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Abstract
In Western Christianity envy has long been identified and portrayed as a particularly destructive sin. This article examines envy from a psychology of faith perspective. Envy is described in terms of the dynamics of faith (belief-disbelief, trust-distrust, loyalty-disloyalty, and hope-hopelessness). More specifically, envious faith represents a specific mode of organizing faith experience. Developmental sources of envy are discussed along with the claim that the source of envy lies in a social interaction. In short, envy is socially constructed. The deprivation that gives rise to envious faith leads to a characteristic pattern of communication as well as a maladaptive search for a transformational object. Analyses of the sources and dynamics of envious faith contribute to an empathic understanding of the envier's struggle and provide pastoral ministers with strategies for working with envious persons.