Faith Hope and Charity: An Adlerian Perspective : (Master's Thesis)

From a Western perspective this thesis concludes that faith from an Adlerian perspective may be understood as a pastoral and theological attitude arising out of an innate disposition described by Alfred Adler as social interest; Gemeinschaftsgefühl. Faith traditionally considered as capable of “moving mountains” may now be understood as a creative power exercised by healthy individuals living in community. Similarly hope finds its realization not in a future idealized world but in one’s present existence of a higher social interest cultivated on the part of the individual. Following Adler’s insights charity being out-ward directed strengthens co-operation and reduces competition among individuals living in community.