Contents

Introduction: The Case for a Classical Tradition in Pastoral Theology -- pg. 1

1. Gregory of Nazianzus, "In Defense of His Flight to Pontus" -- pg. 9

2. John Chrysostom, Six Books on the Priesthood -- pg. 33

3. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care -- pg. 55

4. Martin Bucer, On the True Pastoral Care -- pg. 76

5. Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor -- pg. 95

Conclusion: Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition -- pg. 115

Epilogue: An Ordination Sermon on 2 Corinthians 11:2- 'The Father of the Bride' -- pg. 122

Notes -- pg. 126

Modern Pastoral Care, Andrew Purves believes, has been overly influenced by psychological theory and too often uninformed by historical practice. The result is a pastoral practice that has diminished the reality of God. In this book, Purves aims to reclaim pastoral theology as a theological discipline. He does this by examining classical texts form the tradition, texts that have enduring worth, and he argues that a thoughtful reading of these works-by Gregory of Nazianzus, John Chrysostom, Gregory the Great, Martin Bucer, and Richard Baxter - will force a reevaluation of many of the assumptions that shape contemporary pastoral work. He includes a brief biography of each author, introduces the major themes in each writer's pastoral theology, and discusses the issues relevant to pastoral work today.