To be, or not to be more scientific? That is the question: yes, absolutely, but....
I use a systems theory approach to address the question of whether or not to become more scientific in our professions of pastoral education and chaplaincy. While acknowledging and discussing the many tensions and issues raised by this important question, I provide a rationale for why we must become more scientific. I reflect on the cost of both becoming more scientific and not becoming more scientific in our professions.
Bay
Paul Steven
PS
Clarian/Methodist Hospital, I-65 at 21st Street, P.O. Box 1367, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1367, USA. pbay@clarian.com
D002604:Chaplaincy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics; D002977:Clergy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D004645:Empathy; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D012070:Religion and Science