Psychological Substrates of Religious Radicalisation

Psychology of RadicalisationOn 26th September, the Institute of Youth Studies at Tangaza University College organised a conference on the theme of radicalisation. The conference was well attended – there were over 300 participants.  The speakers included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Kenya, and Department of Security.
I presented a paper too on the above topic.  The scope of the paper was to discuss the psychological substrates of religious radicalisation.  ‘Substrates’ refer to a substance or layer that underlies something, or on which some process occurs, in particular. We focus on psychological substrates: what are the psychological factors that underpin the process of radicalisation?  Radicalisation: is a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that reject or undermine the existing order, including […]

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Pastoral care of the family in the light of sound psychology

z456105Abstract
Moral philosophers and theologians argue that the human family is governed by natural law.  While philosophers might rationally argue for this, theologians resort to revelation. In theologians’ understanding human family is part of the plan of God.  Can scientific psychology provide some empirical evidence for “the natural law” argument? If yes, how could psychology enhance the pastoral care of families today? The aim of the present conceptual paper is to offer some contemporary evidence from evolutionary psychology and neurobiology to suggest that, after all, the human brain may be hire-wired for the family. It will go on to reflect on the role of the family in the growth of a Christian in the light some emerging insights from psychology.   The later part of the paper will focus on the association between individuals’ relationship […]

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Sermon for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B Homily – I wonder

Hmmm I-wonder if...24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
Who do you say I am?
 Jerome W. Berryman is known for his “Godly Play” method of reflecting on a gospel story. One of the techniques used in Godly Play is the use of “wondering questions”. I would like to use the method of wondering questions to reflect/pray with the gospel text of today.
 
For a full sermon on this passage (Mk 8:27-35): CLICK HERE
For a sermon on the Matthean version of the story: CLICK HERE
 
I wonder if Jesus’ question: “Who do people say I am” is part of a search for his own identity?
I wonder why people would relate Jesus to John the Baptist and Elijah?
I wonder if Jesus’ question: “who do you say I am” is addressed to me?
I wonder what would be […]

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