Handbook for Chaplains: Comfort My People

This slim pocket-sized (well, if you've got big pockets) volume provides an adequate crash course on Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, including variations on the last two (reform, orthodox, protestant, catholic, etc). In short, if you are working as a chaplain and are unlikely to be spending a lot of time with individuals, it hits the high points of the religions you are most likely to encounter in most of the United States. There are at least a couple prayers for each religion and information on diet, important rites, and how a follower should be treated as they near death and after.One cannot adequately introduce all religions in under 100 pages, nor can one adequately cover even the most popular five. It would have been quite nice to see a bit more information about religions other than judaism and christianity--at the very least, Islam should have mentioned Sunni vs Shia. The fact that there are various sects of buddhism should have been mentioned as well; in the west we mostly get Zen, but there are other types which are quite different. Hinduism also has its own denominations and is not necessarily strictly monotheistic (it's complicated) which could be relevant.I would very much like to see a revised edition include a section on paganism (there are too many religions under that tradition, but dividing between the polytheists and the neopagans would be most useful) and, as odd as it sounds, atheism. Our brothers and sisters who believe in nothing also need support in hard times, as do their families, who may be religious.But this would certainly be a handy little book to include in a personal library for a chaplain's office or in a travel bag. Just make sure there are other books to fill in the gaps.

My ex bought it ... apparently did not take to heart certain principles.

The Handbook for Chaplains falls into a category of small packages that provide a useful service. Essentially this is a very short "crib sheet" (a total of small-format 75 pages)on key concepts and practices in the major faiths found in America. Most useful are the prayers for various contingencies of life. The book is most heavily concentrated on the differing flavors of Christianity (about 35 pages out of the total). I am sorry that there is nothing on Mormons which is a significant religion in America.In the end, if one receives a late night call to assist someone in distress who is of a differing faith than one's own, at least, this little book gives some essential understanding and tools to help support people in their struggles. A nice book to keep in a chaplain's glove compartment. Well worth purchasing, particularly in good used condition.

Often clergy are out of their comfort zone when dealing with people of other faiths. A chaplain is expected to provide some degree of spiritual service to those that ask, regardless of the individual in crisis' belief structure. This book gives the chaplain an insight to doctrinal differences within the Christian denominations as well as non-Christian beliefs. It is not meant to be a definite study of religious doctrines - but it will provide insight to many. A good, little, quick read book for a chaplain to have!A chaplain's job is not to proselytize - something difficult to refrain from when a person is in crisis; especially if they are of another faith. This book helps a chaplain understand the differences of beliefs, rites and ceremonies, so if asked, the chaplain can provide the person requesting comfort in a manner consistent with THEIR faith!

I liked that the book's chapters on each tradition was brief and concise. I read the description to someone unfamilir with religious concepts and he said he had an understanding, yet brief, but enough to have a little insight to the tradition. I would love to see a few more traditions added since our world in spirituality is growing, such as some of the earth based traditions. Yet, I understand that the adding chapters for more traditions would probably create such a large book, it would be less convinient to carry if one is a traveling chaplain.All in all, a great companion book for a chaplian's tote bag.

This book was required reading for me. However, it gave me insight to other Christian religions that I was not fully aware of. This information goes a long way when you are in social work, ministry or health service professions

I've been a Law Enforcement chaplain for just over 10 years now - and this is the first book I bought. I now have a shelf full of related books and hundreds of hours of training under my belt (see icpc4cops.org). This little book still goes with me on every callout. Great resource.

A great little compact resource for chaplains of eight major faiths. It's so handy for understanding the beliefs and practices of people of faiths or belief systems different from one's own. It covers, within each faith system, prayers and rituals and customs or mores for most life situations or situations in which a chaplain may be involved. It is absolutely an invaluable resource for both lay and commissioned chaplains.

A book written for chaplains, yes! It was for me more of a text book written style, though information within the pages when read in sections gives much thought provoking how to increase the Chaplaincy role / awareness for those entering this field. For Chaplains / Padres such as former Armed Services, the content within the pages will be now new. None the less a useful book and aid in Chaplaincy and certainly Ministry everyday duties. I would recommend this book to any contemplating undertaking a Chaplaincy role whether ordained / lay persons. I found it most interesting to cover the contents once again.

Will be carrying this little book around with me as I work as a Chaplain. Very useful resource.

Information contained within this book provides useful hints on working with other demoninations and members of other firths and theology.

Very handy pocket book providing a basic outline of different faiths

My expectations were not met with this book. It was smaller in size than I thought it would be and the content is quite peripheral. However, I bought it for my husband he read through it so that's a positive.