Project Director
Watson, Paul J.
Department Examiner
Hood, Ralph W., Jr.; Silver, Christopher
Publisher
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Place of Publication
Chattanooga (Tenn.)
Abstract
Furthered by the spectacular innovations of technological advancement over the recent centuries, empirical science has yielded a depth of knowledge about the universe that early naturalistic philosophers could not imagine. Present-day scientists seem to have a much stronger motivation to espouse naturalistic worldviews than do early philosophers – the explanatory power of science appears to render null the need for explanations via numinous religious beliefs. Why do so many people maintain religious beliefs, then? A large body of literature suggests that religious belief is strongly associated with positive psychological functioning. However, other research suggests that religious belief is sometimes associated with negative psychological functioning. More recently though, and perhaps more accurately, findings indicate that religious belief is not unique in providing people with positive psychological functioning. In fact, a growing body of literature suggests that belief in science functions in similar ways to religious belief in providing individuals with positive psychological functioning. The following work compares and contrasts religious belief and belief in science, as related to mental health. Theoretical implications are discussed, and direction for future research is suggested.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I thank the Creator of the universe, whose patience, guidance, and relationship I cannot live without – this work is dedicated to the passion and purpose in life You have given to me. Second, I thank the incredible Dr. Paul J. Watson, whose leadership, mentorship, and friendship I will greatly miss – the greatest thing I can say of you, is that you did good work in this life, and that is certainly because of the One you followed. Until we meet again, Dr. Watson. Also, I thank Dr. Ralph W. Hood, whose help over this past year, and especially this unexpected last semester, have been invaluable. Thanks for putting a smile on my face every now and then, too. I thank Dr. Christopher Silver, whose technical guidance has helped maintain my life expectancy. I thank Dr. Ling-Jun Wang, Dr. Michael J. Colvin, Dr. Steven Wyre, Dr. Louie Elliot, Dr. Greg King, Dr. Michael G. Hasel, Lynne Macias, Ronnie Pittman, and Marvin E. Thorman whose philosophical, metaphysical, cultural, historical, religious, and even general conversations energize me – thank you all for being sincere. To Josiah, Joselena, Jeremiah, Jonah, Jaden, Mom, and Dad – you each help me believe.
IRB Number
18-099
Degree
B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Date
5-2019
Subject
Positive psychology; Psychology and religion
Discipline
Psychology
Document Type
Theses
Extent
51 leaves
DCMI Type
Text
Language
English
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Recommended Citation
Madrigal, Jordan, "The need to believe: belief in science & religious belief examined as more general components of positive psychological functioning" (2019). Honors Theses.
https://scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses/199
Department
Dept. of Psychology