Written by significant researchers and practitioners within the field, this collection of key texts introduces the reader to practical theology. It critically explores the way in which the spiritual dimension of pastoral care has entered into constructive dialogue with other disciplines and ways of thinking, including psychiatry, psychology, counselling, intercultural studies, educational methodology, narrative theory and political studies.;Set within this multidisciplinary context, the individual contributions ( a selection of articles from a leading journal of pastoral theology, "Contact: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Pastoral Studies") cover a wide range of practical and theological issues that alert the reader to the spiritual dimension of pastoral care, such as bereavement, sexuality, ethics, learning disabilities, infertility, the meaning of pain, sickness and suffering and the nature of theology as a practical discipline. The book should be of interest to practitioners, researchers, students and all who have an interest in the ways in which a spiritual dimension can enhance caring practices within a multidisciplinary context.

Why didn't anyone tell me how hard it would be for my wife to become pregnant? How did we end up with such an unfortunate au pair? Who could have imagined my teenage son refusing to attend school for a year? Do we ever learn from our mistakes? Can I be a good dad and divorced? FRAGMENTS is a collection of stories and reflections that attempts to make sense of modern family life. Drawing upon personal experiences, the wisdom of philosophers past and present, as well plain common sense, David Willows brings a unique, thoughtful perspective to a wide range of issues, ranging from In Vitro Fertilization and preparing for the birth of a child, to coping with divorce, human loneliness and the loss of a loved one.