An Examination of Redemptive Suffering through a Psychological Lens.
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| Title: | An Examination of Redemptive Suffering through a Psychological Lens. |
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| Authors: | Mattheiss, Samantha R. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Mar2026, Vol. 61 Issue 1, p310-331. 22p. |
| Subjects: | Suffering, Catholic Church, Neurosciences, Self-consciousness (Awareness), Benevolence, Psychology, Jesus Christ, Salvation |
| Abstract: | While Christianity proclaims Jesus Christ's suffering is salvific, the Roman Catholic tradition upholds that human suffering, distinct from Christ's, is also redemptive in that it is united with Christ's suffering. This belief is difficult to comprehend, yet scientific findings may offer insight, thereby leading to more fruitful dialogue related to, and understanding of, this tradition. Catholic tradition consistently suggests that one's own suffering is not only spiritually redemptive but also integral to intrapersonal as well as communal growth, with love proposed as the source of such fruitfulness. Contemporary psychological and neuroscientific findings support such beliefs. Suffering, for example, can foster a reorientation of one's values, with perceived meaning as a pathway to such growth. Shared suffering also leads to communal growth, such as by eliciting more prosocial behavior. Such findings contribute to an understanding of the theological belief in redemptive suffering, thereby paving the way for mutuality among individuals across belief systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science is the property of Open Library of Humanities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | While Christianity proclaims Jesus Christ's suffering is salvific, the Roman Catholic tradition upholds that human suffering, distinct from Christ's, is also redemptive in that it is united with Christ's suffering. This belief is difficult to comprehend, yet scientific findings may offer insight, thereby leading to more fruitful dialogue related to, and understanding of, this tradition. Catholic tradition consistently suggests that one's own suffering is not only spiritually redemptive but also integral to intrapersonal as well as communal growth, with love proposed as the source of such fruitfulness. Contemporary psychological and neuroscientific findings support such beliefs. Suffering, for example, can foster a reorientation of one's values, with perceived meaning as a pathway to such growth. Shared suffering also leads to communal growth, such as by eliciting more prosocial behavior. Such findings contribute to an understanding of the theological belief in redemptive suffering, thereby paving the way for mutuality among individuals across belief systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 05912385 |
| DOI: | 10.16995/zygon.24801 |
