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Sloth and Pastoral Counseling

Abstract In this paper, I examine the sin of sloth and its accompanying pathos in the context of the pastoral counseling relationship. I first delve into the Christian tradition to identify the features of sloth and arrive at a definition. This sets the stage for redescribing sloth in terms of the relational dynamics of recognition-negation, surrender-generation, and disruption-repair. I then argue that sloth emerges when these relational dynamics become distorted, which, in turn, contribute to the restriction of one's agency and the distortion one's will. The distortion of one's will is manifested in a person's interpretation of his/her needs and desires as insignificant, which I designate as the hermeneutics of insignificance. Sloth also functions as a defense against further loss and rejection. The challenge for the pastoral counselor and client is to work together in discovering and giving voice to those desires and needs that have long been denied. The remedy for indifference, then, is a relationship founded on recognizing, affirming, and encouraging the person's ability to interpret and act on his/her desires and needs.