstract: Religious identity development is highly influenced by contexts. This influence is even more powerful for young people who grew up in strict religious contexts because of the prominence of orthodox...
TL;DR: In this article, GIS can be used as a heuristic tool to reconstruct spatial-temporal events from narratives in order to examine whether a scenario is conceivable within the narrative world.
Abstract: This article examines how GIS can be used as a heuristic tool to reconstruct spatial–temporal events from narratives in order to examine whether a scenario is conceivable within the narrative world. The narrative about Paul's escape from Berea (Acts 17:14–15) is used as a case study. Several interpretive issues related to spatial and temporal questions surround these texts. In the case study, three methods are applied: (a) least-cost path analysis on elevation data to construct journeys and travel times for Roman roads; (b) network analysis to find seafaring routes valid for ancient times; and (c) the integration of spatial and temporal data in a space-time cube. Our main finding is that the method yields insights into the spatial–temporal dynamics of the narrative. This helps a modern reader to better understand the narrative conceivability of a story in the mind of a first-century reader.
TL;DR: This paper studied the religious identity commitments and process of religious identity development of emerging adults who grew up in strictly Reformed co-religionists. But, they did not explore the relationship between religious identity commitment and identity development.
Abstract: This article presents a striking finding of our research into the religious identity commitments and process of religious identity development of emerging adults who grew up in strictly Reformed co...
TL;DR: The role and function of children's ministry during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic is explored, including a comparison of observations from four different contexts: Norway, South Africa, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The role and function of children's ministry during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic is explored, including a comparison of observations from four different contexts: Norway, South Africa, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom. Theological reflection examines the emerging ecclesiologies, form and adaptation of sacramental practices and pastoral care of families during this time of crisis. This investigation acknowledges awareness that there were significant restrictions and consequent challenges facing churches during this time, causing implications on children's ministry that were unprecedented and frustrating for the Church on a global scale. Observations and recommendations are presented to aid churches globally in ensuring that children's ministry during such times of crisis is child-centred, values the child as part of the body of Christ, fosters intergenerational role modelling and solidarity, and helps rather than hinders children on their spiritual journey.
TL;DR: The call for chaplains to become "research literate" has been recognized by various scholars as well as by practitioners in the field of chaplaincy as discussed by the authors. However, papers that present and discuss the study d...
Abstract: Recently, the call for chaplains to become ‘research literate’ has been recognized by various scholars as well as by practitioners in the field. However, papers that present and discuss the study d...
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative study on the religious identity exploration processes and experiences of emerging adults who grew up in strictly Reformed contexts in the Netherlands is presented. And the authors discuss three forms of exploration that appeared in their data: asking questions, exploring alternatives and rebelling against things that are disallowed or undesirable in the strictly reformed tradition.
Abstract:
This article presents the findings from a qualitative study on the religious identity exploration processes and experiences of emerging adults who grew up in strictly Reformed contexts in the Netherlands. We discuss three forms of exploration that appeared in our data: asking questions, exploring alternatives and rebelling against things that are disallowed or undesirable in the strictly Reformed tradition. We also discuss patterns that emerged from our analysis of exploration related to participants’ current religious identity commitments and a strictly Reformed upbringing. Finally, we discuss our findings and propose directions for further research and implications for those who guide youth in religious identity development.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors added several questions about pastoral care and support to the Church Life Survey and then carried out the survey with church attenders (N = 2,854) from 30 Dutch Protestant parishes.
Abstract: Pastoral care in parishes is a rather “silent” religious practice. As a result, data regarding the quantity and quality of regular pastoral care in local churches is scarce. To address this deficiency, we added several questions about pastoral care and support to the Church Life Survey and then carried out the survey with church attenders (N = 2,854) from 30 Dutch Protestant parishes. The results show that church attenders mostly receive pastoral care from their minister or professional pastoral worker. Church attenders also frequently advise others in their community to ask for pastoral support. They feel that their congregations should not only pay attention to particularly joyful or painful circumstances but should also direct more pastoral attention towards a general interest in people’s lives. By and large, respondents acknowledged that pastoral support is done in a competent and safe atmosphere. This study reveals a wide range of quantitative and qualitative insights into the frequency and quality of pastoral care as a religious practice, a practice that is not often discussed but which is of great importance to church attenders and is now a practice that is being given a voice through data.
TL;DR: In the context of unavoidable suffering, a presence approach, instead of an interventionist attitude, is required as discussed by the authors, which can be seen as a "presence approach" to the human condition.
Abstract: ‘Ageing is a disease, disease is suffering, and suffering should be minimized.’ Old age as an equivalent of suffering to be eliminated, is a well-known scheme of thought in contemporary culture. This ‘suffering from old age’ argument, however, as is argued in the first section of this article, obscures and denies the reality and complexity of the human condition and the place of suffering in it. Old age is to be understood as the radicalization and intensification of the human condition. Suffering in old age, as argued in the second part, can therefore best be conceived in terms of existential threats to the integrity of the self. It entails the embodied experience of the broken dialogue between the self and the world, often perceived as a lack of control and as loss. Suffering, perceived in this way, seems to be permanent to the human condition. It induces the search for meaning. In the context of unavoidable suffering, a ‘presence approach’, instead of an interventionist attitude, is required.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore how adults and children manage sound-related affordances during worship, bringing together concepts from the fields of material religion and liturgical studies, and explore the relationship between the two domains.
Abstract: Bringing together concepts from the fields of material religion and liturgical studies, this article explores how adults and children manage sound-related affordances during worship. The concept of...
TL;DR: The question of whether a positive relation between God and space requires that God himself is spatial has been investigated in recent protestant theology as discussed by the authors, and it has been argued that new theological models for the interrelation between space and God's immensity have serious weaknesses, and that a "positive" relation may be articulated in terms of the correspondence among God's uncreated movement, multiplicity and relationality.
Abstract: Modern scientific models of cosmological space and the theological concept of God’s immensity seem to exclude the possibility that God himself is personally present with us humans at particular places in space. Are God and our spatial reality incompatible? Or, is it possible to conceive the connection between God and space as ‘positive’, that is, in such a way that God himself can be fully and personally present with us at particular places in space? This essay explores how this question may be addressed in a theology which accepts the results of the natural sciences and acknowledges that God is the free creator of physical space. It describes how space can be conceptualised, and presents an overview of five different views on a positive relation between God and space in recent protestant theology. It concludes by some considerations on the question whether a positive relation between God and space requires that God himself is spatial. Contribution: This article contributes to the conversation between natural science and theology by making three points. (1) The scientific understanding of cosmological space and the biblical witness of God’s personal and local presence with humans require an alternative for the traditional theological view on God and space in terms of God’s immensity and omnipresence. (2) It is argued that new theological models for the interrelation between God and space have serious weaknesses. (3) A ‘positive’ relation between God and space may be articulated in terms of the correspondence among God’s uncreated movement, multiplicity and relationality, and the movement, multiplicity and relationality in the physical space of creation.