Now and Hereafter
Loading...
Date
2012-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College/journal of Dharma
Abstract
Faced with the harsh reality of death, human beings have often drawn a
sense of hope from a belief in life after death. Religions have earnestly
supported this faith and hope. As Paul Tillich put it, “Without hope, the
tension of our life toward the future would vanish, and with it, life itself.”1
In recent times, hope has also become a subject matter for psychology.
Does psychology risk separating hope from religion, focussing too
narrowly on the immediate future? Or could the treatment of hope offered
by psychology give a sense of meaning to life similar to that provided by
religion? This article examines recent developments in the psychology of
hope from the perspective of religion.
The objectives of this paper are threefold. First, to expound the
dimensions of hope as it is explored within the domain of psychology. This
is achieved by working within the theoretical framework of positive
psychology, which considers hope as a character strength that contributes to
human wellbeing and happiness. As psychology relies heavily on
measurements it is also necessary to consider how the construct is
operationalized in instruments of measure. The second objective is to
consider how hope, as measured by psychology, is seen to contribute to
wellbeing. Finally, a brief evaluative reflection is offered on the psychology
of hope from the perspective of religion, particularly Christianity.
Description
Keywords
Hereafter life, Psychology of hope, Perspective of Religion