Psychotherapy Vs Weak Theism Summary

Article Summary

People’s belief in God and supernatural forces have triggered psychologists to include theism in psychotherapy. The imperative role of spirituality in shaping people’s lives has led to the introduction of prayer, moral values, and reading scriptures in addressing various mental conditions in the belief that there is a sturdy relationship between naturalism and theism. The article Including God in Psychotherapy: Strong vs. Weak Theism by Slife et al. (2010) discusses Gods involvement in psychotherapy. The authors believe that the two aspects of theism can be combined and used complementarily in psychotherapy. Nonetheless, some scholars have been incredulous on the use of the theistic approach to psychotherapy due to the presumption

Naturalism is inclined to the autonomous physical natural process that can explain any given phenomena (Slife et al., 2010, p.163). Conversely, theism supposes that the natural laws are not sufficient on their own and that God is important in providing a more comprehensive understanding.

The patent difference between the two, therefore, is that while naturalism holds that God is not necessary for psychotherapy, theism recognizes him as central to understanding the different mental challenges that people face. Although such glaring differences exist, the authors are critical that most of the professional work with a large number of people who believe in God. Therefore, they presume that it is possible to conceptualize naturalism and theism to work complementarily.

The authors indicate that deism and dualism have been used to reconcile to two antagonistic approaches. Deism acknowledges the role of God in creating the universe and the natural forces but distances him from any form of consequent control. Therefore, science can proceed without considering the role of God in making it flourish. Dualism, on the other hand, holds that humans would not be incomplete without the body and soul (p.164). The two approaches offer a ground to talk about God when referring to

First, God’s activity may not be limited to a particular time or sphere. Secondly, God should not be viewed as an add-on to the naturalistic therapies but a permanent core component to guide research and practice. Also, the peripheral aspects of theism such as prayer and meditation are insufficient on their own and can only be theistically meaningful through the recognition of an active God. Finally, God’s activity should be reflected in all levels of theory and practice in psychotherapy.

The article further provides the characteristics of weak theism that delineates it from the psychotherapy approach that acknowledges the role of God. Such practice is focused on compartmentalized theism whereby a practitioner delineates his beliefs from the practice. They also embrace the aspect of peripheral theism whereby the activities that are introduced in the context of therapy including prayer and forgiveness do not require an active God. Moreover, weak theism is inconsistent due to its attempt to combine both naturalistic and dualistic approaches, making the role of God