Now and Hereafter

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.