| This dissertation proposes a model of Christian pastoral care with the Chinese elderly in Hong Kong. The model is based on biblical guidance, theological wisdom, cultural exploration, and social investigation.; Literature about the phenomenon of aging and experience in caring for the elderly serves as the primary sources for reflection and construction in this dissertation. This work utilizes literature resources from multiple disciplines. The research refers to studies based on Western societies and Chinese culture with special emphasis on contributions from Hong Kong scholars.; Chapter one establishes an understanding of the mission of Christian pastoral care among the elderly in the Hong Kong context. The second chapter discusses the social and cultural context of Chinese elderly and identifies their aging experiences and specific needs.; Chapters three and four view aging and elderly care issues from different perspectives. The writer examines biblical, theological, Chinese cultural, biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. This work evaluates some Western models of pastoral care and draws implications for pastoral care in Hong Kong.; Utilizing the Chinese concept of "filial piety" or hsiao in the Chinese language, this paper proposes a hsiao -in-Christ model of Christian pastoral care with the Chinese elderly in Hong Kong. The discussion in chapter five focuses on caring for elderly individuals, while chapter six examines the care of the larger system in which the elderly reside. These two chapters develop a strategy for caring based on the relationship between caregivers and care-receivers and the needs of each. Chapter seven presents the identities and tasks of different groups of Christian pastoral caregivers.; The hsiao-in-Christ model focuses on several key areas. First, pastoral care is a holistic care embracing every aspect of elder needs through private and public ministries of the church. Second, the caregivers should relate to older persons as learners would relate to teachers. Third, the Chinese understanding of harmony, the zenith of filial piety, is transformed into the biblical concept of peace. Fourth, the strong Chinese cultural tradition of the extended family is adapted to include the church. Fifth, Christian pastoral care must exert influence on the social order of the society in which the elderly live. |
