Authors: Yangarber-Hicks, Natalia; Hicks, Mitchell

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(3), Fall 2005, pp. 219-232

Abstract:

In the last 30 years of its formal revival, much has been written about the theology and sociology of Messianic Judaism as a movement. However, little is known about the psychology of persons who believe in Jesus and maintain their Jewish heritage. This study represents an exploratory investigation of the identity and psychotherapy experiences of individuals who identify as Messianic Jews and Gentiles. Seventy-five adult Messianic believers participated in the study by responding to a number of closed- and open-ended questions. The impact of their faith commitment on family and social relationships, self-perceptions vis-a-vis Christian and Jewish communities, and use of spiritual, psychological, and other resources to cope with their challenging identity configurations were assessed. Implications for mental health professionals and clergy in understanding this population and other groups with complex ethnic and spiritual identities were discussed.