Abstract
Abstract
This chapter argues that individuals with ambiguous evidence for God are likely to experience better mental health if they accept God’s love for them and that this can indirectly promote their virtue development. The chapter begins by articulating an account of what is involved in adopting a richly accepting orientation toward God’s love. It then shows how research with theists has shown that those who have a more secure attachment to God, which involves being more accepting of God’s love, experience better mental health and higher levels of virtue. Next, original empirical research by the author focused on God attachment, acceptance of God’s love, and mental health among agnostics is reviewed. This research suggests that patterns observed with theists also hold for agnostics.
Publisher
Oxford University PressOxford
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