“The term Christian philosophy includes those important developments of philosophical thinking which would not have happened without the direct or indirect contribution of Christian faith."
-John Paul II. Fides et Ratio
Acknowledging those who came before us
For whoever says Christian philosophy also refers to those who have thought about human nature, the problems that afflict it, and how to overcome them, we wanted to disseminate not only the work of psychologists and psychiatrists who have contributed to this task but also make known their testimony of life.
Rudolf Allers
1883 – 1963
Born in Vienna to a family of Jewish heritage. Although baptized in the Catholic faith early on, he later recognized that his faith did not initially develop through familial influences but was instead cultivated through his intellectual pursuits. Allers exhibited an early passion for art, music, and literature, with German, English, and French being spoken in his household. He completed his early education in a humanities-focused secondary school before embarking on a medical career in 1902.
Magda B. Arnold
1903 – 2002
Born in rural Austria, Arnold faced a challenging childhood marked by instability and neglect. As an illegitimate child, she grew up under the care of two women she referred to as “aunties" in a small German-speaking town in Austria. This environment fostered a sense of independence from a young age, as Arnold was often left alone to explore her surroundings. Despite these difficulties, she demonstrated an early interest in intellectual pursuits, including psychology and philosophy.
Anna Terruwe
1911 – 2004
Anna Terruwe was a Dutch psychiatrist whose life and work left a significant mark on both the field of psychotherapy and the Catholic Church. Her contributions to the understanding of neuroses, rooted in a synthesis of Freud’s observations and Thomistic philosophy, led to both acclaim and controversy. Terruwe's approach, known as the Affirmation theory, emphasized the importance of positive interpersonal relationships in fostering psychological healing and personal growth.