A Psychologist looks at Scripture

Dr. Peter Doherty
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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.

  1. 6D AGO

    Jn 14:15-21-May 10 26 "Truth: The Raw Foundation of Divine Love"

    Send us Fan Mail As Jesus introduces the spirit of Truth as part of our relationship with God. Truth is absolutely foundational for spiritual growth, not just an optional “nice‑to‑have” accessory. In Christian teaching, truth is what God uses to convert and set people free. Spiritual growth therefore depends on a willingness to hear teaching, examine one’s life, and reject self‑deception, which is why “hunger for truth” is listed as an indicator of genuine spiritual growth alongside love and hatred of sin. With these elements spiritual growth happens; without it, our growth becomes shallow, fragile, or even counterfeit.  Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    8 min

  2. APR 26

    Jn 14:1-12 May 3-26 The God You Picture Shapes Your Mental Health—Is Yours Healthy?

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s edition there is a lot going on in this Gospel which is typical in John’s Gospel.  The Gospel starts with Jesus trying to reassure his disciples.  He speaks about providing a place for them and returning to come and get them.  It is obvious that Jesus is feeling a connection and is being protective of them.  When people feel they belong—whether in a family, community, or spiritual group—they are more willing to be vulnerable, explore questions of meaning, and let themselves be “seen” by others and by the Divine.  It is important to examine who is Jesus for you?  Is he relevant to your life?  What is his personality like?  Are you comfortable seeing Jesus as brother, a friend, wise mentor?  I am always fascinated with the answers I get when I ask who is God for you?  Some believe in God but see God as a supreme being, others a creator or judge.  How we perceive God goes a long way on how we relate to our God and our spiritual development.   Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    8 min

  3. APR 20

    A 4 East Jn 10.1-10 Apr 26-26 Faith’s Breaking Point: Surviving the Crisis of Trust

    Send us Fan Mail One of the techniques that Jesus used was using situations that the people would be familiar with.  The readings today are no exception.  The people would be familiar with the gate keeper for the sheep.  To give you some background, most villages had a walled in field where the local shepherds would bring their flocks for the night.  The shepherds would take their turn guarding the gate to make sure no one came it to hurt any of the sheep.  I am thinking of people who might want to have lamb chops for supper.  This arrangement allowed the shepherds to spend time with their families.  In the morning the shepherds would come and literally call their sheep out by name.   This teaching focuses on the protective aspect of our God.  This is not the only example of God’s protective stance. Do you have a sense of God’s protective love?  Sadly, many do not feel this protective love and more than once felt abandoned or wonder if God actually cares or has taken a hands-off approach.    Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    9 min

  4. APR 12

    Lk 24.13-35 Apr 19-26 Burning Hearts, Blind Eyes: Why We Miss the Divine in Plain Sight

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s edition from Luke 24  we hear about two disciples on a walk from Jerusalem to a village 7 miles away called Emmaus.   While it seems like an innocent walking excursion, there is so much going on.  We gain insight into the early days of the Church.  Two of his disciples are discussing what had happen in Jerusalem just a few days ago.  The situation suddenly became   very interesting when they were joined by what appeared to be a very uninformed stranger.  The stranger admits his lack of knowledge and the two travellers take it upon themselves to “educate” the stranger about Jesus and his crucifixiion.  I would like to focus on the statement that the disciples recognize that their hearts burned within them.  Their intuition recognized Jesus for who he is.  This statement poetically reminds us that while it is important to have knowledge of Scripture and even Theology, we also need to pay attention to what is going on in our hearts to discern the will of God and grow in our spirituality. Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    9 min

  5. APR 5

    Easter John 20:19-31 Apr 12-26 Beyond Pacifism: Unpacking Christ's Radical Call to Peace

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    7 min

  6. MAR 29

    Easter Jn 20:1-9 Apr 5, 26 The Empty Tomb's Echo: Trauma and Triumph in Early Faith.

    Send us Fan Mail On April 5, 2026, we celebrate Easter, the radiant heart of Christianity, with joyful celebrations, family gatherings, and renewed hope. Yet in our familiarity, we risk missing its visceral intensity. We view  the full story through history's lens—what comes next is assured. But imagine the raw uncertainty: the searching, questioning, desperate hoping, and plunging despair of those first witnesses. Tuning into their emotions isn't mere curiosity; it mirrors our own struggles to make sense of chaos, offering empathy and insight for today's followers. Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    8 min

  7. MAR 22

    MT 21.1-11 Mar 29-26 Hail to the King: When Adoration Turns to Betrayal

    Send us Fan Mail There are many spiritual lessons in this seemly simple Gospel.  At the beginning of the Gospel Jesus gives very specific instructions.  I suspect Matthew is telling his listeners that Jesus knew what was going on and that this was a very deliberate act.  I wonder what Jesus was thinking about while he was on the colt entering the city.  He is listening to the people shout hosanna, wave palm branches which was a customary way to welcome an important dignitary.   I am sure he appreciated the warm welcome he was receiving from the people.  But he knew that the same people who were honouring him with the words “Hosanna” would within a week be yelling “crucify him” as he was carrying his cross.    It is often stated that Jesus knew what  thoughts were in people’s hearts, check out John 2:24-25.  It must have been a difficult time for him.   Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    9 min

  8. MAR 15

    5 Jn 11:1-45, Mar 22-26 Awakening the Soul: Lazarus' Story Through Spiritual Psychology

    Send us Fan Mail The Gospel for March 22, 2026, is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This is one of three resurrection stories in the Gospels—the others involve Jairus's daughter and the son of the widow of Nain. What sets Lazarus's story apart? Jesus knew Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, whom we've encountered before. The deepest lessons emerge before the miracle itself. Jesus invites us to see death differently. Awareness of mortality prompts us to prioritize what truly matters, fostering deeper appreciation for life. This shifts focus from trivial worries to making meaningful actions, building psychological resilience and stronger relationships. Complete our 1 Minute Survey

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Peter Doherty
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Psychologist looks at Scripture
  • Show Website
    A Psychologist looks at Scripture

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