Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Ethics” were published in 1949 and propose that Ethics have a claim on all aspects of life. Accordingly, in 2019 I proposed that spiritual resilience needed to be assessed with the same big picture view.

1. R2C2
Spiritual Assessment
with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Spiritual assessment is the work of the
professional chaplain which gauges the
patient's ability to cope with their
situation. The R2C2 format can help
chaplains take a comprehensive look at
the person in their care.
The underlying assumption is that life
is bigger than just the material
presented during clinical interaction.
All the patients' stressors and
supportive factors have an impact on
their ability to cope.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Ethics” were
published in 1949 and propose that
Ethics have a claim on all aspects of
life. Accordingly, in 2019 I proposed
that spiritual resilience needed to be
assessed with the same big picture
view.
Bonhoeffer named four mandates that
encompass all areas of life: church,
marriage and family, work or culture,
and government.
In light of societal changes over the
past 70 years, I reimagined them as:
religion, relationships, culture, and
community.
Rev. Daniel Haas, BCC
www.danielhaas.org
Religion
Bonhoeffer called this
"church". In a more
diverse society the
relevant question is:
What supports the person's meaning-
making?
Culture
Bonhoeffer
called this
“work” or
“culture” and to this day people
introduce themselves with their
profession. The relevant question is:
Where does the person get their sense
of self?
Relationships
Bonhoeffer called this
"family". It is more
helpful to include
"chosen family" as well. The relevant
question is:
Which relationships - nurturing and
draining - have an impact on the
person's ability to cope?
Community
Bonhoeffer called this
“government”. While
political participation
is still crucial, other
forms of activism have gained traction.
The relevant question is:
Where does the person get their sense
of connectedness?