Empire matters: implications for pastoral care

Area of Science:

• Theology
• Ethics
• Political Science

Background:

• The concept of empire and its historical roots in the American context.
• The United States' history of expansionist aims and dominion.
• The intersection of secular and theo-political discourse in supporting American imperial ambitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the relevance of the American Empire for pastoral care.
• To analyze the psychological and spiritual harms associated with imperialistic endeavors.
• To examine theological contradictions within Christian discourse supporting American empire.

Main Methods:

• Discourse analysis of secular and theo-political rhetoric.
• Examination of historical expansionist aims and foreign policies.
• Theological critique of Christian discourse supporting empire.

Main Results:

• The American Empire's expansionist aims and associated discourses foster negative consequences like hubris, greed, and hegemony.
• Christian discourse supporting the American Empire contains theological contradictions.
• These harms and contradictions present significant challenges for pastoral care.

Conclusions:

• Pastoral theologians and caregivers must address the impact of the American Empire.
• Public reflection and conversation are necessary to confront these issues.
• Pastoral actions can be developed to address the realities of the American Empire.