Searching and Caring for the Sacred: Psychological Perspectives on Caring for People’s Spiritual Needs

Abstract

We present knowledge from the field of psychology of religion for professional clinicians. The model “Search for the Sacred” and other concepts of psychology of religion are introduced: Sacred core and ring, sanctification, spiritual emotions, spiritual relationships, spiritual pathways, and sacred moments. These are discussed in relation to different concepts of theology for broadening the understanding and application of these concepts. Interviews with Danish Christians facing a crisis illustrate the application of the theoretical perspectives.

Keywords

Psychology of religion spirituality spiritual emotions religion clinicians

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