Suffering and Hope: Multifaith Perspectives on Spiritual Care

What is suffering? What is hope? How are suffering and hope connected? How aren't they connected? On a macro level, suffering and hope raise issues of ultimate concern in relation to religious and secular world views and practices. On a micro level, how clients/patients and those in helping professions interpret suffering and hope shape practices of care and the experience of wellbeing. This course explores diverse interpretations and practices in relation to human experiences of trauma as suffering and the possibility for hope through the following 4 perspectives: the health sciences and psychological literature and practices; Christian traditions of thought and practice; Muslim traditions of thought and practice, and; Buddhist traditions of thought and practice. Case studies focusing on trauma and healing from Indigenous perspectives and others, will be considered through each of the traditions of thought and practice. Implications for the therapeutic relationship will be examined. Students will deepen their understanding of suffering and trauma and the possibility for hope, develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of world views and how these impact spiritual health and wellbeing, make connections between their faith-based world views and their therapeutic practices and further develop congruent and ethical practices of care.