Holiness and Health: An Examination of the Relationship between Christian Holiness and Mental Health

Abstract

This writer proposes that functional integration of clinical psychology and Christian theology requires a consideration of the relationship between holiness and mental health. The nature of this relationship is explored through a definitional investigation of the terms involved and a systematic examination of the relational possibilities. The following questions are examined: a) Are holiness and mental health one in the same? b) If not, are they antithetical? c) If not, is there a correlational relationship involved? d) Is there any causality present between the two? This writer concludes that the relationship between holiness and health is very complex due to the possibility of numerous interactions. The relationship, however, is seen to be correlational with unidirectional causality involved.