Open AccessInfluences on God Images of Older Vowed Religious Men
Author(s) -
Noronha Konrad J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
counseling and values
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.354
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2161-007X
pISSN - 0160-7960
DOI - 10.1002/cvj.12026
Subject(s) - object (grammar) , image of god , psychology , object relations theory , social psychology , religious life , purpose in life , epistemology , sociology , psychoanalysis , religious studies , philosophy , theology , psychoanalytic theory , linguistics
This study aimed to understand the influences that contributed to the formation of God images of 8 older vowed religious men in the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) throughout their life courses and the effect of those influences. The study used Rizzuto's ([Rizzuto, A, 1979]) object relations theory, interpretive phenomenological analysis, and a semistructured interview format. Participants reported evolving God images, modifications of God images, or completely changed God images, thus evidencing continued spiritual growth through their life spans. Counselors can use influences on God images when working with such populations. These influences can be in the form of persons, books, scripture, or any other object representations specific to the client.