CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 1
Resilience: Integrating Christianity and Psychology
Tasha Kuester
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
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Abstract
Resilience is the ability to withstand difficulties or to adapt mentally, emotionally, and/or
behaviorally in times of trouble. Resilience has been studied by psychologists for many years, but
it is also built into the foundation of Christian tradition and scripture. This paper discusses
resilience in relation to the integration of Christianity and psychology. Entwistle defines
integration as the unified understanding of human nature from the perspective of Christian
doctrine and modern psychology (2015). There are differing views and models of how integrating
these two disciplines should look. Despite years of tension between Christianity and science,
current research shows the effects of spirituality on psychological and physical health. Previous
studies have found a correlation between faith and resiliency; this should be considered a point
where integration can effectively begin.
Keywords: Christianity, psychology, integration, resilience, faith, trauma
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Resilience: Integrating Christianity and Psychology
For many years there have been tensions between Psychology and Christianity.
Psychology has attempted to treat problems of the mind and soul without God, which in turn,
angered the Church (Johnson, 2010). These disciplines are both interested in reducing suffering
and enhancing personal well-being through different methods. Psychology assumes that this can
be achieved through naturalistic, material means and focuses on the psyche and well-being in
life. Christianity utilizes tradition and scripture and focuses on the salvation of souls. A
difference in foundational worldviews prevents these disciplines from being properly integrated.
However, several models have been designed to explore different options of integrating the two
(Entwistle, 2015; Johnson, 2010). Resilience is defined as the ability to adapt to uncomfortable
or difficult life experiences through the use of mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility (APA
Dictionary of Psychology, 2007). The intersection of psychology and Christianity, at the point of
resilience, can be a potential area in which the mind and human behavior can be understood more
comprehensively. Further research on resilience can develop our understanding of the topic and
contribute to its impact on the integration of psychology and Christianity. Recent studies have
found a positive correlation between resilience and faith, both in Christianity and the secular
world.
Resilience in Christianity
Faith in God is the foundation of Christianity, but does faith come with resilience or does
resilience come from faith? The story of Job provides a vibrant example of resilience from faith.
Despite losing everything and his wife telling him to curse the Lord, Job remained faithful that
God was in control. His faith provided him the resilience he needed to overcome his trials
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(English Standard Version Bible, 2001/1973, Job). Proverbs 24:16 says, “for the righteous
fallsAseven times and rises again, butAthe wicked stumble in times of calamity” (English Standard
Version Bible, 2001/1973). Resilience, in Christianity, is the power to bounce back from failure,
which is given directly from God. The people of Israel experienced much hardship throughout
the Old Testament, but they showed their resilience through how they maintained their
relationship with God, despite wandering in the wilderness (English Standard Version Bible,
2001/1973, Numbers 32:13). Resilience is dependent on God and how one cultivates a close
relationship with Him. This relationship must include repentance and faithfulness so that
resilience can be built upon established trust and dependence. Christianity views resilience as a
divine gift, not a human achieved trait. Throughout the Bible, there are stories of characters who
have greatly suffered and yet they continue to praise God and remain faithful, persevering
through their hardships.
Discussions of resilience extended to the New Testament where Jesus gave hope and the
promise of a new life in Him (English Standard Version Bible, 2001/1973, 1 Peter 1:3). Jesus and
His disciples displayed constant resilience from the persecution, executions, and hatred from a
world that was not ready to accept their message (English Standard Version Bible, 2001/1973,
Matthew 5:10-12). God did not remove suffering from these people because they cultivated
resilience through their faithful relationship with Him. Traditionally, Christians have not viewed
resilience as something they can access without God. Resilience was not meant to be used for
personal well-being or success but for the goal of remaining faithful to God and receiving
salvation. Resilience is a Christian tradition contained within the scriptures to encourage
Christians to move forward, overcome temptations, and endure trials and tribulations (English
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Standard Version Bible, 2001/1973, Romans 12:21; James 1:2). Resiliency is vital to the
Christian mission of sharing the Good News with a fallen world in which Christians are often
persecuted. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds Christians to trust in God instead of their own
understandings in order to remain resilient (English Standard Version Bible, 2001/1973). These
passages suggest that resilience is developed from faith.
Resilience in Psychology
Faith is also positively correlated with resilience within the secular world. In 2017,
President Barack Obama encouraged Americans by reminding them to remain faithful to the
promise that ordinary American people can bring about change, even in the face of adversity
(President Barack Obama’s Prepared Farewell Address, 2017). The former president asked
Americans to have faith in the institutions and the people that make America great. Secular faith
is relying on other people to aid in times of distress. Psychological researchers define resilience
as the successful adaptation to adversity as well as an individual psychological trait (Blanke et
al., 2022). Researchers followed 132 middle aged adults (38-61) in a longitudinal study as they
believed this age group experienced major life events and has been under studied. They were
surveyed one year apart, researchers made home visits, and participants were given a device that
prompted them to check in six times a day for 12 days. Researchers utilized the 12-item form of
the Resiliency Scale, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale Revised, and the Centre for
Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to measure trait resilience, major life events, affective
distress, stressor occurrence, negative affect, stress reactivity, positive reappraisal, and
mindfulness. Results indicated that although trait resilience was associated with higher
mindfulness and positive reappraisal, it did not predict affective distress change over the
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 6
yearlong study. This would suggest that individual trait resilience is less effective at improving
psychological well-being than resilience in terms of behavioral adaptability. Certain traits,
however, have been shown to increase the likelihood of an individual expressing resiliency.
Schneider et al. examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience
(2013). Emotional intelligence was defined as the ability to perceive, integrate, understand, and
manage emotions. Researchers hypothesized that emotional intelligence would encourage
adaptive functioning during stressful events. A sample of 126 undergraduate psychology students
were selected with varied ages (M=20, SD=4.6). Researchers exposed participants to two active
coping stressors to counteract any psychophysiological habituation responses. These included a
mental arithmetic task where they were asked to count backwards by sevens and a speech task in
which they had to defend themselves against a sexual harassment accusation. MSCEIT V2.0 was
used to measure emotional intelligence, two items were used to measure stress, PANAS was used
to assess positive and negative affect, and a blood pressure cuff and cardiograph were used to
measure physiological changes. Results showed that emotional intelligence was correlated with
lower threat appraisals, slower declines in positive affect, less negative affect, and it mediated the
physiological responses to stress. As expected, stress resilience is facilitated by emotional
intelligence. Besides individual traits, resiliency can be looked at from a socioeconomic
perspective.
Brody et al. examined the resiliency of preadolescent African Americans in the rural
south of the United States (2013). Researchers stated that this population was resilient due to
their competency in spite of the adversities of their low socioeconomic environment. They
believed that although this population appeared outwardly to be successful, the internalized
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 7
psychological toll of their status could be measured physiologically. Through allostasis,
psychological stress must be stabilized through biological means resulting in potential long term
health issues. Researchers hypothesized that youths exhibiting higher competence would
experience higher levels of allostatic load (AL) and low levels of depression and behavioral
problems. Four hundred eighty-nine rural African American youths were assessed for self-
regulation, academic competence, and social competence at ages 11-13. Depressive symptoms,
externalizing behaviors, and AL were then assessed when the youths turned 19 years of age.
Their teachers completed the Self-Control Inventory and the Perceived Competence Scale.
Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression
Scale and substance use was a self-report measure. AL was recorded using resting blood pressure
and overnight cortisol levels. The results supported the hypothesis that although this population
experienced greater resiliency, they also experienced greater physical morbidity and mortality
than other ethnic populations. The applications of this study will be discussed later in this paper.
Students are another population that is often studied to understand the effects of
resiliency. Martin was interested in the correlation between academic buoyancy which is related
to anxiety, uncertain control, and failure avoidance, and academic resilience which is more
related to self-handicapping and disengagement (2023). Academic buoyancy is the extent to
which an individual can adapt to everyday academic challenges while academic resiliency is the
ability to overcome chronic adversity. The sample was comprised of 918 students from nine
different schools with varying ages (M=14.54, SD=1.53). Students were administered a survey
to complete during the class session and results were assessed using the Academic Buoyancy
Scale (ABS) and Academic Risk and Resilience Scale (ARRS). Results confirmed that they
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 8
represent separate factors that share a 35% variance. Researchers also found that academic
resiliency mediated the effect of academic buoyancy on major negative outcomes. These findings
explore how important resiliency is for students to overcome academic setbacks.
Integration
Integration is the process of unifying Christianity and psychology to create a more
complete understanding of human nature and behavior (Entwistle, 2015). Entwistle described his
six models of integration to include Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Rebuilders, Neutral Parties, and
Allies. The Enemies model began during the enlightenment when religious fundamentalists
retreated from academic investigation and became distrustful of information formed outside of
the church. This is an either/or model that views the disciplines as mutually exclusive. Followers
of this model, whether Secular Combatants or Christian Combatants, are suspicious of the other
and often suppress opposing viewpoints. Within the Spies model, Foreign Spies and Domestic
Spies enter the opposing discipline in an attempt to utilize that which can be useful to them. They
are less interested in theological doctrine and more interested in harnessing the psychological
benefits of religion, either from within or by outside observation. Each party takes what is
beneficial to psychological health from religion without recognizing the integrity of either
discipline. The Colonialists model describes Christians who take from the discipline of
psychology without contributing anything to it. They take what is useful from psychology while
remaining loyal to orthodox or conservative Christian theology. This model fails to appreciate the
merit of psychology unless it can be forced to conform to theology. The Rebuilders believe that
God is sovereign over all things, to include psychology and it is their job to restore psychology
from the perspective of servants of God. Rebuilders view the Bible and Christianity as
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 9
psychological in origin. Followers of this model attempt to reconstruct psychological truths
through Christian assumptions. Neutral Parties states that each discipline is autonomous and must
be segregated to maintain disciplinary sovereignty. Followers of this model adhere to the rules in
whichever discipline they are currently exploring. Entwistle’s final model of integration is the
Allies model which recognizes that theological and psychological investigation can be used to
uncover truths about the natural world and humanity. Allies acknowledge the importance of
forming a Christian worldview prior to participating in psychology because of its influence on
human thinking. Both disciplines are under God’s sovereignty so they fit together and should
serve His goals. Because of this underlying unity between disciplines, this model attempts to
integrate Christianity and psychology to discern truth and use it for God’s glory.
In addition to Entwistle’s six models of integration, Johnson formed his Five Views on
how Christianity and psychology can interact: Levels-of-Explanation, Christian Psychology,
Biblical Counseling, Integration, and Transformative Psychology (2010). Levels-of-Explanation
views reality as multi-layered with disciplines providing different perspectives from which to
study the natural world. This view has a solid foundation of science and believes that theological
knowledge can be guided by scientific facts. Christian Psychologists attempt to rebuild
psychology on a foundation of Christianity. They believe that humans are flawed and even
scientific discovery is not free from subjectivity. They are encouraged to practice psychology
while keeping in mind the assumptions of their Christian traditions. Biblical Counseling views
Christian faith is its own psychology and ministry is a form of psychotherapy. Biblical
Counselors believe that soul care belongs to the church since suffering is caused by the fractured
relationship with God, and it can be cured by repairing that relationship. The Integration view
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 10
utilizes Christian doctrine as a framework for scientific discovery, but it understands that
scripture does not hold every answer. Integrationists practice psychology with the understanding
that Christianity shapes all facets of work. Psychology utilizes facts and the entire human
experience to develop theories, so Christianity provides foundational truths of human nature.
Finally, Transformational psychology focuses more on the person and the way they engage
science from a spiritual perspective. In this view, the counselor must be reshaped in order to
provide spiritual and relational growth. They believe there is a single vision of studying
psychology through Christianity.
Although Christianity and psychology have different perspectives from which they
explain human behavior and natural phenomena, both play a role in understanding resilience
which is a point of integration. Faith, whether in God or in other people, promotes resiliency and
increases psychological well-being. Psychological researchers, utilizing mostly the Foreign Spies
model and the Levels-of-Explanation view, have conducted numerous studies to investigate the
cause and effects of resilience (Bonanno et al., 2017; Madewell & Ponce‐Garcia, 2016).
Conversely, a few studies have been conducted through the lens of the Allies model and the
Integration view. Malcom and Scott (2021) were interested in how faith effects resiliency levels.
They defined four characteristics of resilience: bouncing back, adaptation, persistence, and
resistance. They found that faith is capable of exhibiting resilience and explains the phenomenon
better than positive theory. Manning conducted 30 interviews with six women over the age of 80
to understand the components of spiritual resistance that promote psychological well-being
(2012). The sample was chosen from midwestern women who had survived into advanced age
while overcoming life’s difficulties and who identified as Christian. Individual, semi-structured
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 11
interviews were used to collect data on experience of hardships and effects of spirituality on
outcomes. Three factors contributed to participants’ resilience: relationship with God, having a
purpose, and being profoundly grateful. The results suggest that faith increases resilience,
particularly coping abilities and strength in late stages of life. This has implications for not only
integrating psychology and Christianity but also medical disciplines as resilience plays a role in
health outcomes later in life. These findings are consistent with Pietrzak and Cook’s research that
found a correlation between U.S. veteran resilience and sense of purpose and supportive
relationships (2013). These findings can be better understood when viewed from both theological
and psychological perspectives by utilizing the Allies model and the Integration view.
Despite differing worldviews, these disciplines share similarities in the importance of
faith and coping with suffering. Within Christianity, Jesus often encouraged followers that faith
in God would transform their lives and the lives of those around them. In psychology, faith that
something will happen despite no change in treatment is referred to as the placebo effect.
Although they discuss faith from different perspectives, both disciplines emphasize the effect that
beliefs have on human experiences. Several stories in the Bible depict characters that suffer and
persevere through their faith in God, but none more recognizable than the story of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ life was the template from which Christians can understand suffering and appreciate the
value of enduring it. Psychological studies have also been interested in the ability of individuals
and groups to overcome trauma and build resistance to future events (Nuttman‐Shwartz & Green,
2021; Scali et al., 2012). Christian principles of suffering and resulting resilience can be
supplemented with psychological research to better understand human behavior.
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 12
Discussion
Resilience by faith is a virtue that has been discussed for centuries by philosophers and
theologians. Galatians 5:22-23 includes resilience as one of the fruits of the Spirit (English
Standard Version Bible, 2001/1973). The scripture passages discussed in this paper piece
together a vibrant tapestry of overcoming obstacles through faith. Psychological research on the
concept, however, is lacking because modern psychology focuses on non-spiritual aspects of
health. Forefathers of psychology, Sigmund Freud and B.F. Skinner, viewed religion as an
unhealthy illusion (Agaibi, 2018). Others, like Carl Jung, saw the significance of spirituality in
regard to emotional well-being. The dialogue between Christianity and psychology has
progressed over recent years, providing an integrative perspective of human behavior. However,
psychology still fails to provide a universally accepted operational definition of resilience and so
much of the research is focused on maladaptation to trauma. Some literature focuses on
resilience as a trait or a process, others on the importance of character, personality characteristics,
or temperament, and others on decision making skills, or availability of resources. The majority
of this literature, however, does not investigate the relationship between faith and resilience.
Bauer and Campbell (2021) conducted a scoping review of the literature concerning faith and
resilience and found a miniscule amount of 60 articles written on the topic between 1990-2020.
This presents a clear gap in research. Studies conducted more recently suggest a relationship
between faith and resilience; more research should be conducted to understand this relationship
and the impact it has on the integration of Christianity and psychology (Malcolm & Scott, 2021;
Manning, 2012).
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Practical Application
Integrating psychology and Christianity through the topic of resilience has several
practical applications. Spirituality is an important aspect of life for many people. Christian
counselors and psychologists alike can use the empirical data presented to develop techniques for
cultivating resilience in their patients. Research indicates that individuals who practice
spirituality live longer, cope with illness and pain better, and have faster recovery than those who
do not practice spirituality (Malcolm & Scott, 2021). Brody et al.’s findings that populations who
experience resiliency may also suffer from physical ailments is important for patient care in
individuals who may seem to be coping well with difficulties but may be unaware of
physiological issues (2013). While this presents practical application for the health field, there is
relevance for psychological health as well. Coping mechanisms depicted by people who practice
spirituality can affect treatment decisions and outcomes. This information can also be used to
suggest an appropriate support group as faith contributes to individual identity as well as group
identity. Peer support has been shown to promote resilience in times of need (Pietrzak & Cook,
2021). Understanding a patient’s spirituality can portray a more complete representation of who
they are, and treatment tailored to their individual beliefs can be more effective. Beliefs drive
behavior so it is important for a counselor to understand the patients’ beliefs in order to assess
how they may be affecting their current psychological issue. Spiritual based activities like prayer,
trusting a higher power, understanding one’s God given intrinsic value, forgiveness, humbling
oneself, carrying out good deeds, seeking support from religious leaders, and participating in
acceptance can all encourage resilience which contributes to psychological health. Martin’s
findings indicate a need for psychologists to understand and encourage activities that stimulate
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 14
student attributes that support resilience in academics (2013). Finally, the insights gained from
psychological research on resilience can provide the means to fully understand and live out the
instructions provided in scripture.
Future Research
The majority of previous research has investigated resilience in populations that have
experienced trauma (Blanke et al., 2022; Bonanno et al., 2007; Manning, 2012; Nuttman‐
Shwartz & Green, 2021; Pietrzak & Cook, 2013; Scali et al., 2012). Future research on the
relationship between faith and resilience should be conducted on healthy, non-traumatized
populations. By gaining insight into what promotes resilience in a healthy population,
researchers can better understand which spiritual activities contribute to psychological health.
This information can be used to structure treatment for patients and encourage overall life
satisfaction.
Conclusion
Throughout history, the church and science have viewed each other through the Enemies
model but they have always shared the same goal of understanding and treating the human
condition from different angles (Johnson, 2010). The integration of science and religion has
historically brought advancements in science, mathematics, and even rational discourse. The
scientific method could not have been developed without the foundation of the Christian
worldview that perceives the natural world as an orderly place where laws can describe its
uniformity. In the past, studies on resilience have not investigated the effects of faith but the field
has begun to shift towards integration. Researchers have begun to understand, through empirical
data, how important spirituality is to mental health and the applications this information can have
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 15
on patients in a clinical setting. The integration of Christianity and psychology should continue
to be explored through the years to better understand the potential strengths and limitations of
their amalgamation on understanding resilience. Christianity has offered insight into the human
condition for thousands of years and this can be supplemented by psychological research in order
to provide a more holistic understanding of human behavior. Within this merger, there is a
possibility that Christians and psychologists alike can improve their perception of humanity
while encouraging spiritual and emotional well-being for all.
CHRISTIANITY AND PSYCHOLOGY 16
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