Theological Readings of Theism and Their Psychological Implications for Human Well-Being: A Comparative Study of Imamiya and Ash‘ari Schools

Mohammadi, Maryam; Moeinifar, Mohammad; Rezaian Bilondi, Hossein

doi:10.22054/jcst.2026.90394.1283

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ PhD Student, Faculty of Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

² University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

³ Assistant Professor of the Family Group at the Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence and University, Qom, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/jcst.2026.90394.1283

Abstract

The question of theism in Islamic kalām, beyond its epistemological and theological dimensions, also concerns the explanation of the relationship between God and human action and the meaning of human agency in the world. This issue, in addition to its anthropological consequences, may also entail significant psychological implications. Nevertheless, the fundamental differences between theological interpretations of theism—particularly within the Imami and Ashʿari traditions—have rarely been examined systematically in interdisciplinary scholarship. The present study adopts a descriptive–analytical and comparative approach, focusing on the conceptual analysis of classical theological texts, in order to compare these two interpretations of theism and to investigate their psychological implications in relation to human well-being. In this study, Ryff’s model of psychological well-being is employed solely as a theoretical framework for conceptualizing the components of well-being, and no empirical or psychometric claims are advanced. The analysis concentrates on three dimensions: autonomy, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The findings suggest that the Imami theological emphasis on the doctrine of al amr bayn al amrayn (the intermediate position between determinism and absolute delegation) and its particular interpretation of human agency provides greater explanatory capacity for the meaningfulness of human action, moral responsibility, and a positive experience of the self. By contrast, the Ashʿari interpretation of theism, grounded in the doctrine of kasb (acquisition) and prioritizing divine unity in acts (tawḥīd al afʿāl), leads to a different model of human agency that is more closely associated with acceptance of and submission to the divine will, thereby generating distinct psychological implications, particularly at the levels of purpose in life and self-acceptance. Accordingly, theological analysis can provide a credible and non-reductionist foundation for understanding the psychological implications of theism.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Comparative Theology

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Comparitive Shias kalam

Theological Readings of Theism and Their Psychological Implications for Human Well-Being: A Comparative Study of Imamiya and Ash‘ari Schools

References

References

Volume 6, Issue 11
September 2026
Pages 43-73

Theological Readings of Theism and Their Psychological Implications for Human Well-Being: A Comparative Study of Imamiya and Ash‘ari Schools

References

References

Volume 6, Issue 11September 2026Pages 43-73

Volume 6, Issue 11
September 2026
Pages 43-73