The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a theologically based covenant community, dedicated to "recovery of the soul" and promoting competency in the clinical pastoral field.
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“We believe we should
make a space for one another and
stand ready to midwife one another
in our respective spiritual journeys.”
“We commit to being mutually responsible to one another
for our professional work and direction.”
[from the CPSP Covenant]
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23 May 1911 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle [NY]
PRESBYTERY ARGUES LONG OVER SEVEN CANDIDATES:
Four of the Applicants for Ordination Had Agnostic Views.
ALL WERE FINALLY PASSED.
…
It was one of the longest drawn-out meetings of the Presbytery ever held, and two hours of it or more were in executive session, it being nearly midnight when the ministers and elders decided to ordain and license seven young men, four of whom came from … [one] Seminary. It is known that there was decidedly divided opinion in the matter of making ministers of these four men, for a number of the ministers found it convenient to leave the room before it was finally decided to vote for the ordination of the young men … .[:] Robert A. Watson, Elmer Fred Eastman, Anton T. Boisen, and Herman N. Morse. …
Four Young Men Were Agnostics and Undecided in Their Faith
It was ascertained that the four … young men did not absolutely “deny” anything, but they were agnostic – did not know – or were undecided enough in their faith not to affirm certain fundamentals … . As has been said, for more than two hours there was an earnest discussion and much was said on both sides of the case, and it is known that there were quite a good many of the presbyters who thought it would be a good idea for the … young men to take a little more time and get straightened out, but the argument on the side of ordaining them prevailed, and arrangements were made to make them licentiates and fully ordained preachers … .
^^^^^^^^^^
The argument back in 1911 – 100 hundred years ago – concerned “vital piety” versus “literal orthodoxy” –
but a lot of other terms could be plugged into the “this” versus “that” equation.
The question is, can we indeed accept that different people are in different places on their spiritual journeys-
and that different people need different supports in their growth?
We can be blunt about “making space” – and serious about “standing ready to midwife”.
The question is, can we be persistent enough and patient enough to
work with each other on what constitutes really good clinical pastoral work?
Can we be tolerant and encouraging while together becoming better?
Thus, perhaps it is worth noting that Anton Theophilus – “Lover of G-d” – Boisen (1876-1965) wandered a bit, almost not making it through ordination – yet we benefit greatly from his religious contributions. Likewise, perhaps it is worth noting that Flanders Dunbar (1902-59), as a woman at a certain point in time in a certain faith group did not even have the option of ordination – yet we benefit greatly from her religious contributions. Either could have been told, “Go away”.
Boisen’s ministry came alive through accepting Dunbar’s guidance, offered with persistence and patience.
Dunbar’s ministry came alive though providing Boisen’s guidance, offered with tolerance and encouragement.
Both benefited from their working together – from their becoming better versions of themselves. The world benefited, too.
Each found greater spiritual fulfillment and contribution within an atmosphere of
mutual respect and cooperative striving toward achieving a higher standard.
They expected much of each other – and, together, they delivered.
Endnotes:
The newspaper story can be found on-line.
Many who have read Boisen’s autobiography may recall that Fred Eastman became one of Boisen’s lifelong closest friends, Many, however, may not be aware of the important role Eastman played in changing the nature of congregational religious study and worship. Boisen encouraged clergy to study “living human documents” – living people in all their complexity. Eastman encouraged clergy and their parishioners to contemplate carefully chosen biographies and carefully staged plays that presented human dilemmas in all their complexity. Each tried to add something simultaneously more “down to earth” and more introspective to the worship life of the average church. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,751419,00.html
Hermann N. Morse was no slouch either. He championed nationwide missionary work within the United States and is considered a diplomatic architect of what became the National Council of Churches. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,857235,00.html
Whatever became of Robert A. Watson could not be determined, except that he ministered in North Carolina.
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Robert Charles Powell, MD, PhD is the leading historian of the clinical pastoral movement. Many of his published writings are posted on the Pastoral Report. Readers can use the PR's search engine found on the left side-bar to locate his articles. As a practicing psychiatrist, his writings reflect his daily investment in his clinical practice of providing psychotherapy and care to his patients. Contact Dr. Powell by clicking here. -Perry Miller, Editor
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Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at June 6, 2011 9:00 AM
