Hear the Word (ePub)

This book aims to connect resources from the vast field of psychotherapy with resources from the equally vast fields of Christian theology and Christian anthropology. Christian anthropology asserts that humanity began with God, will end with God, and, in the time in between, we women and men are free to choose to walk with God...or not. Applied Christian anthropology works to develop that awareness by seeing psychotherapy as a resource for understanding human psychology, development, and needs. I have been inspired by the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) whose mission is to support mental health practitioners by promoting the development of psychological theory and mental health practice which encompasses a full understanding of the human person, family, and society in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. This book will also foster both the development of a community of CPA members and function as an opportunity for professional development both as therapists and as people of faith. This book most specifically aims to respond to CPA's goal to 'Encourage and support the presentation of scholarly work and writing that is relevant to the mission of CPA...' At this early stage of CPA history, a preliminary grouping of resources linked to the normal course of development in the Christian life might appear useful for client seekers as well as therapists, clergy, and teachers. It is my hope that it will provide a small contribution to Catholic psychotherapy literature and a jumping off point for others to improve. This volume deals with the beginnings of faith because without faith further steps become impossible. I came to refer to Catholic anthropology rather than Christian anthropology. Though Catholics share many elements of Christian anthropology with other Christian traditions, with the passage of time, the Catholic understanding of the human person has continued to diverge or at least become distinct from the understanding of our brothers and sisters in other religious, even Christian religious, traditions.