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
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.
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
b
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.
