Jarnes J. Gill, S.J., M.D.
Psychiatry, Psychology and Spirituality Today A widely-1·espected priestpsychiatrist looks at sorne of the places where psychiatry and pscyhology œre coming in contact with spirituality today: self-deception, faith-healing, the p1·actice of poverty and obedience, homose:cuality, etc. Q. Do you see psychology and psychiatry contributing to the
development of Christian spirituality today? A. Yes, I do, in a variety of ways. But first, I assume that when we speak of "spirituality" we are referring to the inner !ife of the Christian where he relates himself to God. Part of his interior activity is conscious and deliberate, but another part is situated below the level of his conscious awareness. Psychology and psychiatry are both concerned with whatever occurs in the unconscious as weil as the conscious realm of the mi nd. Q. With what difference between the two disciplines? A. Psychiatry is concerned with mental functioning that is unhealthy or self-destructive for the individual or harmful to society. Psychology is more interested in what is normal, healthy or constructive about mental and emotional activity. Q. You say they contribute to spirituality in a variety of ways. Can you make any generalizations? A. 1 think so. Psychology can look at the ideas, feelings, attitudes, motivations, and decisions that are developed within the spiritual li fe of a Christian persan and provide sorne degree of understanding with regard to what is happening and why it is occurring this way in this unique individual. Psychiatry, on 27
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