Narrative Psychology

This article explores the link between individual’s personal narratives and its impact on well being.  Possessing an operational knowledge in narrative psychology is foundational prior to attempting to wrap oneself around discussions in narrative theology. 
For the more information go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/health/psychology/22narr.html?ex=1337486400&en=d7a067c7ab02026e&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

10 Comments

  1. Migdalia Santiago

    I read your comment and read the article out of sheer curiosity. A lot of it made sense. And sounded like what it is. This worlds knowlege, common sense. And a lot of it was just a bunch of generalization. I still don’t see how the poster of this link feels one needs to have a grasp on narrative psychology to engage in theological discussions as if this was some sort of elite society. Gentlemen, you sound like a frat club. When in reality the only prerequisite should be “the fear of God”. Not very many have the right to “indirectly boast” of degrees in divinity. Pastors and leaders who truly want to be Christ- like should mirror His example of extending Himself to those society avoided. Actually He had harsh words for the scibes and the pharasees of His day. Who because of their extensive knowledge, grace just passed over. We must be careful not to conform to this worlds pathetic attempt to reconcile humanity to the laws of this age. When only God who created us so masterfully, putting us together so uniquely, not even a clone, their best attempt, can simulate…can take that right over us to say who we are. Taking us apart as He knows us best, because He searches the hearts of men. It is well known within the medical community that not all of human behavior or experience can be explained away, or traced to orgins. The why to much of what or why in human experience is a big question mark. To try and label every thing, or one, is to try and sit in Gods throne. To the poster of this link on mental health…a lot of what you come across is just empty discussions that don’t lead anywhere. Just meant to fill up a page. Bring up old ideas in different disguise. True enlightenment comes from having a humble heart. A humble heart can discern between what is helpful and what is a waste of time. Discussions to promote ones own knowlege,revealing pride, vanity, self sufficiency, and apostasy are to be avoided. God came to promote the will of the Father. He didn’t care to establish a reputation for Himself. You can’t say that about many leaders. Bet here is this won’t get posted. God bless you guys too!

  2. Dear Migdalia,
    Thank you for taking the time to post a comment, this indicates to me that the world of ideas is important to you–so much so that you would feel strong enough to state an opinion on what “good” knowledge and “bad” knowledge is. You even make references to “God,” “Christ,” along with other Biblical references. We applaud you because we too think that theology is important.
    Migdalia, while you are entitled to your own opinion you make a significant amount of assumptions. We at that the Latino Leadership Circle are a group of BOTH women and men who gather for mutual support and theological reflection–among other things. While some us have indeed studied at what the world would consider “elite” institutions of learning, no one is “beating their chest” about this. Moreover, a careful study of the blog will reveal that there is a significant amount of material that would fall under what some would consider “pop” and/or cultural in nature. Interesting enough most acamedicians would consider the majority of what is placed here as “non-academic.”
    There are some that consider theological conversations interesting and some of it, extremely helpful and useful. You visited a blog that feels that theological discussions are important and posts articles in order to point to resources that SOME may find useful for their respective ministries and/or personal journey.
    As far as dealing with “those who society avoided” some of us deal daily with a host of communities for whom society rejected which include immigrants, those infected with HIV/AIDS, substance abusers, the gay community, and “troubled” urban youth. A careful look at the blog will show you that we are presently involved with addressing immigration reform. In addition, we are committed to working alongside emerging young leaders in mutual peer-to-peer dialogues of mutual respect and support.
    While the article you read seemed less than desirable to you I hope that you will find other aspects of the blog helpful.
    Migdalia, please know that our motivation is to serve others in general and Latino/as in particular, not to heap upon ourselves vain and useless reputations of knowledge masquerading as wisdom.
    Finally, I want to underscore the limitations of this form of communication which is absent of facial expressions and other emotional markers and full of opportunities for miscommunication and misunderstanding.
    God has placed us as brothers and sisters to encourage one another as we struggle together to understand truth, virtue, and intimacy with God and one another. Migdalia, may the peace of God be with you and keep you on your journey.

  3. Migdalia santiago

    To David Ramos
    Thank you so much for being a gentleman and showing Christ in your patience that was clear in your response. And after having posted it, I read it back myself and found what I wrote to sound different from the way inwhich I actually intended it.
    Let me begin by saying I was wrong to address you and others as “guys” and it was in no way meant to sound disrespectful. But I did not address at any point the rest of the blog. I only felt that I didn’t understand why one thing would be necessary for the other, with respects to that one article and comment, clearly I misunderstood. Not thinking that the article was intended as a tool of referrance. Also I see now how my comment on the boasting was taken badly also. My apoligies. I do find these subjects both very important. And yes, I was struck by the misunderstanding you were being exclusive.
    I was aware of the work done by LLC. Again my apoligies.

  4. Migdalia santiago

    To David Ramos
    Thank you so much for being a gentleman and showing Christ in your patience that was clear in your response. And after having posted it, I read it back myself and found what I wrote to sound different from the way inwhich I actually intended it.
    Let me begin by saying I was wrong to address you and others as “guys” and it was in no way meant to sound disrespectful. But I did not address at any point the rest of the blog. I only felt that I didn’t understand why one thing would be necessary for the other, with respects to that one article and comment, clearly I misunderstood. Not thinking that the article was intended as a tool of referrance. Also I see now how my comment on the boasting was taken badly also. My apoligies. I do find these subjects both very important. And yes, I was struck by the misunderstanding you were being exclusive.
    I was aware of the work done by LLC. Again my apoligies.

  5. Migdalia,
    Thank you for respponse. As brothers and sisters in Christ we are to work together to overcome any misunderstandings and barriers that get in the way from authentic fellowship. This ethic is epitomized by your gracious response. We at the Latino Leadership Circle hope that the site will be helpful to you. We are of course still open to critique and correction from you and others. May the Lord bless you in all your endeavors.

  6. Gabriel Salguero

    Migdalia:
    Thank you for your graciousness and willingness to share your thoughts. Moreover, I think that either by intention or default LLC and other groups like it can be a rather healthy tool for working through our faith together (en conjunto).
    “The church,” as Rick Warren has stated is going through a Second Reformation.” This reformation is not focused on dogmatics but on praxis and living-out our faith. This does not mean that theology is not important but that our theology is born out in our ethics, the way we live and guide our moral and spiritual lives. We pray that we can continue to be in some way, however small, part of this continued Reformation.
    Saludos y bendiciones,
    Gabriel Salguero

  7. Migdalia Santiago

    Gabriel,
    I agree with David Ramos and Rick Warren. We are to work together, so that the church (born again individuals) can have that clear understanding and promotion of what it truly means to be a follower. Please keep in mind, we often forget that to be in Christ means of one mind, but does not necessaily mean of like thinking.(please think about that one for a minute) You mention ethics. Yes. However that is not always something that involves “politically correct behavior”. My genetics are not yours, nor are my patterns of thought. The beauty of Jesus is found in how with Him and through Him we have common ground. A common goal, purpose. Absent perhaps a more keen sense. (LOL) God is glorified when we acknowledge Him even in our short comings. I would not bet on that God in His infinite wisdom would care for a bride that behaved all the same. How boring. What could He use us in if no one were different? How limited the possibilities. We are called for different purposes, and that includes our personalities. Or it could not. Some of us need more grace than others, but we are all works that are unfinished. Ethics involve more than just what is visual. Thank you for your comment. Blessings.

  8. Migdalia Santiago

    Gabriel,
    You might want to rethink that…about our ethics being born out of our faith. The New test. teaches that grace takes first place over law. And in the same manner doctrine takes place over ethics. God shot down the pharisees doctrine. We should be careful not to allow the enemy to fool us with subtle seductions of good behavior. Never think good ethics should replace righteous living. Jesus taught righteousness. Not good ethics. Nice conversation on your part.

  9. Gabriel Salguero

    Migdalia:
    Again, thank you for the continued dialogue and healthy conversation. In that spirit, I’d like to further speak on ethics and the faith.
    Ethics, in my understanding, should not be reduced to an understanding of behavior or conduct. As a doctoral student in Christian ethics I was challenged by my doctoral advisor to define Christian ethics as, “Who we are and how we live life in light of our faith in Jesus Christ. (Larry Rasmussen).”
    What does this mean to me? Simply, that ethics is about ontology (being) and deontoloy/teleology (what we do). Of course, this is informed by our faith and creeds. What I am trying to do challenge is the classical assumption of either/or and move to a both/and model of Christian being and living. In my opinion this means, as many liberation theologians have argued, that our beliefs/creeds/theology should inform our action and our action should reciprocally inform our theology. This is a dialogical model that works as a reflective which allows room for growth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer argues that if we are truly doing ethics it would be righteous living, these two terms should not be antithetical.
    Lastly, I believe the New Testament places doctrine and Christian living not in a hierarchy but in a dialogue. Paul, speaks about the dangers of works righteousness and James speaks of “faith without works is dead.” This means that the New Testament models a holistic and non-bifurcated understanding of belief/doctrine and action. I think that the Scripture is intentional in this regard about establishing these on a spectrum rather than in a pyramid because of its understanding of the complexity of human existence.
    Well, here is my explication of the initial posting in a longer version. I hope that it is helpful in explaining my perspective.
    Bendiciones,
    Gabriel Salguero

  10. Migdalia Santiago

    Gabriel,
    Wow,.. Actually I am nowhere near a doctoral student of Christian ethics, (I am not worthy..LOL) however, I do enjoy the feedback of others and appreciate your very insightful and well thought out explanations. I respect your perspective, and ask your continued patience. I find it difficult to avoid the subject. And I do enjoy your choice of words.
    However, I continue to disagree. But agree, this has turned out a most healthy conversation.
    The New Testament being reflective of a holistic/nonbifurcated understanding of beliefs, doctrine, and actions, makes sense. The whole is greater in sum, as opposed to divided. And upon a complete overview of the New Testament one does seem to get that impression. But I still feel that the spectrum effect as you put it, is not without
    it’s “arrangement of order”. Please hear me out.
    The entire Bible would appear to be full of contradictions. However these are infact “doctrinal instructions” for the result of righteous living. What we understand to be Biblical ethics.
    Yes, I agree that ethics should not be reduced to the mere understanding of human behavior/conduct. Which is why I did say that ethics are more than just visual. They are infact, and I agree, a reciprocated convergence of feedback from our creeds/faith. How we think. Who we are.
    However,…a person could behave like a friend, but think like an enemy. So there is no unified connection there between thought and conduct. And of course eventually one will cancel out the other.
    I feel in this same manner ethics/doctrine come to play in Christianity. False doctrine, Paul wrote to Timothy could destroy a church.
    Paul also spoke in 1Corinthians 2 about Gods wisdom. And how it was a mystery that was hidden from the world. Yet it was before the begining of ages, for our glory. This wisdom was not our take on doctrine or ethics, or even our human opinion/ understanding. But that which was received by experience, through faith.
    Stephen was stoned to death for preaching that Jesus was the fullfillment of the law. This caused the high priests and the leaders to feel insulted that he had acted in a form of treason. Putting Moses and the law in belittlement. Their zeal for the law, dwarfed their faith. And this is why I feel an illustration of a pyramid would infact change the way Christians today hold up their noses in their faith. (well, some one has to say it) We look for that perfectly symmetrical spectrum in our fellow Christians. (Often expecting of them, what we are not willing to put out ourselves) Cancelling them out, if they are lacking in any dimension. When God has proven, being a God of order, and has established that He is the pinnacle. Not all the impressive collection and assortment of accumulated merit and accomplishments by our human effort, understanding, beliefs.
    He has said…”Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement.”
    Doctrine/Ethics they have their role in the development of the body of Christ. I feel doctrine is somewhat of a blue print, and ethics, D.N.A. Both are easily falsifiable. Mutated through human opinion. Only being filled with the Holy Spirit are these able to co-exist in harmony and in truth in the Christian experience.
    This has been very enjoyable. It has been nice sharing with you Gabriel. God bless and continue to fill you. May you reach your potential and go beyond your expectations in Christ. It has been a pleasure!

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