The main objective of this study is to examine the process of healing and recovery by people who have suffered a crisis. Healing concerns not only the physical aspects of a person but also the spiritual. In this regard there is a very close interaction between body and spirit. In the past the individual was to a large extent fragmented; much more emphasis must now be placed on a holistic approach towards illness, excluding however any mystical or occultic attachments. The various terms used in the Bible for healing and salvation make a very important contribution to defining healing; terms such as sozo and therapeuo are important in this regard. The person suffering a crisis has a great need for basic trust in the faithfulness of God. In this regard the following supporting terminology within Scripture presents important insights sterizo, rizomai, bebaioomai, oikodomeo, sthenoo endunamoomai, dunamoo, ischuo, stereoo. For many people in crisis situations, alternative medicine has begun to offer an escape because traditional approaches have not provided for their needs. Aspects with regard to this area has been addressed as well. To a large extent healing takes place when the pastor succeeds in helping a person who has suffered a crisis to function on a higher level than was the case before the crisis. Should the person function on a lower level after the crisis, the implication could be that healing has not occurred. Very often there is also a close relationship between trauma and certain physical symptoms and a number of examples of such cases are presented and discussed. The immune system of the body is affected negatively by stress and trauma. On the other hand, healing is promoted by positive and pleasant circumstances, with the emphasis on the striving towards a specific goal in life. Each crisis could in some way present an opportunity for personal growth. However, it could also be a situation with possible negative consequences; eventually the outcome will depend on a specific decision of the person in crisis. Within the normal long-term relationship between the pastor and the members of his congregation, it should be easy for him, in crisis intervention, to alternate between an insight oriented approach on the one hand and a supportive approach on the other. In cases where it is quite obvious that unresolved past trauma is repeatedly the cause of crisis situations, the pastor's involvement could assist in addressing this problem. 250 case studies of persons who experienced some kind of crisis have been evaluated; from these, fifteen have been selected for discussion in this study. The results indicated the importance of taking into consideration the unique history of each individual - especially with reference to past traumatic experience and crisis. Where the emphasis is put on a responsible self-disclosure when individuals relate their experiences, the indispensable therapeutic value of conversation becomes evident. The decisive importance of prayer in this regard was also pointed out very clearly. Another very important aspect seemed to be the very close relationship between certain traumatic experiences and contact with the occult. The pastor will have to obtain the necessary insight and background to this field in order to be able to assist and guide specific affected individuals effectively.

Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1994.