Introduction

This introduction provides a brief overview of the development of chaplaincy in contemporary Western secularizing and plural societies, and the specific history of humanist chaplaincy in the Netherlands. It discusses how these societies – where religions are no longer the obvious meaning frameworks – lack a shared language to talk about and imagine a good life in terms of what is of ultimate value. Consequently, a good life is often understood in individualistic, psychological terms, and in terms of resources. It is argued that any contemporary understanding of chaplaincy must both critically address such narrowed perspectives on a good life and accommodate all kinds of worldviews. It is explained how this volume contributes to such an understanding, inspired by decades of theorizing and practicing humanist chaplaincy in the Netherlands, offering insights for everyone providing spiritual care. Lastly, an overview of this volume’s theoretical and methodical chapters is given.