This post explores the profound intersection between Christian theology and the psychology of hope. It investigates the psychological underpinnings of hope, its role in human well-being, and its significance within a Christian theological framework. By integrating psychological research with Christian theological insights, we can understand hope as both a psychological and spiritual phenomenon. The Psychological […]
In Christian theology, the study of hope has favored concepts over practice, theory over praxis.[1] Practical theology exists to build bridges between doctrine and action. Practical theologies of hope move in many directions. When hope is the remedy, despair is the diagnosis. Many start with problem and move to solution. Emil Brunner argued that “hope […]
The reformation’s gospel recovery and theological exploration had significant implications on hope theology. Martin Luther spoke pervasively to hope’s opposite. He was candid about his own experiences of hopelessness. On many occasions, he found himself in “the abyss of despair” wishing he had “not been born.”[1] His experience impacted his theology. For him, suffering was […]
A biblical theological approach to hope traces the theme through the redemptive historical storyline of Scripture. David Allan Hubbard argues that hope is woven through the fabric of the Old Testament, mere focus on the language of hope misses the breadth of the motif.[1] Hubbard states, “even their nomadic life – life on the move […]
In 420 A.D., Augustine wrote a manual for the Christian faith. He grounded his guide in the triad of faith, hope and love.[1] The entire work describes how “God should be worshipped in faith, hope, love” as it answers the question: “What should be believed, what should be hoped for, and what should be loved?”[2] […]
Paul makes this important statement in one of his letters, “our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:21). Eagerly waiting for Christ is one element of the Christian life and vocation. He sums this up in his letter to Corinth as he describes […]
We put our finger on a core problem when we speak about hopelessness. It is a deeper issue than we thought. It is more pervasive than we imagined. It is multi-faceted and shows up in ways we didn’t anticipate. Jurgen Moltmann makes this astute observation about hopelessness. Hopelessness can assume two forms: it can be […]
Hope is built upon the promises of God. Many of these promises are future oriented. Most of them feel like a contradiction. God says you are forgiven, you feel unforgivable. God declares you righteous, all you see is unrighteousness. God guarantees heaven, hell’s possibility shakes you. The unseen nature of hope creates tension with what […]
Hopelessness often creates a cloud around its victim. Self-awareness lessens as we experience despair and lack of purpose. When we are struggling we need feedback those who know us best, the voice of a trusted friend is critical for objectivity and grounding. Self-assessment can be valuable as well. The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is a […]
Paul announces that Jesus Christ is our hope (1 Tim 1:1). Parallel to those passages in the Old Testament where those who hope are not put to shame, Paul says hope does not disappoint us (Rom 5:5). The reason is that we already have a taste of the future glory because of the love with […]
