Page 168 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 5

A Portrait of a Christian Psychologist: Paul C. Vitz

del that honors the sexes as different but as co- recognition, the kind of recognition that makes
operative? Is it not time for both sexes to honor a wedding feast such a glorious symbol of men
the special gifts of the other? Is it not time for and women having a wonderful time in a mu-
the Church - of all places - to be open to such a tually complementary celebration?

Nicolene Joubert (South Africa) Nicolene Joubert
Question to Paul Vitz (South Africa) psycho-
logist, Founder and head
“The Fatherhood of God: of the Institute of Chri-

Surprising Support from stian Psychology (ICP)
near by Johannesburg,
Psychology” Counselling Psycholo-
gist in private practice,
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dear Paul, from Northwest Univer-
You argued that the concept God as Father
as depicted by orthodox Christian theology sity ZA. Specialized in
should be maintained for theological as well as trauma therapy and the
development of disso-
psychological reasons. Psychologically many
people (not only women) struggle with the con- ciative identity disorder.
Prof Joubert is the foun-
cept as their perception of a father is tainted by
their experience with their earthly fathers. Re- der and chairperson of
search indicated that absent or abusive fathers the South African Socie-
ty for the Study of Trau-
shape early development and children learn to
distrust or fear a father figure. Distrust and fear ma and Dissociation.
are barriers to forming a secure attachment and
developing an intimate relationship with so- The term Spirit of God instead of Father God
meone. When distrust or fear is transferred to doesn’t trigger the pain associated with a father
God it causes a spiritual barrier and prevents an figure and thus enables a psychological dynamic
intimate relationship with God. Mothers on the that enhances the belief that God is accessible
other hand symbolize care and nurturance. One and caring (instead of absent and/or abusive).
way of dealing with the distrust and fear is to How do you propose the God attachment is-
refer to God as feminine or as a Being with fe- sue and distrust in God as a Father is addressed
minine traits. This may serve as a key to unlock when orthodox Christian theological terms are
a personal relationship with God. strictly adhered to?

Answer by Paul Vitz

I thank Nicolene Joubert for raising a number that should be honored by practicing Christian
of really important, challenging and complex psychologists. A theological problem with the
issues. Some of these are theological and others idea of God as “mother” is that it represents a
primarily psychological. I will begin with a few view that is not part of the Christian tradition
theological responses. (though of course, and as Joubert, rightly no-
First, over and over in the Scriptures Jesus tells tes female/maternal metaphors are sometimes
us that God is our Father, in particular, when he used with respect to God in the Scriptures).
teaches us how to pray. This is one of his major One might add that since many patients have
theological revelations, and it is therefore one serious abuse problems with both parents,

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