What the APSS Does Not Aim to Do
APSS does not pursue the development of a religious psychology, including Islamic approaches. We nevertheless recognize the valuable contributions of colleagues globally. We also support members, where academically warranted, in investigating how religious concepts, practices, and texts relate to spirituality and human well-being.
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APSS Does Not Intend to Establish an Islamic or Religious Psychology
As APSS, we certainly do not intend to establish an Islamic or religious psychology. However, we emphasize that there are working groups outside APSS globally who strive for this and conduct important research. In its conceptual work, APSS analyzes religious and spiritual sources from Eastern history, especially Sufism. Thus, for now, it predominantly uses Islamic sources to develop universally applicable psychological theories, concepts, and therapeutic strategies.
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Future Inclusion of Christian and Jewish Concepts and Cooperation is a Goal
One of our goals is the future inclusion of the analysis of Christian and Jewish concepts, alongside profound cooperation and conceptual work. We regard scriptures not only the Quran but also the Torah and Bible, as sources of inspiration for developing theoretical concepts and hypotheses. This also includes interpretations by various scholars throughout history and the treatment strategies for mental illness developed over the centuries.
