Psychology and Reflection Paper
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
PSYC 420: Psychology and Christianity
Psychology and Christianity Reflection
More than often, we think about this question and how the two coincide with each other.
Is Christianity more important than psychology or vice vera? Is one greater to focus on then the
other? Christianity is a religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, as well
as the beliefs and practices. Christianity has become the largest of the world’s religions and the
most diffused of all faiths. Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its
functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.
Christianity provides a worldview from which to understand the nature of the world and
the nature of humanity. As Christians we seek the Bible to guide us with our psychological and
emotional needs. We use scripture to get us through tough times and good times. Second Peter
1:3 (NET) states that “I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything
necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own
glory and excellence”. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NET) states “Every scripture is inspired by God and
useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the 17
person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work”. God’s word is
sufficient for life and godliness, this includes our emotional and psychological well-being.
Scripture is equipped to provide healing from the Holy Spirit to the one seeking it. The fruit of
the spirit love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
all describe an emotionally balanced, psychologically stable person. Why would we need
psychology if Gods word and the Holy Spirit can provide us with tools that we need to develop
the fruit of the spirit?
Many argue that the Bible isn’t comprehensive and doesn’t tell us in detail how to deal
with many of the complex problems people struggle with. The Bible is used to help with
problems pertaining to the soul where psychology is used to deal with medical problems. Are
medical problems based off of not knowing how to deal with them and by not putting faith into
God? Medical conditions like anxiety, fear, depression, and many others can be healed by the
Holy Spirit, God and scripture, but I feel that psychology can also teach you the ways to
incorporate techniques to help avoid those medical conditions from rising. Techniques used can
be learning how to meditate or just being able to talk to someone who won’t judge you.
Matt 5:44 (NET) states “But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those
who persecute you”. This world has changed significantly over the past 100 years. Medical
problems have become more common among individuals and I believe it comes from the lack of
belief in God and the Holy Spirit. We need to get back to modeling Christ and to encourage our
kids to be like him. If our focus is to show Christlike love to our children and to model a life of
service motivated by His grace, then children will learn to love and serve him as well.
In the end I do believe that Christianity and psychology can coincide with each other. By
having the Holy spirit, God and psychology one can have all the weapons to succeed in their
process of becoming healed from the problems that lie within them. Healing is a team effort and
we need to exacerbate all of our tools that are accessible to us. Psalm 139:14 (NKJV) “I will
praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my
soul knows very well”.
