A psychological perspective on god-belief as a source of well-being and meaning

Abstract

This article reports on a qualitative exploration of the well-being and meaning that second- and third-generation Christians from an African context experience because of their integration of religion in their life and being. A textured, integrated tapestry is created of the participants’ understanding of God (God-concept), experience of their relationship with God (God-image) and understanding of life as coloured by their belief systems. The contribution of their God-belief to their sense of meaning and psychological well-being frames the tapestry of this article.

Keywords

• God-image
• God-concept
• African religion
• Christian religion
• meaning
• psychological well-being