Theology and Science of Mental Health and Well‐being

Abstract

The approach to mental health and well‐being taken here illustrates the complementary perspectives approach and assumes that there are useful and intersecting contributions from science (including medicine) and from religion and spirituality. What counts as poor mental well‐being depends on the interaction of relatively objective criteria with culturally contingent value judgments. I then discuss theological perspectives on depression, including a consideration of sources of hope and tolerance of dysphoria, and argue that depression can be part of a spiritual journey. I then look at the relationship between psychosis and religion, including the work of Isabel Clarke, arguing that a spiritual approach to psychosis can complement a medical approach. Finally, I present a pastoral case study illustrating the interface between neurological and spiritual aspects of the sense of presence. A religious perspective can challenge and complement current assumptions about mental health in a potentially fruitful way.

Hearing spiritually significant voices: A phenomenological survey and taxonomy

“…Even these exceptions may often not be seen as ‘medical humanities’ so much as interdisciplinary work on theology and health. See, for example, J Swinton (2001) , Spirituality and Mental Health Care (London: Jessica Kingsley, 2001); Joel James Shuman and Keith G. Meador (2003) , Heal Thyself: Spirituality, Medicine, and the Distortion of Christianity (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003); C. C. H Cook (2006) , Alcohol, Addiction and Christian Ethics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006); Christopher C H Cook (2004) ., Christopher C. H Cook, 2013 , Spirituality, Theology & Mental Health (London: SCM, 2013); Christopher C. H Cook (2018) , Hearing Voices, Demonic and Divine: Scientific and Theological Perspectives (London: Routledge, 2018); Fraser Watts (2018) , “Theology and Science of Mental Health and Well-Being,” Zygon 53, 2 (2018); John Swinton (2020) , Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2020).…”

Tuhan Juga Mengasihi Kain: Menafsir Ulang Kejadian 4:13-16 dengan Lensa Psikoteologi Pengampunan Fraser Watts

“…Rasa bersalah neurotis atau irasional membuat orang menjadi merasa sangat bersalah tentang berbagai hal, dan itu bisa sangat melemahkan. 21 Kain bisa saja sudah berada pada fase tersebut. Kain mengalami rasa bersalah dan malu; merasa bersalah karena beratnya pelanggaran dan merasa malu karena telah menciptakan kerusakan relasi akibatkan pelanggarannya.…”

“…Perasaan kehadiran disebabkan oleh persepsi yang salah tentang sumber dan identitas sinyal sensormotorik (taktil, proprioseptif, dan motorik) dari tubuh sendiri. 25 Kain menghadap dan meminta belas kasihan Tuhan. Secara psikis dapat diduga bahwa dia sedang mengalami masa depresi.…”