Is Theology Therapeutic?
- Kyle Lincoln
- Apr 21, 2020
- 5 min read
In the strange world of the internet, I encountered a brand of Christian apologetics that defends the Christian faith on the basis of its psychological benefits. Something along the lines of 'Religion isn't altogether wrongheaded since it unburdens consciences, provides direction and meaning.'
It was in the comments section of some YouTube video, a comment that drew fire from those who disagreed. 96 comments later, I have returned.
This topic matters.
I think it matters for American Christians, living in a therapeutic culture where the central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.
I think it matters for those who struggle with mental illness and wonder why God isn't helping them faster or whether to expect his intervention at all.
I think it matters for all of us. Although perhaps not for its potential as an apologetic.
Is theology therapeutic?
This may be a weird question to ask so explicitly. Put differently, "Does having faith in God have positive mental health outcomes?"
As this post will demonstrate, a lot of ink has been spilt on this topic. Lots of questionnaires filled out, lots of research in general. First, I'll describe the two camps; and second, I'll approach the question from another angle.
Those Who Think "Yes"
If we were going to flatten all religions and forms of spiritual practice, calling them "religiosity" and "spirituality," then a lot of studies suggest theology can enhance one's overall wellbeing. This research exists within the field of medicine and healthcare.
Those interested in this field can find a review of the literature here.
On the ground, chaplains apply these research findings, being called into the locations of medicine—hospitals, primary care offices, nursing homes—to offer groups on thankfulness, forgiveness, and the like. They may note that half of the "twelve steps" are about surrendering to a Higher Power.
Photo by Eniko His on Unsplash.Counselors, even in general practice settings, have come to prescribe eastern meditation practices or preach the good of community to individuals struggling to cope with the stress of life.
If it helps, then it helps.
Those Who Think "No"
But, the matter is not so settled.
Some people argue that religion, and by which they mean lived faith aligning with a theistic religion, has negative mental health outcomes. Maybe the presence of an ever watchful God causes excessive guilt for those already anxious.
Some studies suggest that religious professionals (pastors, clergy, chaplains, etc.) struggle with mental illness at a rate higher than the general population [1].
But beyond the research findings, there can be a general skepticism around religion in psychology (more than in any other science). Practitioners are more likely to turn on a CBT podcast for guidance than to open a Bible. Psychology is particularly skeptical because within a theory of the mind, everything—including religion and the perception of God—must have a psychic origin.
So irrespective of health outcome, many in medicine, psychology, nursing, behavioral health, and social work pathologize, dismiss, or ignore the spiritual experiences of their patients/clients.
A “Middle Ground” Approach?
It may feel natural to want to avoid polarization and seek a middle ground. And it's possible to do that in this conversation.
Maybe we can talk about how not all religions are made equally or explain away the rates of clergy depression, prescribing better self-care habits. Maybe we can talk about how all religions have pieces of truth to them - so of course they’re therapeutic!
We could argue a middle ground, but I believe that in doing so we would miss an opportunity to challenge the question itself.
Who Is Defining the Terms?
When you read critiques or endorsements of religious belief from the standpoint of medicine, they are just that, from the standpoint of medicine.
In this medical research, theology’s function can get distorted and its significance reduced to the role of a therapeutic tool.
The problem in this question—“Is theology therapeutic?”—is the assumption that the goals of theology should mirror the goals of the medical sciences (symptom alleviation and pain management), which they don’t. For a theologian, the question reads a bit like “Does taking the Myers Briggs Type Indicator improve one’s prayer life?” You can answer it, but it's an odd question.
Further, following theologian John Swinton, the definitions of health and wellbeing are significantly different for the Christian faith. Within theology, wellbeing isn’t marked by the reduction of anything, but rather it is the addition of the presence of "God-in-relationship.” Not a God out there somewhere, but God who promises to be “nearer than a brother.” And relating to God through worship or spiritual disciplines isn’t simply a means to an end (a good therapeutic outcome).
When Theology Feels Good and When It Doesn’t
Swinton, writes this:
Well-being, peace, health—what Scripture describes as shalom—has to do with the presence of a specific God in particular places who engages in personal relationships with unique individuals for formative purposes. Rather than alleviating anxiety and fear, the presence of such a God often brings on dissonance and psychological disequilibrium, but always for the purpose of the person’s greater well-being understood in redemptive and relational terms.[2]
The practices of the Christian faith and spirituality don't merely exist among a buffet of coping options. This isn't because theology isn't therapeutic. Some things in the Christian heritage may very well be therapeutic. The life of faith isn't so one-dimensional.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.On one side is the comfort of the gospel, the pronouncement of grace, the forgiveness of sins, God’s healing love expressed through compassion. These can feel like therapy.
On the other side is the challenge of the gospel, the confrontation that we are sinners, God’s provocative call to self-denying love that is “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” These aren't as much like therapy. Frankly, deep breathing will probably feel better than prayer most of the time.
At any point, the Christian faith may feel more like coming out of a helpful therapy session or more like being in the middle of a P90X exercise routine. They are both part of following Christ. A working see-saw goes both up and down. Sometimes the life of faith feels good and sometimes it doesn't, but that's not why it exists.
Changing the Conversation
Medicine and psychology don't set the context into which theology speaks. When this happens, theology is often reduced, flattened, and coopted. To the contrary, for the Christian, theology sets the basic context into which the medical sciences speak.
Christians talk about the good creation governed by God, humans made in his image and loved by God, humans who steward God's world and create culture. Starting from here, theology is poised to start better conversations, reach more meaningful conclusions less prone to contradiction and distortion, and open up new avenues of thought through collaboration.
Let me close in sharing a couple places I've seen doing it well:
References
[1] See Peter Connolly, "Psychological Approaches" in Approaches to the Study of Religion, ed. by Peter Connolly (London: Continuum, 2006), pp. 135-92
[2] John Swinton, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2012), pp. 7-8.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of other Therapy and Theology contributors.
Comments