Ethics and Spiritual Care

In their book, Lebacqz & Driskill open with discussing problems in defining the often used term spirituality, declaring that in acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses associated with anthropological, theological and historical-contextual definitions, in a Christian context, it is understood that through spirituality the 'fullness of human spirit depends on such a relation between spirit and [Holy] Spirit' (2000:31). Christian spirituality takes discipline (2000:32), involves community and accountability structures (2000:33), and highlights God's involvement in all aspects of life, intrapersonally, interpersonally, structurally and environmentally (2000:33). Frustratingly though, they answer their questions with more questions and therefore provide only guidelines as to what should construct a Christian's spirituality. The issue for ethics in clergy is slightly clearer, as Lebacqz & Driskill comment that while 'the task of clergy is to step in whenever this proclaimed word would be brought into disrepute' in the church community (2000:44) and that clergy have 'a primary responsibility for monitoring the shape and character of that institution' (2000:44), however positive commentary on feminist spirituality and social justice for example, reveal liberal leanings. They note that 'clergy ethics is determined by that institution' (2000:45), however, this is a thread that if pulled, reveals a higher view of denominationalism than Scripture. There are better books out there.