Andy Johnson

Biographical Information for Andy Johnson

My research interests are in the psychology of wisdom. Issues related to wisdom and religion began to interest me as I realized that some of my students were using their Christian faith in creative, productive ways that fostered growth while others on the other end of the continuum used their Christian faith to narrow their minds, interfering with both their own development and the development of others around them.

How do individuals develop the capacity to benefit from experience? How do people develop their understandings of the meaning and purpose of life? How do individuals use their religion in compassionate ways that make the world a better place to live while others may use the same religion in destructive ways? How is wisdom cultivated in others?

The importance of religious studies is becoming more clear than ever as communication technology brings diverse individuals and groups into frequent contact. Questions of how we can learn to understand, respect, and live in peace with diverse others are central challenges to all at the present time.