Augustine of Hippo and the rediscovery of the therapeutic potential of narrative theology for mental health

Abstract

Since the task of therapy was a concern of classical antiquity, Hellenistic philosophy produced complex understandings on illness, treatment, and health that would inspire Augustine of Hippo (354-430) to adapt these ideals within a theological framework. Confessions (397-401) proposes an experience before divine grace that generates therapeutic effects, a proposal that fosters health and hope for his audience (Conf .10.3.4). Nevertheless, during the 20th century, Augustine’s Confessions was taken as a case study for psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic theories. The weaknesses and ambiguities narrated by Augustine were considered case study material to be fitted into concepts of psychological theory or psychopathology. Faced with the task of reviewing the dialogue between Augustinian studies and psychological studies, this article suggests that it is necessary to retrace a path, overcoming a methodological problem through three steps: firstly, a historical recovery of late antiquity philosophical therapy, placing the original intent of Confessions’ therapeutic vision in its cultural, historical, and theological context; secondly, a repositioning of the interdisciplinary dialogue between psychology and theology. Despite the inadequacies of Augustine's psychologizing readings, understanding Confessions in partnership with contemporary psychology, allowing cross-fertilization, is a valid and necessary task, as in the conceptual synergy with Elementary Experience in Psychology; thirdly, the establishment and conduct of new interdisciplinary initiatives that not only strengthen historical and psychological understanding of Augustine’s Confessions, but seek to understand, apply and empirically test his narrative theological approach on its mental health effects.