Psychology of religion is now a well acknowledged branch of psychology that uses the theoretical framework and methodology of mainstream psychology to examine religious sentiment and behaviour – collective and individual. The paper begins by reflecting on the dilemma that the psychological study of religion faces: between a measurement paradigm and seeking an overarching theoretical framework. The second part of the paper focuses on one contemporary movement within mainstream psychology, namely, positive psychology that engages with existential questions like wellbeing and happiness, with an empirical grounding. Moreover, research and intervention within positive psychology are led by a catalogue of core virtues and character strengths that have strong religious underpinnings. The paper discusses the viable use of the theoretical and methodological framework of positive psychology in the study of religion, and considers the added value that positive psychology brings to teaching and learning about religion in secular contexts.
DOWNLOAD SUMMARY<<Positive Psychology and […]
Month: November 2011
Gott ist ein Spieler!
Gott ist ein Spieler! Mit mir riskiert er einiges.
33. Sonntag im Lesejahr A
Spr 31, 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 Thess 5, 1-6; Mt 25, 14-30
Vor kurzem wartete ich am Flughafen London-Heathrow darauf, an Bord zu gehen. Durch die allgegenwärtige Angst vor Terrorismus ist das Fliegen anstrengend geworden, und ich musste meine Wasserflasche bei der Sicherheitskontrolle abgeben. Um den langen Flug zu überstehen, brauchte ich eine neue Flasche, die ich mir an einem Kiosk im Sicherheitsbereich kaufen wollte. Ich nahm eine 1-Liter-Flasche, die mit 1, 20 Pfund ausgezeichnet war. An der Kasse erklärte mir die Verkäuferin mit einem Lächeln: „Wir haben heute ein besonderes Angebot. Wenn sie die ‘Times’ kaufen, ist das Wasser für sie umsonst, und sie bezahlen nur 1 Pfund.“ Ist das eine Methode, um die Leute zum Zeitungslesen zu bringen, ging mir durch den Kopf. Wer kann bei so einem verlockenden Angebot widerstehen! Ich nahm es natürlich an, obwohl […]
Character strengths as mediators in mindfulness interventions
5 Nov 2011
Estimated completion date: Aug 2012
Character strengths as mediators in mindfulness based intervention for recovery from addictive behaviour: a study in psychology of religion and positive psychology
A PhD project by
Sahaya G. Selvam, Heythrop College, University of London
Tentative Project Summary
There is an increasing interest in studying the association between spirituality and recovery from addiction; there have been also some attempts at exploring the mediators of the association. There is a lack, however, in finding a viable theoretical framework in psychology within which to interpret this association. In an attempt to elucidate the increasing evidence and to suggest a theoretical framework, this PhD project examined the role of character strengths in a Christian mindfulness-based intervention to facilitate recovery from addictive behaviours.
Values in Action in positive psychology lists 24 character strengths. These were chosen as the theoretical framework. A Christian Mindfulness intervention was evolved within the domain of religious spirituality integrating the use of […]
Open Access Journals
HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO JOURNALS THAT OFFER OPEN ACCESS
Click on titles below:
Directory of Open-Access Journals
International Association for Media and Communication Research
Peer-reviewed Open-access Journals
Journals on Education
MY FAVOURITES:
African Journals Online
Journal of Religion and Society
Relegare: Studies in Religion and Reception
If you are aware of other links. Please email me through the profile page.
MORE TO COME …
Catechetical Resource 2: The desire of my life
From the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Q2: Why does man have a desire for God?
God himself, in creating man in his own image, has written upon his heart the desire to see him.
Download a file for animation on this theme> 2 Deep Desire