Analytical Assessment Of On Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

Although not the first scholar to examine the idea of religion, Jones utilizes the concept from the study of Self Psychology in order to determine if “transformative religious experience is mature or unhealthy” (Jones 2002). In chapter 5 of his text, Jones

David N. Entwistle (2015) shares a life of experiences beginning with the heartbeat of his father who believed that life held a vocation for anyone willing to be a Christian regardless of their field of employment (Entwistle, 2015, xi). This passion begins with the historical framework as well as the philosophical foundations supported by a variety of models of assimilation that accomplish a resolution of ideas throughout David Entwistle’s textbook titled: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview issues Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration; Third Edition (Entwistle, 2015). As a licensed psychologist Entwistle (2015) shares his (and other scholars throughout history) skills, intellectual integrity, teachings, concepts, research, and reflection questions as a tool throughout his 3rd edition to entice the reader to dig deeper into the understanding of integrating theology and psychology (Entwistle, 2015).

Fowler’s proposed the stages of faith development should not be viewed as requirements for an end goal of salvation but as a framework to comprehend how individuals address life obstacles (Hutchinson, 2015). The theory of faith development developed from Fowler’s data from 359 semi-structured interviews on life experiences, values, and religion (Hutchinson, 2015). Fowler’s analysis of these interviews found that participants fit into the six faith stages with development tending to increase with age (Hutchinson,

Curlin, F. A., Lawrence, R. E., Chin, M. H., & Lantos, J. D. (2007). Religion, Conscience, and

Presented with the task of assessing someone’s faith development required the answers to three essential questions. How has social learning played a part in the individual’s religious development? How has attachment played a part in the individual’s religious development? Upon answering these questions we must then evaluate the stages of faith development in which the individual is in according to James Fowler and David Elkind. After thorough evaluation has occurred the question pertaining to the role of doubt can then be answered. With these questions in mind, the theory that religious beliefs and adherence to spiritual faith are ultimately tested and proved during adolescence was the driving thought throughout the process of interviewing

A therapist can help construct a reality that incorporates the values and morals of religions and the idea of a less than perfect life. By embracing the narrative, the individual can reconcile the guilt felt by not completing the tenets perfectly and create a world view that highlights the goodness and strength of the person. The idea of perfectionism in religion and the constructs of guilt and shame hinder the individual and can create depression, anxiety and conflict in relationships. Ziola and Jose were clients that experienced internal conflict due to religious ideals they were unable to obtain. Enclosed is the story of their brief experience of therapy to address their

This paper explores the different views of religion between three sociologist writers, Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. It discusses a few different religions and the percent of Indiana that is religious. It will go into examples about how religion has developed over time and how Christians all have one big thing in common. Throughout the paper, it will explain how Christians are trying to share the word of God and make their community a better place.

For many Americans, religion holds such a great importance in their life that it becomes a part of their identity. As one’s belief system, it largely influences the way in which one views the world and thus the way they live. Religion becomes a part of their culture and lifestyle. Religion is generally seen as something that motivates people to strive to be good in morals and overall as a person. While there have been conflicts throughout history in the

From a Christian perspective, American culture is full of misleading ideas that undoubtedly derive from contentiously evil principles yet find voluminous supporters who continue to promote such exploits. Integrating the belief systems of Biblical principles and secular approaches has been a critical debate for years within American culture and continues to polarize with the changing healthcare laws permitting abortions, supreme courts legalizing gay marriage, the elimination of prayer from public schools in the 1960s and more recently the demand to remove the Ten Commandments from government facilities. All these political social endeavors continue to divide Christians from secularists in a substantial psychological manner (Clinton & Ohlschlager, p. 704).

What does this religion teach about “what comes next” after all is said and done? In what do adherents of this religion place their hope for any future life or existence? Describe the impact this belief or non-belief impacts the person daily life and the structures of society. With such a view of the after-life, what type of societal structures or institutions would we expect to develop in the

“Moralistic Therapeutic Deism”, as of yesterday this was not a term I was familiar with. As I viewed the presentation, I was taken aback as each point was being described. I found it disturbing that many teenagers in this society are “raised in the church” and yet they have no real foundational perspective of Christian living. Every point MTD claims, with exception of the first point, which acknowledges God as the creator and ruler of the world is self-serving.

Donahue, M. J. & Benson, P. L. (1995). “Religion and the Well-being of Adolescents” in

Religion can be defined as a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance. It contains a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices that allow its followers to live their life a certain way. The world consists of 19 major religions, which are further subdivided into 270 larger groups. According to David Barrett et al, editor of the “World Christian Encyclopedia,” there are 34,000 separate Christian groups around the world. Just from those numbers alone, we can conclude that religion has a prevalent effect on people and society. Religion is viewed as a positive influence on an individual both psychologically and physically. Throughout history we can study the various effects that religion has on society. Studies generally provide great evidence in favor of religion having a positive effect on individuals and society as a whole.

Educators need to understand the impact of religion on the lives of their students. According to Gallup poll data, nearly 95% of teens believe in God and 86% believe that Jesus Christ is either God or the Son of God (Gallup & Lindsay, 1999 as cited in Ream, 2003). These and other similar statistics demonstrate the importance of considering religion when dealing with young people. Ream

Religious faith is important to most Americans, with approximately 95% of Americans reporting belief in God and about 50% being active in church organizations (Gallup & Castelli, 1989). Despite the widespread prevalence of religious beliefs in society, some researchers have maintained that religion and religious beliefs are often neglected in psychological research (Jones, 1994; Plante, 1996). This neglect stems from a couple of different factors. First, it is difficult for psychologists to overcome the fact that believers in many religions claim to have unique access to the truth. Secondly, truly theological questions such as the existence of God or the nature of an afterlife are often ignored by scientists. This may be in part a