Running head: CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY FIT 1
Christianity and Psychology Fit
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CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY FIT 2
Christianity and Psychology Fit
The debate about the link between psychology and Christianity has caused a lot of
controversy over the past years due to hard lines taken by psychologists and Christians. Johnson
(2010), advanced a transformational view of understanding the relationship between the two
disciplines through five models. These models include levels-of-explanation, integration, Christian
psychology, biblical counselling and transformational psychology views. The five views strive to
answer essential questions about human beings.
Overview of Integration and Transformational Psychology Views
Integration perspective posits that psychology and Christianity depend on one another,
although the bible is superior. This perspective teaches that a transformation approach fulfils
biblical stipulations in the Old Testament, hence should be included within Christian psychology.
Advocates of this view, mainly therapists and counsellors, acknowledge that Christian faith is
essential to contemporary counselling and psychology. Also, the proponents for integration honour
the scientific virtue of psychology and conclude that contemporary psychology and Christian faith
should be related through interdisciplinary integration.
Integration is necessary since secular techniques would be useful. Furthermore, integration
enables counsellors to employ their behaviours, values, beliefs and attitude onto clients they handle
(American Counselling Association, 2014). This approach would not short-change the bible as a
significant form of authority. Secular research offers a lot of knowledge in recognition of mental
illness. When Christian psychologists embrace secular research, they will comprehend all
psychological, biological and social underpinnings about mental illness to empathize with clients.
Nonetheless, Christians must be cautious about sticking to Christianity in areas where it contradicts
research.
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY FIT 3
Transformational psychology view posits that psychological actions should align with God’s
requirements that control human actions. God is the founder of all truth, although He allows human
beings to adopt psychological truths which do not contradict Christian principles. Coe and Hall
posit that the transformational psychology view enables Christian Psychologists to apply scientific
advances which arisen from enlightenment to overcome erroneous beliefs, superstition and apply the
reality of faith (Johnson, 2010). That is, this view recommends the application of practices of faith
in forensic psychology. The transformational model encourages the integration of psychology and
Christianity to mitigate biases that may exist on either side.
This view is essential since it strives to ensure significant unity with the Almighty God in all
endeavours of Christian Psychologists. However, this view belittles human personality and spirit,
which denotes an individual's attitude. The focus on individuals is necessary to fulfil all standards
of God. Also, this view is significant because it supports the formulation of goals which aid in the
self-actualization of people. An exploration of psychology through a transformational view clarifies
the knowing of the whole person. That is, it advocates for an emotional-spiritual advancement of a
clinician to demystify all aspects of truth.
Reflection
I resonate with the Biblical view of transformation as a Christian. Hays and Erford (2018),
support my beliefs by saying that the Biblical God is a significant belief for the majority of
Americans and other people across the world. God is supreme and directs all human activities. Sola
scriptura is the only way for humanity as stressed by Paul in the new testament by saying, “All
scripture is God’s inspiration and profitable for correction, for doctrine, instruction and reproof in
righteousness” (The New International Version, 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17). Belief in God enables
counsellors to apply a multicultural perspective when dealing with people to incorporate psychology
and theology throughout their practices.
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY FIT 4
Biblical view model fits within allies model of integration. This model is holistic and strives
to unify theology and psychology (Entwistle, 2015). Additionally, allies model posits that the
Christian God is the source of all truth. Giving credit to God in all human practices would fulfil
requirements of the grand narrative of restoring the world to God’s original standards at creation.
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY FIT 5
References
American Counseling Association (ACA) (2014). Code of ethics as approved by the ACA
Governing Council. Retrieved from: https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-
ethics.pdf
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity (3rded.). Eugene
OR: Cascade Books.
Hays, D. G. (2018). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach. New
York, NY: Pearson.
Johnson, E. L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. Downers Grove. IL: IVP
Academic.
