Shame as Obstacle or Opportunity? Pastoral Theologies of Shame

ABSTRACT Within the contemporary theological world, pastoral theology is unique in offering a considerable variety of theological reflections on the phenomenon of shame. Pastoral theologians have called for the development of a theology that can be as liberating for those who suffer from shame as the theology of divine forgiveness has been for those who suffer from guilt. But their theological recommendations point in two directions: Is shame an obstacle to be removed, or (also) an opportunity to be embraced? This article offers a systematic overview of this growing area of research.