Why Write about Catholicism and Psychology?

Gloria Dei est vivens homo !

The glory of God is living man. The first reason that I am writing for Psyched Catholic is because I realize just how much the full weight of this quote by St. Irenaeus (also commonly translated “The glory of God is man fully alive”) eludes me. Irenaeus goes on to note that man is most alive in Heaven. That is, we will be most fully alive, living in the truest and fullest sense, when we see God face to face in the Beatific Vision. It seems, however, that by virtue of the fact that we share in the Divine Life by grace this phrase must have some relevance and meaning to those of us who do not yet have the Beatific Vision. So, Psyched Catholic is my chance to think deeply about God’s glory and living man. In this space I want to contemplate and explore lines given to us by the Church like “man cannot find himself, except through a sincere gift of self,” and “Christ…fully reveals man to man himself.” The wisdom of the Church and of her Saints has much to teach me about how to live the life of grace well. I have come to believe that solid psychology can assist in this venture as well. With Psyched Catholic I want to plunder Egypt’s gold and take what is true, good, and beautiful from psychology and  explore how it can benefit our spiritual lives. From my own experiences and those of intimate friends and family I know that barriers to psychological and emotional health, whether they be traumas from the past, addictions, or mental disorders can often impeded our spiritual growth and relationship with God. Psychology can be used to help clear away the rubble that may be impeding grace, freeing us to flourish.The second reason I am writing for Psyched Catholic is because of a comment made to me once by a very thoughtful non-Catholic acquaintance. This person noted that unlike other faith traditions and Christian denominations the “Catholic Church is not afraid to enter into the suffering with people.” I was deeply moved by this observation. Well, writing about Catholicism and psychology is my attempt to help bring the Church’s healing balm into the struggles and sufferings of anyone who comes across these pages. St. JPII once noted that “Jesus went in search of the men and women of his time. He engaged them in an open and truthful dialogue, whatever their condition.” This site represents an opportunity for me to meet and address people in whatever condition they may find themselves.  At World Youth Day in Denver JPII exhorted the youth:  “Do not be afraid to go out on the streets and into public places… Do not be afraid to break out of comfortable and routine modes of living, in order to take up the challenge of making Christ known in the modern “metropolis.”  I have long avoid blogging because of the exposure and access it gives other to my thoughts. Sitting in the ivory tower of the academy has become comfortable and familiar. So, it is time to shake the lethargy and go into the public places, bring the Church into contact with individuals from all walks of life, and enter their suffering.

I hope the fruits of this intellectual and spiritual labor of love will bear fruit for any and all who happen to stumble across these pages.