St Paul and his contemporaries - so runs a commonly accepted scholarly opinion - inhabited a world believed to be dominated by hostile superhuman powers, of whom Jews and Gentiles alike liked in fear. Dr Carr challenges this widespread assumption by means of a detailed examination of various kinds of evidence. First there is the New Testament itself. The general Mediterranean cultural background of the first century is also important, and the author looks at evidence from the early Church Fathers and gnostic material. He concludes that the notion of mighty forces of evil ranged against man...

Instead of first learning some theology and then applying it to the questions of pastoral care, it is better to start from practical experience, and by reflection arrive at a theology. Ministers and trainee ministers are guided in this book towards a way of integrating theology, pastoral activity and personal faith. Since it was first published, the new 'discipline' of practical theology has grown into importance, and we are now much more aware of how groups function. These changes are reflected in this new, largely rewritten edition.

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the theology and practice of pastoral studies, and offer an authoritative view of the distinctive contribution of Christian pastoral care. It provides an accessible guide to the theological, psychological and sociological aspects of pastoral care.