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.
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
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.
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
c
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.
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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.
