Psychotherapy as a Religion - Research Paper Example

Religion as a Psychology Religion plays a dominant role in human life. All the religions control human psychology by virtue of spiritual powers and by offering great rewards in the life that have to come after the death. Islam and Christianity are two main religions of the world. They both keep altering the human life by psychological perceptions. Bible clearly describes the changing human behaviour through the stages of life. Therefore, it is well said by psychiatrist Jerome Frank, “psychotherapy is not primarily an applied science. In some ways, it more resembles a religion” (Bergin, 1980). Qur’an and Bible are the instructional books explaining the way of living in this world. Whenever someone leaves the instructions, the psychological force compelling the individual to get back on the track captures him. This practice of coming back to instructions is done through meditation, which controls the human psychology. Religions provide psychological guidance about behaviour, human rights and moral values. A reward of deeds in the shape of heavens and hell psychologically minimizes the human indulgence in sinful life (Fontana, 2003). Religion obligations act like a therapy in changing the human behaviour. Psychological changes that Islam and Christianity bring in human life are discussed in under mentioned paragraphs: Psychotherapist Thomas in his book “The myth of psychotherapy” says that religion is the basic ingredient of psychotherapy. He also says that psychotherapy revolves around religion and rhetoric (Bergin, 1980). Human relations with each other are known as psychotherapy matters but in real, these are the matters of Christianity. This shows that Christianity and psychology are interrelated. Cure of souls was the common practice in early church that remained part of church activities until 20th century. Bible was used to identify the troubles in human mind followed by spiritual treatment of troubled mind. Prayers are the main source of fixing all sorts of problems. Care of soul therapy used in church, very effectively treated all the nonorganic mental, emotional and personal problems of living. This beauty of religion really helped to do away with all the psychological pressure and helped people to live a normal life. (Fontana, 2003) Cure of souls was replaced with the modern word psychotherapy due to advancement in the field of medical sciences. Again, Christianity has played role in real psychological treatment of “sinful” minds. Psychological practitioners replaced the word “sinful” with word “sick” and replaced spiritual ministers in treating the people through religion than medical. Aim of religious treatment is to establish link between man and God. Confession and repentance is the right treatment for a soul in Christianity. Bible is the holy book that guides individuals in living an abundant life. Bible helps human being to exercise greater psychological control by having faith in God despite all the problems. Moreover, time comes when one is driven by internal force to tackle all the situations in the life that is the time when individual has received the life of God in his own body (Bergin, 1980). Islam means, “surrender to the will of Allah”, the all powerful who decides fate of human beings. People with good deeds will go to paradise and with bad deeds will be punished in hell. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet of Allah and his followers are called Muslims. Islam is also one of the religions that treat human mind and soul through spiritual powers. Islam gives a clear path of leading a successful life. Qur’an is the holy book of Muslims having solutions for all the mental, health, psychological and health problems. Islamic scholars have done great research on the teachings of the holy book and have believed the fairness of all the guidelines. Islam lays great emphasis r on life following the death. Where good deeds will be rewarded paradise and bad deeds will see hell. This proves the psychological value of Islam in the life of Muslims. They have to submit to the will of Allah by controlling their mind and body. Muslims are supposed to follow what Allah likes and leave that he does not like. Guidance is available in the shape of Qur’an and teachings of the prophet. Islam demands obedience of teachings for ultimate reward on the day of judgement. Therefore, Islamic practice psychologically controls the mind of a Muslim throughout his life. (Fontana, 2003) Meditation in Christianity is rooted in the holy book Bible. Christians turn their minds to God’s word thrice a day every day. Before going to sleep Christians recall the God’s word, because that is the way a Christian ends his day. Similarly, they start their day with God’s word to keep themselves on the right path and closer to reality. Meditation is defined as focused thinking. Christen meditation thought process revolves around the questions like, what is right, what is honourable, what is pure and what is reality of life. Therefore, if something is praiseworthy than that must be praised (Bergin, 1980). Muslims as per Islamic teachings also practise meditation. Prayers, contemplation and visualizations are the mediation ways followed in religion. Focusing on Allah as a result of his powers and might is practised in Islam. Closing eyes and sitting at a still silent place helps in breaking all the relations with this world and ultimately establishing relationship with Allah. Another way is to feel yourself sitting in the presence of Allah as you can feel his presence around you. Praising Allah for his love and kindness on humans and at the same time feeling that we are living a sinful life but even than he rewards us the best. These all sort of meditations in Islam and Christianity help human being to live the life that is acceptable to creator of mankind and not the one that leads to embarrassment. This the way of therapy used in both the religions. (Fontana, 2003) Religion is psychotherapy and psychotherapy revolves around the religion (Bergin, 1980). It is the life after the death that human way of thinking ultimately having the psychological impact. Bible and Qur’an both books give their followers a clear way for success in both the lives. Meditation is such a therapy in both the religions, which makes relationship between the creator and his follower. Deep meditation has more psychological impact as the follower understands this world and life full of illusions. This makes him eager to get back to creator for peace of mind and blessings. References Bergin, A. E. (1980). Psychotherapy and religious values. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Fontana, D. (2003). Psychology, Religion and Spirituality. London: Oxford Publishers. Read More