The Relationship between Grief and Christian Spirituality: Reflections on the Initial Phase of Theoretical Model Development Using Grounded Theory and Its Possible Implications for Poimenics

Grief is one of the anthropological constants of human existence. It is therefore logical that it also affects those for whom spirituality is an essential part of life. The relationship between grief and spirituality has been predominantly studied in international contexts. This article aims to address the following question. How are grief and spirituality intertwined in the Czech context? The conceptual part of the article draws on social science research that explores the relationship between spirituality and grief, which is also framed within the poimenic context of care for the bereaved. The distinction between core and shell beliefs seems essential to understanding the diversity of the relationship between spirituality and mourning. These are the envelopes of faith that encounter the concrete aspects of mourning. Reflection and interpretation of this encounter produce an experience of consonance or dissonance that is the basis for labeling the relationship between spirituality and grief as supportive or complicated. Thus, in situations of spiritual complication, it may be helpful to identify this reflection, to seek unchanging and supportive envelopes of faith, and a supportive environment that helps to maintain the possibility of an active choice of faith.

Keywords: Pastoral Care; Grief; Bereavement; Spirituality; Qualitative Research