Neither cross nor catalyst: Institutions as a container for crisis
The interlocking crises of a pandemic, political unrest, and racial injustice invite renewed attention to the role of institutions in times of crisis. Crisis is an experience that "brings one up short" (Osmer 2008, p. 21). Recent reflections expand this analysis, demonstrating the relevanc...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
International Academy of Practical Theology
2023
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| In: |
Crisis, fear and hope
Year: 2023, Volume: 3, Pages: 149-156 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | The interlocking crises of a pandemic, political unrest, and racial injustice invite renewed attention to the role of institutions in times of crisis. Crisis is an experience that "brings one up short" (Osmer 2008, p. 21). Recent reflections expand this analysis, demonstrating the relevance of ongoing inquiry at this intersection. To this end, this essay undertakes an interdisciplinary investigation to explore three metaphors for the role of institutions in times of crisis. Part one engages Mary Douglas’s and Hugh Heclo’s work on institutions to consider two dominant metaphors for the role of institutions in times of crisis: cross and catalyst. Part two introduces original empirical research completed during the COVID-19 crisis to consider how existing frameworks can inform the study of religious institutions during times of crisis. This research identifies a third metaphor that complements the antinomy Douglas and Heclo represent: institutions provide a container for the uncertainty crisis introduces. While existing metaphors for the role of institutions in crises express the capacity for institutions to constrain and catalyze individuals’ response to crisis, the third metaphor, institutions as container, clarifies how institutions direct the collective experience and constructive responses. Finally, the conclusion identifies three implications for research in practical theology in the wake of crisis. As other communities of faith respond to the uncertainty crisis brings, the practical wisdom that emerges from institutions supports an evolving pastoral and ecclesial imagination for a more connected and collaborative common life. |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Crisis, fear and hope
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.25785/iapt.cs.v3i1.810 |