Money, money, money, money . . . money!
Pastoral caregivers usually leave talk of money to the stewardship chair . . . but that might be a mistake.A recent survey suggests that money is the greatest stressor for Americans, outpacing work, health, and children as sources of tension.
Seventy-three percent of the 1,000 adults surveyed identified money as the number one factor contributing to stress.
How do pastoral theologians help the church and other institutions develop the skills necessary to cope with (and reduce) the stress associated with money?
Those who have engaged the questions of economics (Pamela Couture, for example) have tended to focus on broad issues of social justice. But some rigid theological reflection on money and financial security as an aspect of pastoral caregiving with individuals, families, and congregations would seem prudent.
.: Posted by Duane Bidwell on Thursday, April 01, 2004
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