Part I. Three Early Church Fathers : -- 1. Gregory of Nazianzus -- 2. John Chrysostom -- 3. Gregory I -- Part II. Some English Pastoral Theologians : -- 4. A thousand years later -- 5. George Herbert -- 6. Richard Baxter -- 7. Gilbert Burnet -- 8. George Bull -- 9. William Paley -- Part III. Looking for Solutions : -- 10. Remedies from the pastoral theologians -- 11. Retirement -- 12. Self-knowledge -- 13. Study
Summary:
Every Christian is assailed by the gales of temptation, but those in professional ministry face fiercer storms than the rest. As C. H. Spurgeon warned, contrary to what is often assumed, "our dangers are more numerous and more insidious than those of ordinary Christians." This perspective was shared by the unified voice of the historic church, leading some patristic church fathers to initially flee the call to ministry. The same dangers were repeatedly identified in the writings of the early English pastoral theologians as they sought to mentor their protégés in successful ministry. A Most Dangerous Profession surfaces these gems so often overlooked in historic Christian literature, and ends with their practical advice on how to overcome. As both a pastoral and spiritual theology, A Most Dangerous Profession is bound to add an important voice to the ongoing dialog about pastoral self-care.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.