Should we have realistic unbelief? Jesus makes it pretty clear that because of our unbelief we will not see miracles in our life (see below).

However, psychological experts warn against the dangers of unrealistic expectations.  

See Psychology Today:  The Danger Of Having Unrealistic Expectations  

In summary, unrealistic expectations can lead to very negative consequences, if the outcome is not met.

However, the New Testament instructs us to believe - in the super natural, in the impossible or in psychology terms: the unrealistic.

i.e. -


  Jesus Gives Life to a Dead Girl:
  Matthew:   35 While Jesus was still there speaking, some men came from
  the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. They said, “Your daughter
  is dead. There is no need to bother the Teacher.”
  
  36 But Jesus did not care what the men said. He said to the synagogue
  leader, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”


and


  Matthew 13:58
     And so he did only a few miracles there because of
  their unbelief.


Should our life be filled by consistently believing in the impossible - will that end up damaging our faith or just create a denial fantasy world apart from reality?

Should we be thinking about unrealistic vs. realistic belief?

Since Jesus is no longer here in human form, is OK to have unbelief?

Are there any good studies or articles on this concept?

Thank You.
I think we need to be careful with our terms here.


It is good to believe the truth, including a belief in God, and a belief in His ability to miraculously impact the physical realm.
It is not good to believe lies.  You were not made for the purpose of believing lies, and it can actually be destructive to you physically (mentally).  I think what Psychologists are observing is the destructive effects of believing what is not true, whether that be "I am a gorilla", or "I am going to be a gorilla tomorrow" (an "unrealistic expectation").


So in that sense, it is not good to believe in the "unrealistic."  But it is not fair to equate the "supernatural" with the "unrealistic" or "impossible", as if all that which were possible must exist in the natural (physical) realm.

To the extent that the supernatural realm is "real", it would be best to believe in it.  To reject the God who really exists would be extremely unhealthy!

Bottom line: Christianity is about truth, not blind faith in unrealistic fantasies.


  “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” -Jesus (John 8:31-32)