The Psychology of Religious Callings

The Psychology of Religious Callings
Author: Jerry M. Lewis
Publisher: iUniverse
Total Pages: 118
Release: 2009-03-24
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1440117632

Although religious conversions have been studied psychologically for over 100 years, there are no comparable investigations of religious callings. This inattention on the part of the psychological-psychiatric community is all the more striking in light of the suggestion that, like conversions, callings often have a positive impact on the personalities of those effected. In this book Doctor Lewis presents a first look at some of the psychological antecedents and consequences described by those men and women called to the priesthood or diaconate in the Episcopal Church. As one part of his in-depth interviews with 108 such persons their calling narratives were obtained. All but a handful described one of three developmental trajectories as the psychological context of their callings. One group described growing up in healthy families of origin and normal levels of adjustment during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. The calling narratives of the other two groups begin with traumatic experiences in dysfunctional childhood families and the struggle to cope successfully with those adversities. One of the two groups related their callings to a healing marriage, the experience of a new and transformiong romantic relationship. The other group's calling narratives centered about a severe crisis and their successful attempts to overcome such adversities. Finally, Lewis reviews his interview findings that suggest that callings and psychological maturation are intertwined. This book will interest a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life who are fascinated by the interface of religion and psychology. It should be particularly informative for those who are responsible for selecting and educating our future clergy. Psychiatrists and psychologists interested in adult development and maturation will also find much of interest.

The Psychology of Religious Callings

The Psychology of Religious Callings
Author: Jerry M. Lewis M. D.
Publisher:
Total Pages: 116
Release: 2009-03-01
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9781440117626

Although religious conversions have been studied psychologically for over 100 years, there are no comparable investigations of religious callings. This inattention on the part of the psychological-psychiatric community is all the more striking in light of the suggestion that, like conversions, callings often have a positive impact on the personalities of those effected. In this book Doctor Lewis presents a first look at some of the psychological antecedents and consequences described by those men and women called to the priesthood or diaconate in the Episcopal Church. As one part of his in-depth interviews with 108 such persons their calling narratives were obtained. All but a handful described one of three developmental trajectories as the psychological context of their callings. One group described growing up in healthy families of origin and normal levels of adjustment during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. The calling narratives of the other two groups begin with traumatic experiences in dysfunctional childhood families and the struggle to cope successfully with those adversities. One of the two groups related their callings to a healing marriage, the experience of a new and transformiong romantic relationship. The other group's calling narratives centered about a severe crisis and their successful attempts to overcome such adversities. Finally, Lewis reviews his interview findings that suggest that callings and psychological maturation are intertwined. This book will interest a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life who are fascinated by the interface of religion and psychology. It should be particularly informative for those who are responsible for selecting and educating our future clergy. Psychiatrists and psychologists interested in adult development and maturation will also find much of interest.

Make Your Job a Calling

Make Your Job a Calling
Author: Bryan J. Dik
Publisher: Templeton Foundation Press
Total Pages: 292
Release: 2012-10-20
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1599473801

Do you ever feel sick of your job? Do you ever envy those people who seem to positively love what they do? While those people head off to work with a sense of joy and purpose, for the rest of us trudging back to the office on Monday morning or to the factory for the graveyard shift or to the job site on a hundred-degree day can be an exercise in soul crushing desperation. “If only we could change jobs,” we tell ourselves, “that would make it better.” But we don’t have the right education . . . or we don’t have enough experience . . . or the economy isn’t right . . . or we can’t afford the risk right now. So we keep going back to the same old unsatisfying jobs. The wonderful truth, though, is that almost any kind of occupation can offer any one of us a sense of calling. Regardless of where we are in our careers, we can all find joy and meaning in the work we do, from the construction zone flagger who keeps his crew safe to the corporate executive who believes that her company’s products will change the world. In Make Your Job a Calling authors Bryan J. Dik and Ryan D. Duffy explore this powerful idea and help the reader navigate the many challenges—both internal and external—that may arise along the pathway to a sense of calling at work. Over the course of four sections, the authors define the idea of calling, review cutting-edge research on the subject, provide practical guidelines for discerning a calling at all stages of work and life, and explore what calling will look like as workplace norms continue to evolve. They also take pains to present a realistic view of the subject by unpacking the perils and challenges of pursuing one’s higher purpose, especially in an uncertain economy. The lessons presented will resound with anyone in any line of work and will show how the power of calling can beneficially shape individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

Callings

Callings
Author: William Carl Placher
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Total Pages: 478
Release: 2005
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780802830487

Integrating Faith and Psychology

Integrating Faith and Psychology
Author: Glendon L. Moriarty
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Total Pages: 272
Release: 2010-08-21
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830861246

Twelve notable psychologists relate their journeys as Christians who entered the field of psychology. They provide personal reflections on their spiritual, personal and professional journeys of interrelating their faith and profession. These stories inform, inspire and encourage us, especially those who are in the caregiving professions.

Alpha God

Alpha God
Author: Hector A. Garcia
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2015-03-10
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1633880214

This book uses evolutionary psychology as a lens to explain religious violence and oppression. The author, a clinical psychologist, examines religious scriptures, rituals, and canon law, highlighting the many ways in which our evolutionary legacy has shaped the development of religion and continues to profoundly influence its expression. The book focuses on the image of God as the dominant male in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This traditional God concept is seen as a reflection of the “dominant ape” paradigm so evident in the hierarchical social structures of primates, with whom we have a strong genetic connection. The author describes the main features of male-dominated primate social hierarchies— specifically, the role of the alpha male as the protector of the group; his sexual dominance and use of violence and oppression to attain food, females, and territory; in-group altruism vs. out-group hostility (us vs. them); and displays of dominance and submission to establish roles within the social hierarchy. The parallels between these features of primate society and human religious rituals and concepts make it clear that religion, especially its oppressive and violent tendencies, is rooted in the deep evolutionary past. This incisive analysis goes a long way toward explaining the historic and ongoing violence committed in the name of religion.

Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality

Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality
Author: Thomas V. Frederick
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 151
Release: 2022-07-11
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1793648719

Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality integrates theological scholarship on the construct of work and calling with organizational psychology research on workplace spirituality and career fit. Thomas V. Frederick and Scott E. Dunbar integrate these two domains to advance theological scholarship on vocation, work, and human nature. This focus provides crucial insights in terms of understanding how a Christian’s work fulfills a God-given calling and reflects the Christian doctrine of the image of God.

The Psychology of Religion, Fourth Edition

The Psychology of Religion, Fourth Edition
Author: Ralph W. Hood, Jr.
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 657
Release: 2009-07-15
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1606233920

Scholarly and comprehensive yet accessible, this state-of-the-science work is widely regarded as the definitive graduate-level psychology of religion text. The authors synthesize classic and contemporary empirical research on numerous different religious groups. Coverage includes religious thought, belief, and behavior across the lifespan; links between religion and biology; the forms and meaning of religious experience; the social psychology of religious organizations; and connections to morality, coping, mental health, and psychopathology. Every chapter features thought-provoking quotations and examples that bring key concepts to life. New to This Edition *Revised and updated with the latest theories, methods, and empirical findings.*Many new research examples.*Restructured with fewer chapters for better “fit” with a typical semester.*More attention to the differences between religion and spirituality*Covers emerging topics: genetics and neurobiology, positive psychology, atheism, and more.

Calling All Years Good

Calling All Years Good
Author: Kathleen A. Cahalan
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2017-07-05
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1467447862

A uniquely comprehensive discussion of vocation from infancy to old age Do infants have a vocation? Do Alzheimer's patients? In popular culture, vocation is often reduced to adult work or church ministry. Rarely do we consider childhood or old age as crucial times for commencing or culminating a life of faith in response to God's calling. This book addresses that gap by showing how vocation emerges and evolves over the course of an entire lifetime. The authors cover six of life's distinct seasons, weaving together personal narrative, developmental theory, case studies, and spiritual practices. Calling All Years Good grounds the discussion of vocation in concrete realities and builds a cohesive framework for understanding calling throughout all of life.

Live Your Calling

Live Your Calling
Author: Kevin Brennfleck
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 311
Release: 2004-11-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0787968951

An action-plan for self-fulfillment that helps people find their true calling in life This practical and inspirational guide helps Christian men and women of all ages identify and use their God-given gifts to find purpose, direction, and joy in their life and work. Based on their years of counseling and experience, Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck offer action-oriented tools and a proven methodology to help readers develop the decision-making skills they need to discover and live the life that God intended, maximizing the synergies between ministry, work, and spiritual gifts. Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck (Pasadena, CA) are nationally recognized experts in career counseling, work satisfaction, and productivity. Their Web site, www.ChristianCareerCenter.com, is the most visited Christian career site on the Internet.