A Psychologist looks at Scripture
In this 8-10 minute podcast, I as a psychologist and a priest use my training and skills to examine the Gospels. I will present alternative interpretations and insights into the meaning of Scripture for men and women in the 21st century.
I can be reached at peter.dohertyomi@gmail.com.
A Psychologist looks at Scripture
Easter John 20:19-31 Apr 12-26 Beyond Pacifism: Unpacking Christ's Radical Call to Peace
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Jesus greets his disciples with "Peace," the first words he speaks—signaling its central place in our spirituality. Amid world events and ongoing wars, this topic feels especially timely. Jesus frequently taught about peace: from the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Mt 5:9); to instructions for entering a house (Mt 10:13); and Zechariah's prophecy at his Presentation in the Temple, guiding our feet into the way of peace (Lk 1:79). Yet peace is often misunderstood.
Hello, and a warm welcome to my regular listeners and those joining us for the first time—thank you for being here!
I'm Peter Doherty, a Catholic priest and psychologist passionate about the deep connection between psychology and spirituality. For too long, these fields have viewed each other with suspicion. That's ironic, isn't it? Healthy psychology strengthens our spirituality, and true spirituality—rooted in solid psychological health—offers profound meaning and resilience in our lives.
In this short podcast, I explore the Gospel reading for the coming week. It's a resource for preachers preparing homilies, as well as anyone teaching or studying Scripture. I draw from psychology research Scripture scholarship, and anthropological insights to make the Gospel relatable. I see the Scriptures as guides for faith and spirituality—richly layered texts with wisdom to uncover, viewed through a lens different from modern history books.
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Today's podcast from John 20:19-31 centers on peace .... and the conversion of the disciple Thomas. I've spoken about Christian peace before—check out episodes from May 18, 2025; April 20, 2025; and March 31, 2024. I also discussed Thomas on March 31, 2024, with a reference on January 11, 2026. This edition today will focus on peace.
Jesus greets his disciples with "Peace," the first words he speaks—signaling its central place in our spirituality. Amid world events and ongoing wars, this topic feels especially timely. Jesus frequently taught about peace: from the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Mt 5:9); to instructions for entering a house (Mt 10:13); and Zechariah's prophecy at the Presentation in the Temple, guiding our feet into the way of peace (Lk 1:79). Yet peace is often misunderstood.
Peace plays a vital role in psychological health, fostering emotional stability and reducing stress. Research links inner peace to improved mental well-being: it enhances emotional balance, self-awareness, and resilience, helping us manage emotions effectively. It boosts happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, better sleep, and stronger relationships—creating a calmer mind for clearer decisions and less impulsivity.
Studies show mindfulness practices cultivate peace by lowering cortisol, decreasing anxiety, and building stress resilience. Meditation increases serotonin and endorphins for calmness while strengthening brain regions for emotional regulation. Even in prisons, inner peace programs improve self-regulation and anger management. A peaceful state builds empathy for better relationships, cuts stress hormones for physical health, equips us for adversity, curbs harmful habits, and helps us savor the present—leading to sustained psychological strength.
Peace holds immense value for spiritual health too, nurturing inner calm, purpose, and connection to self and the divine. It forms the foundation for personal growth, fostering emotional resilience, reduced stress, and a sense of purpose. It deepens self-awareness, compassion, and harmony with others through empathy.
Spirituality channels peace via prayer, yoga, or meditation, enabling a confident pursuit of meaningful goals and unity with self, others, and the cosmos. Research measures spiritual well-being through perceptions of peace and life's worth, confirming their link. Sustained peace equips us for challenges with hope, non-judgmental compassion, mental clarity, and gratitude—enriching daily life, community ties, and personal reconciliation.
As I've noted before, peace isn't the absence of war or conflict. Jesus teaches in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." We must choose peace—it rarely arrives uninvited. It's not built on meekness or mere strength.
To develop it, be curious, seek fairness and justice. If you're on the political left, listen to right-wing documentaries; if you are from the right, explore left-wing ones. I'm not asking you to change your mind—just understand others' rationale. Avoid superficial labels. You don't have to agree; recognizing merit in another's view doesn't diminish yours. Steer clear of notions of "right or wrong," they are often shaped by our own experiences or particular cultural perspectives.
At peace's core lies forgiveness. I've covered this topic in a podcast on March 31, 2024, along with my colleague and co-author Patti-Anne Kay. Together we wrote the book: “Forgiveness: Breaking Free and Moving On”. Forgiveness in brief is echoed in Jesus' final words when He said: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34). Revenge escalates conflict, offering only temporary control. Respond, don't react. "Turning the other cheek" (Mt 5:39; Lk 6:29) isn't a sign of weakness— rather it's refusing to let others dictate your behavior. Stay in control.
Thank you for joining me!
Next Sunday, April 19, 2026 we'll read about two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are talking about Jesus. Unbeknownst to them Jesus joins them but they do not recognize him. Sound familiar? New episodes release every Sunday for the next week's Gospel. Big thanks to Heather Patel Doherty and Richard Coulombe for their wonderful help.
Questions or comments? Email me at peter.dohertyomi@gmail.com.
May God richly bless you!