Spirituality, Chaos, and Hope

Charles Dickens got it right: It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. The ravages of COVID-19, Putin’s satanic unprovoked massacre of Ukrainians, the United States Supreme Courts reconsideration of human rights all represent dramatic global and local chaotic shifts challenging millions of people. What was once regarded as stable is now in disarray. Working through people’s disarray has always been the framework for pastoral and spiritual care providers. However, today’s health, climate, and political uncertainty have increased many concerns and personal challenges of those seeking care. Helping others to achieve inner peace and generate hope have become a bit more difficult amid this climate of fear, increased cynicism, and seemingly insurmountable hurdles. Spiritual care providers continue helping others to find stability, “centering” themselves as well as while learning to live with hope amid settings of uncertainty. These ongoing issues offer a variety of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that pastoral and spiritual care providers face in the context of these major shifts. Whether working with faithbased organizations, living with the current pandemic problems, assisting those with aging, physical or mental illness, or managing to cope with ever present unsettledness, places greater demands on those providing care. The need for professional expertise is increasing almost exponentially. In this context, hope seems an asymptotic goal. Yet, some silver linings may evolve on the horizon. The book of Genesis suggests that some order is possible after ubiquitous chaos. Chaos, though ever present, becomes minimized. COVID 19 may evolve as a manageable endemic viral nuisance medically kept at bay like the common flu. But the pandemic has unleashed scientific discoveries that may thwart or nullify many current and future diseases. Putin’s narcissistic war has coalesced more nations to work together in unprecedented fashion to eradicate future war and potentially create a better climate and a more unified global society. Reductions in human rights might stimulate many locally and globally to demand greater equality. Should these shifts evolve into realities, there may be some hope that it will redound to greater external and internal peace. A number of these shifts are reflected in each of the formal sections in this issue of JPC&C. For those of us devoted to supporting and enhancing the human spirit, we embrace these goals and work tirelessly to embody them and help others to do so as well. Spirit, chaos, ... then hope remains a shared vision. Editorial