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Pastoral Psychology, C. A. Behnke

Concordia Theological Monthly

Writers on pastoral theology, such as our own Dr. Walther, regarded such ability as vital. He describes it, however, not only as "a God-given, practical aptitude of the soul," but also as one that is "acquired by certain means." (Fritz, Pastoral Theology, p. 1.) He, therefore, suggests that a theological student visit hospitals, in order to become better acquainted with the inner life of the sick and to master innate revulsion against disagreeable smells and sights.