×

The importance of having a religious outlook

Fr. Joseph O. Gouin

Pastor

American Martyrs

Catholic Church

Kingsford

The famous Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in his book “Modern Man in Search of a Soul” makes a rather remarkable statement. He says that for all of his patients over 35, their main problem was that they did not have a religious outlook on life. He says that they fell ill because of this, and that none of them were ever really healed who did not regain a religious outlook.

These are, of course, very powerful words. But the more we observe what is going on in the world, many thinking people will admit there seems to be something missing. So many people are not satisfied with life.

Many try to fill the void by having more things than they can ever use. Some turn to drugs or alcohol. Others try self-help programs or motivational speakers. But all these have built-in limitations. They do not have a faith dimension. What is missing is a deeper dimension of life. We need to see life from a different horizon, and as Dr. Hung would tell us, that horizon is a religious outlook.

Our religious outlook might begin with the simple advice of St. Paul in Thessalonians, when he tells us to “pray constantly for all things and give thanks to God.” To have the practice of recalling the things for which we are grateful is a good beginning, and will lead to a greater sense of peace. I am not aware of anyone who had a religious outlook on life who wasn’t a grateful person.

God bless…

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today