Why Write about Catholicism and Psychology?

by

Gloria Dei est vivens homo !Matt bio

The glory of God is living man. The first reason that I am writing for Psyched Catholic is because I realize just how much the full weight of this quote by St. Irenaeus (also commonly translated “The glory of God is man fully alive”) eludes me. Irenaeus goes on to note that man is most alive in Heaven. That is, we will be most fully alive, living in the truest and fullest sense, when we see God face to face in the Beatific Vision. It seems, however, that by virtue ofIrenaus the fact that we share in the Divine Life by grace this phrase must have some relevance and meaning to those of us who do not yet have the Beatific Vision. So, Psyched Catholic is my chance to think deeply about God’s glory and living man. In this space I want to contemplate and explore lines given to us by the Church like “man cannot find himself, except through a sincere gift of self,” and “Christ…fully reveals man to man himself.” The wisdom of the Church and of her Saints has much to teach me about how to live the life of grace well. I have come to believe that solid psychology can assist in this venture as well. With Psyched Catholic I want to plunder Egypt’s gold and take what is true, good, and beautiful from psychology and  explore how it can benefit our spiritual lives. From my own experiences and those of intimate friends and family I know that barriers to psychological and emotional health, whether they be traumas from the past, addictions, or mental disorders can often impeded our spiritual growth and relationship with God. Psychology can be used to help clear away the rubble that may be impeding grace, freeing us to flourish. Read More →

Psychology for a Catholic – Why I Write

by

Ed

“We can explain factors that influence drug abuse, abusing others….even murder.  But if there is a God that offers peace, joy and love, immoral acts never make sense.  There is a mysterious problem within all of us that steers us toward sin.  That problem needs addressed with love.  It must be a passionate Christ-like love that forgives, nurtures, and raises up.  It is not always a feel good or warm fuzzy love.  It’s usually self-sacrificing, but sometimes it can be wonderful and rewarding.  Any lesser solution than love is just a patch or gimmick.”

I read that quote this morning in a letter from Clark Massey on behalf of A Simple House.  It immediately made me think about the role of psychology in addressing that “mysterious problem” and the painful effects it has in our lives.

I believe in the power of self-sacrificial, Christ-like love to change the world.  I was raised believing in a God who offers peace, joy and love.  I witnessed others who gave their best to meet pain with love.  Their example showed me there is nothing better or more healing.

But I have also found that, flawed human that I am, the intention to be loving is not enough. Read More →

Welcome

by

Welcome to Psyched Catholic!colorful-monstrance

       We are glad you found us. It is our sincere hope that Psyched Catholic will be a home for you to explore the intersection between Catholicism and psychology. We believe that psychology has so many positive benefits to offer Catholics, but we also believe that actively participating in the life of  faith can benefit our psychological and emotional well-being. Psyched Catholic will be a place where you can learn more about various psychological topics and how they relate to the Catholic faith. We desire to be a site where you can feel comfortable asking difficult questions, trusting that you will receive answers that are both faithful to Church teaching and rooted in solid empirical evidence. Here at Psyched Catholic we would also love to hear about your experiences with mental health topics and how faith may have been a part of that experience.

     As we grow we will continue to add resources for lay people, psychology students and mental health professionals, and for clergy. These resources will include Church documents and statements relevant to the mental health field, articles and videos on various psychological topics, practical tips for dealing with congregants or loved one’s with mental disorders, book reviews, and  links for finding Catholic mental health professionals in your area. If you find or possess resources that have helped you in some way or you think may benefit others please share them with us!

     We are excited to begin this journey with you all and hope that Psyched Catholic provides opportunities and conversations that will deepen our faith and help us all to become more whole human beings. Hope you enjoy!