Connection Between Theology and Mental Health
We need to talk about God more.
It is essential for Jews - and all people - to explore their beliefs about Divinity and the many questions that surround it. Experts across fields like religion, sociology, and psychology agree: spiritual development plays a vital role in healthy personal growth.
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Yet many of us who are parents, clergy, or educators hesitate to talk about God. We fear saying the wrong thing, or saying too much, or too little. We worry that even bringing up God might sound dogmatic. Some of us aren't even sure what we believe ourselves, so how could we possibly discuss God with others?
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But avoiding these conversations can have real consequences. The absence of God-talk can be harmful to our collective and individual well-being.
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In her 2021 paper, Rabbi Miriam Hoffman makes a compelling case for why God-talk is especially needed in Jewish spaces. Her paper focuses on the Reform Movement, but is highly relevant and translatable to all Jewish movements - anywhere people are grappling with belief, spiritual growth, and the challenge of talking openly about God. Below is a summary of her work, which you can also find attached.
Summary of "God-Talk in Reform Spaces"
by Rabbi Miriam Hoffman
This paper explores the intersection of theology and mental health, particularly within the context of Reform Judaism. Miriam Hoffman argues that although belief in God has been shown to positively impact mental health, discussion about God ("God talk") is often absent from Reform Jewish spaces due to theological ambiguity, personal discomfort, and lack of training among clergy and educators.
Key Themes
Jewish Theological Ambiguity
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Judaism emphasizes actions (mitzvot) over belief, offering wide latitude for personal interpretations of God.
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Reform Judaism, rooted in Enlightenment ideals, includes many adherents who struggle with or reject traditional notions of God, especially in light of modern atrocities like the Holocaust.
Historical and Modern Perspectives on Religion and Mental Health
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Religion was historically central to mental health treatment.
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Systematic research in the late 20th century began to demonstrate consistent positive correlations between religiosity and mental well-being.
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Religious belief, especially belief in divine control, has been linked to decreased depression and better coping with stress, especially in populations under duress (e.g., elderly, medically ill).
Benefits and Drawbacks of Religious Involvement
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Benefits include increased life satisfaction, hope, purpose, self-esteem, and social support.
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Negative outcomes, such as guilt and depression, were observed in specific subgroups though these findings are less common.
Belief in God vs. General Religiosity
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Research distinguishes between general religiosity and specific belief in God.
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Studies show belief in God is particularly linked to lower levels of depression, while uncertainty about God correlates with higher anxiety.
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Certainty in belief—whether belief or disbelief—tends to be more stabilizing than ambivalence.
Jewish Interest in Theology
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Despite theological struggles, many Jews express a desire for their clergy to talk about God.
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A 2009 survey found 76% of Jews wanted rabbis to address God, even if they themselves didn’t think about God often.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Rabbi Hoffman's paper highlights a critical gap in contemporary Jewish communal life: the lack of open, supportive, and structured conversation about God—especially in Reform and other non-Orthodox settings. While belief in God remains deeply personal and often fraught with complexity, the research overwhelmingly shows that spiritual engagement, however it manifests, can be a profound source of mental and emotional well-being. Ignoring theological conversation out of discomfort or fear leaves individuals, especially those seeking meaning or struggling with life's challenges, without a crucial resource for healing and growth.
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Her work challenges Jewish communities to stop sidestepping these conversations and instead create intentional, inclusive spaces where questions about God can be explored without judgment. Whether one is a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, engaging in "God talk" offers a path toward deeper self-understanding, stronger relationships, and more resilient communities.
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By equipping clergy and educators with the tools, training, and confidence to facilitate these discussions, Jewish institutions can foster spiritual development that is intellectually honest, emotionally supportive, and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Hoffman's call to action is clear: we must invest in our leaders and communities to ensure that belief—however defined—has a voice. In doing so, we not only honor the spiritual needs of individuals, but also strengthen the fabric of Jewish life in an increasingly complex world.
