RESEARCH PROBLEM AND OBJECTIVES

1.5.1 The research question

What is meant by ‘destructive thinking’ within a pastoral context; and how is such thinking manifested? What is the link between ‘destructive thinking’ and pathology within the realm of Christian faith? To what extent should pastoral and spiritual care-giving probe into cognitive patterns of thinking and its connection to conceptualization in pastoral care, very specifically to the experiences of faith and their connection to God-images? How can the proposed psycho-pastoral approach assist pastoral caregivers to

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understand and deal with destructive thinking in a constructive and responsible way that will lead to spiritual healing and wholeness?

1.5.2 The research problem

Cognition, or thinking, is a topic of interest in various fields of study, including Cognitive Psychology and Theology. Thoughts or ‘cognitions’ are described by Dr David Burns (2000) as being the way a person looks at things – their perceptions, mental attitudes and beliefs, and includes interpretation, that is, what you say about something or someone to yourself. A literature review reveals an extensive body of research on the topic of ‘cognition, thoughts and various types of destructive thinking’ particularly within the field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT has a particular emphasis on changing thoughts in order to change the way one feels and behaves. Here, thinking is viewed as an unconscious process and cognitive distortions/thinking errors are common occurrences in everyday thinking. Thoughts are viewed as having an impact on one’s psychological, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. Of particular interest to this study are ‘destructive’ thoughts, such as cognitive distortions; thinking errors; irrational beliefs; and inappropriate God-images. Destructive thoughts are viewed as facilitating emotional distress, psychopathology, inappropriate God-images and faith pathology. Recent research into neuroscience also reveals that the human brain has the ability to rewire itself through the changing of thoughts. A review of ‘thoughts’ in the light of the Scriptures shows cognition as being a theological issue as well. Theological reflection on destructive thinking brings to light a number of scholarly articles and books that address cognition in the form of i.e. God-images and God concepts, including appropriate and inappropriate God- images. There are also a number of cognitive behavioural therapies that incorporate spiritual, religious or Christian elements into their therapy. These are briefly discussed in my exploration of destructive thinking in a theological context, for instance, how such destructive thoughts are identified, presented, understood in the literature.

The idea of changing cognitions to change feelings is not a new idea – it has been around for a long time! Even the Apostle Paul in the New Testament promoted such practice when he wrote, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Rom 12:2; NIV); and when he gave instructions on thinking, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8; NIV). Cognitive theorists such as Aaron T. Beck and Albert Ellis simplified these concepts so that they could be easily used in today’s times. The main focus of this thesis however, is on developing a theological understanding and perspective of ‘destructive thinking’ in a theological context of pastoral care. For example, if a pastoral counselor only wanted to focus on the cognitive aspect in a pastoral care setting, what kind of common (destructive) thoughts could he/she expect from the Christian counselee? What type of thoughts should the pastoral care giver look for that could pose as ‘risk factors’ for spiritual growth and spiritual well-being? In other

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words, what types of thoughts are more than likely to contribute to spiritual healing, spiritual growth and a mature faith in a pastoral context? In what way can a psycho-pastoral model that focuses on cognition contribute towards a holistic approach to healing and wholeness; boost therapeutic outcomes; reduce destructive thoughts; and enhance a more constructive, mature thinking?

In this study therefore, I seek to develop an understanding of ‘destructive thinking’ particularly in the field of pastoral care and counseling. In doing so, I begin with an exploration of ‘destructive thinking’ in the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy literature (CT & REBT respectively) (Chapter 2). This is followed by an exploration of ‘destructive thinking’ within the interplay between Religion and Christian Spirituality (Chapter 3). I then propose a pastoral model of spiritual healing and wholeness that could assist pastoral caregivers to understand and address ‘destructive thinking’ in a constructive and responsible way (Chapter 4).

The following aspects are examined with regards to formulating a deeper understanding of destructive thinking within the context of pastoral care: cognitive and emotional experiences of God; inappropriate God-images/concepts; spiritual dysfunction/pathology; destructive thinking within the realm of belief systems; spiritual formation and destructive types of religious thinking; and spiritual maturity within the Christian faith. My research explores destructive types of thinking that pose as ‘risk factors’ for one’s faith development, psychological and spiritual well-being. As well as the potential negative implications that may result from destructive types of religious thinking on spiritual and faith maturity. I seek answers to questions such as: What is meant by “destructive thinking” in the Pastoral Care and Counseling context? What happens when one’s thinking about God becomes fractured or distorted? Can destructive/unhelpful God-images be identified? What is meant by an appropriate/inappropriate God- image? What is the role of God-images in destructive thinking? What are the consequences of an inaccurate or false representation/perception of God? What is the link between “destructive thinking” and pathology within the realm of Christian faith? Is there a relationship between one’s thinking about God (image of God) and psychological well-being? What are the effects of destructive thinking about God (God-images) on one’s spiritual well-being? Does one’s perception of God have a direct impact on their spiritual and psychological well-being? What is the impact of destructive thinking within the realm of belief systems? I therefore review destructive thinking within the pastoral context and realm of the Christian faith, with the expectation of putting together a more constructive way of thinking that will enhance spiritual formation and faith development. The hoped for outcome is spiritual healing and wholeness.

The following keywords/phrases are of significance to this study: • cognition; thoughts; patterns of thinking; destructive thoughts • cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT); cognitive therapy (CT); REBT

29 • cognitive/thinking errors; cognitive distortions • core beliefs

• schemas; the role of schemas in how one perceives and experiences God • spiritual and psychological well-being

• God-images; inappropriate God-images • Christian Spirituality; the Christian faith

• A mature faith; faith pathology; faith development • theology; pastoral; pastoral care; pastoral context

The exploratory direction that this research will take will hopefully generate noteworthy questions for further investigation. The hope is that a theological exploration will contribute to a better understanding of destructive thinking, how to produce constructive thinking habits and draw the connection between thoughts, psychological and spiritual well-being.

1.5.3 The Research Assumption

The underlying assumption of this thesis is that spiritual pathology resulting from ‘destructive thinking’ is a deviation from the norm of healthy spiritual development. Many theological approaches focused on the role of emotion and experience in spiritual development. In this study, I am shifting the focus to the cognitive dimension. This is because there is more at stake than the affective state, which is however, related to the cognitive. One’s spirituality is connected to their mental (i.e. thinking) and emotional life. Thinking, experience and understanding of issues such as death, illness, trauma, despair, joy, hope, identity, and so on, are relevant to one’s spirituality. Particular destructive thoughts may provoke spiritual questions/struggles which lead to psychological and spiritual pathology (thus, demonstrating the effect of destructive thinking). I can go so far as to say, that even church doctrines should be made more clear, as these too may contribute to spiritual pathology, but this is a whole new topic that will be reserved for further study.

1.5.4 The research objectives

The research objectives of this study are to:

1) Define, and

2) Develop an understanding of “destructive thinking” particularly within the realm of pastoral care and counseling, reflecting on the insights from the various cognitive behavioural psychotherapies and pastoral counseling literature.

3) Examine “destructive thinking” in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CT & REBT) literature, as well as

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5) Develop a Psycho-Pastoral Approach that focuses on cognition, towards healing and wholeness in the pastoral care and counseling context, and

6) Promote further research and interest in this field.

Due to the integrative nature of this study, it is both a ‘psycho’ and ‘pastoral’ approach. That is, it draws and reflects on theories and insights from the fields of Psychology, as well as Theology (pastoral care and counseling) in developing an holistic approach that focuses on cognition. In that both fields of interest are invaluable for understanding ‘destructive thinking’ and for enhancing well-being.

These objectives imply the following:

1) develop an informed understanding and working definition of destructive thinking in the pastoral context;

2) identify and evaluate destructive types of thinking in the pastoral care literature;

3) discover the interplay between Psychology (CBT), religion and Christian spirituality, with regards to destructive thinking

4) Propose a holistic approach to deal with destructive thinking in a pastoral context.

This research will be both descriptive and exploratory, in that, through the literature study, the researcher will describe scholarly positions on destructive thinking and its related concepts. It will also be exploratory through reflecting on these concepts theologically. The proposed outcome of this study is a pastoral approach that will help the pastoral caregiver to identify, evaluate and transform destructive thoughts that have a negative effect on the counselee’s spiritual growth, faith development as well as psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being.

1.5.5 Research methodology

The basis for this research project will be that of a literature study. Secondary data on the topic (books, theses, scholarly articles, internet searches) will be located and analyzed to reflect on the research question and objectives. The methodology therefore includes a measure of critical reflection. The unit of analysis in this study will be references to cognition, thinking, thought patterns, destructive thinking, cognitive behavior therapy, Christian Spirituality, God-images, faith pathology/development and pastoral care/counseling. This research is also hermeneutical.

A few additional words about the principles that guide this thesis: “Indeed, hermeneutics is about the most fundamental ways in which we perceive the world, think, and understand. It has a philosophical root in what we call epistemology – that is, the problem of how we come to know anything at all, and actually how we think and legitimate the claims we make to know the truth” (David Jasper 2004:3). Interpretation and reflection are two important methods in a hermeneutical approach. In my research I reflect on the assumptions, beliefs and pre-understandings of cognition (thoughts and thinking),

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particularly those associated with destructive thinking. I also probe the importance of God-images and one’s view of God, and the effect of these on one’s spirituality and well-being. Since I assess the meaning of concepts, this also makes my approach a hermeneutical one. My aim of interpreting is to discover connections between one’s thoughts and spiritual/psychological well-being. “A hermeneutics of pastoral care deals with the interpretation of the presence of God within human relationships and social contexts. It also tries to interpret existential issues from the perspective of the Christian Faith. Central to a hermeneutical approach in pastoral care is dealing with different metaphors which reveal God’s compassion and care. Hence the importance of God-images and the interpretation of experiences of faith. In short, a pastoral hermeneutics of care and counseling is about religious experiences which give an indication of believer’s perception of God and their interpretation of the significance of their existence; hence the quest for spirituality in a pastoral strategy for counseling” (Louw 1999:7). “Pastoral hermeneutics attempts to clarify the significance and existential implications of the encounter between God and humankind, thereby focusing its attention on the discovery of meaning and on fostering the growth of faith” (Louw 1999:242). In acknowledging the limitations of this study, the researcher aims to explore, organize and integrate the existing literature on the above research elements, and to arrive at interpretive insights. Such insights will need to be subject to further enquiry and investigation.