Introduction & Premise
The purpose of this thread is to discuss the article “Doing Theology in
Dialogue with Psychology.”
1
The author believes the two disciplines have often been
seen as alternatives whereas be thinks they are better seen as complimentary
perspectives. He also believes that the dialogue is notoriously one sided with
theology being much more interested in science than science is with theology.
However, he does see areas of common ground between the two groups where they
can learn from each other.
Common Ground
The author believes that the topic of ‘forgiveness’ is one of those areas and
one where he believes theology can contribute to psychology. Forgiveness has
previously been a central part of Christion theology, but it has recently seen the
emergence of theory, research, and practice in the psychology field. He believes
theology has a better grasp on forgiveness and it’s cost where psychology tends to
view it as a straightforward, pragmatic event to make someone feel better. Theology
obviously believes that it may make you feel better, but there is also a moral
imperative to forgive regardless of how it makes you feel.
1
Fraser Watts, "Doing Theology in Dialogue with Psychology." Journal of Psychology and
Theology 40, no. 1 (Spring, 2012): 45-50,
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest. com%2 Fscholarly-
journals%2Fdoing-theology-dialogue-with-psychology%2Fdocview%2F1020172045%2Fse-2%3 Faccountid
%3D12085.
The article also described areas where psychology can make contributions to
theology to include the interpretation of scripture. This includes understanding the
context and mind-set of Jesus and the psychological significance of his teaching. He
also believes psychologists can contribute to the understanding of how individual
personalities or psychological development influence the way that people read or
understand scripture.
The article also contained several areas of integration where psychology and
theology have been working together to include perspectives on religion and human
nature and the subject of spiritual healing. Some of these areas are similar to the
subjects that Dr. Julie Exline has been studying in Entwistle’s (2015) text to include
the virtues of forgiveness and humility.
2
d
Conclusion
The author believes the interface between psychology and theology can
highlight the significance of religious beliefs and that each has much to learn from
the other. He also believes dialogue between the two disciplines will help heal past
differences between the objective and subjective aspects of religious belief.
2
David N. Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An
Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration, (3rd ed.),
(Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015), 643
Bibliography
Entwistle, David N. Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An
Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of
Integration, 3rd ed., Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015
Watts, Fraser. "Doing Theology in Dialogue with Psychology." Journal of Psychology
and Theology 40, no. 1 (Spring, 2012): 45-50,
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fdoing-theology-
dialogue-with-psychology%2Fdocview%2F1020172045%2Fse-2%3Faccountid
%3D12085.
