Episode 68: The Fruit of the Spirit
The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ FollowersShow Notes
In the 68th episode, Dr. Knabb explores the psychology and spirituality of the fruit of the Spirit in Christianity. He begins by discussing the four immeasurables (loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity) in secular clinical psychology, which are attitudes and behaviors that have been theorized about and researched to cultivate mental health. Although these four immeasurables have been packaged and offered as an empirically supported meditative intervention for psychological health, they originate from the Buddhist religious tradition. Therefore, Dr. Knabb explores a Christian alternative for 21st century Christ followers, the nine fruit of the Spirit, and offers a fruit of the Spirit meditative practice to conclude the episode. Ultimately, for Christians, the aim of such a meditative practice is nothing short of Christlikeness, based on the indwelling Holy Spirit, with mental and spiritual health as a possible byproduct.
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