Kirk A. Bingaman
Kirk Bingaman, Ph.D., is professor of pastoral mental health counseling in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University. He is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York, a psychotherapist member with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Bingaman is the former co-chair of the Psychology, Culture, and Religion (PCR) group of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), and is presently a member of the New Directions in Pastoral Theology Group (Princeton Theological Seminary). From 2016 to 2021, he was the editor for the book series Emerging Perspectives in Pastoral Theology and Care (Lexington Books), and in 2021 was appointed editor-in-chief of Pastoral Psychology, one of the most well-established academic journals in the field of psychology and religion/spirituality.
Bingaman is the author of several books, including Freud and Faith: Living in the Tension (SUNY Press, 2003) and Treating the New Anxiety: A Cognitive-Theological Approach (Jason Aronson, 2007). His current research focuses on the application of neuroscientific findings to the practice of pastoral/spiritual care and pastoral mental health counseling, which is the focus of his 2014 book, The Power of Neuroplasticity for Pastoral and Spiritual Care (Lexington Books, 2014). A more recent book, Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age: The Future Is Now (Lexington Books, 2018), explores the present and potential future impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on human development and human nature, and the implications for pastoral/spiritual care providers, clinical practitioners, and religious faith communities. Additionally, Bingaman is exploring the psychological and spiritual significance of the current climate emergency, which was the focus of his 2021 presentation at the New Directions in Pastoral Theology Conference: “The end of the world—as we have known it? An introduction to Collapsology" (to be published in 2022).
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B.A., Messiah CollegeM.Div., Princeton Theological SeminaryPh.D., Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley, CA)Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LHMC), New York
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The application of neuroscientific research to pastoral/spiritual care, pastoral mental health counseling, and psychotherapy, in particular the finding that activity in the stress region of the brain can be lowered over time through regular contemplative-meditational practice. Additionally, a focus on the impact of digital technologies (including social media) and artificial intelligence (AI) on human development and human nature, and the implications for pastoral care and counseling.
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Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age: The Future Is Now, Lexington Books, 2018.
The Power of Neuroplasticity for Pastoral and Spiritual Care, Lexington Books, 2014.
Treating the New Anxiety: A Cognitive-Theological Approach, Jason Aronson, 2007.
Freud and Faith: Living in the Tension, State University of New York (SUNY) Press, 2003.
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- Theology of Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care
- Theories of Pastoral Care & Counseling
- Human Growth and Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Pastoral Counseling
- Advanced Life Span Issues and Career Counseling
- Basic Skills of Pastoral Care & Counseling
- Ethics in Pastoral Ministry
Contact Information
441 East Fordham Road
Keating Hall 303
Bronx, NY 10458