The Theological Foundations of Cognitive-therapy and its Critique on the Basis of Islamic Thought

Cognitive-therapy uses a series of techniques to solve many psychological difficulties and a vast area of psychological disorders. However, the cognitive-therapy is not restricted to a series of techniques; rather, it is a theory based on the philosophical foundations consistent with the scientific methods. The pioneers and researchers of cognitive-therapy have not explicitly spoken of all the intellectual foundations of cognitive-therapy; however, a survey of the discussions of the cognitive-therapists reveals the theological foundations. Accordingly, the present study aims at investigating the theological foundations in cognitive-therapy and reviewing these foundations according to the Islamic thought with an emphasis on Ayatollah Mesbah’s views. The present study is of documentary-analytical type. The findings of the study suggest that non-demonstrability of religion, irrationality of theism, relativity of religious propositions, considering religion and piety as the cause for mental disorders, paying attention to spirituality without God, and religious plurality are among theological foundations that pioneers of cognitive-therapy have dealt with. Cognitive-therapy based on such a theology, by answering these questions and mental challenges, shows a treatment inconsistent with Islamic approach in its intellectual and doctrinal framework. Thus, the foundations of such a treatment are inconsistent with Islamic foundations which are the result of a divine paradigm, and do not lead the man to the truth of his own existence.