Moltmann for Clinicians: Hope in Suffering and the Way of Liberation

Abstract

This article will attempt to offer contributions from the systematic theologian, Jürgen Moltmann, to practicing clinicians of psychotherapy and counseling. It will begin by introducing Moltmann and three of his major theological themes of hope, pathos, and liberation. For Moltmann, hope is linked to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The presence of God in the person of Jesus represents God’s divine pathos or willingness to be vulnerably affected by human suffering. Liberation is then found in the suffering way of Jesus Christ. Next, the article will discuss how each of these three theological themes can be integrated with the work of psychotherapy as well as how Moltmann’s theology provides a critique of contemporary models of psychotherapy that attempt only to reduce or eliminate suffering. Finally, an example is used to draw out the implications of the critique as well as offer applications for clinical integrative practice.