You effectively tied the two elements together of modern psychological theory
and Christianity in order to demonstrate the similarities in the pursuit of truth,
knowledge and understanding (English Standard Version, 2022). As you pointed
out, our culture is very much intertwined with the tenets of Christianity, but there
still continues to remain a divide when it comes to approach taken to meet
objectives. Hill noted that in order to properly integrate with the field of modern
psychology, the Bible would have to gain authority in outside fields (Hill, 2005).
The reading I conducted by Hathaway et al. mentions a similar concept as Hill in
relation to explanatory power, in that the Bible can be used as a resource or
reference when it comes to supplementing and augmenting the study of
psychology (Hathaway et al., Hill; 2021, 2005). The more Scripture is included in
the study of psychology and the more practitioners embrace the Christian mindset
when working with their patients and conducting their research, the faster the
existing gap between theology and psychology can be eliminated. Part of that
integration, as you mentioned, would be to encourage the Church to also embrace
secular thought and the scientific method. With the right balance, the two fields of
theology and psychology could work synchronously to define the human
experience. It would be interesting to explore as a follow-on study what actionable
steps could be taken to help both fields expand their outlook and incorporate
elements into their lessons drawing from one another’s fields. Thank you for
sharing your thoughts on this insightful discussion. Excellent explanation on the
integration view of Christianity and psychology. I have been focusing on the bible
being my guide and science that is in line with the word, helps explain these
truths, but I have not thought about what you said, as far as reaching people
outside the church. This is a good point and something that can't be missed. We
must be able to relate to others in order to reach them. This is why God spoke a
lot in parables so people could understand.The example you gave on a more
detailed approach on understanding emotions is something that I am thinking
about in my research area of Trauma Psychology and how you cope with trauma.
As you said, some things need be explained through empirical research, but will
come back in alignment with God. 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets
have gone out into the world (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Romans 8:14)."
As long as we are careful with how we seek the truth in science and make sure
it's in alignment with God's word as Aquinas states, “some truths can be known
only through scriptures, not by things like astronomy or astrology, but more like
truth found in nature that are not disclosed in scripture (Sproul, 2010, p. 70).”It
was enlightening reading your discussion. I agree the ability to combine the
Psychological view and the Christian view are necessary. It is true that division
erodes the chance at unity within these two entities. The bible refers to unity
among individuals as all individuals being essential parts that are to fit together to
make one body (MEV, 2014, 1 Cor. 12: 12-27).Like you stated, it is vital to have
the wisdom of the word to be able to correctly get understanding to apply the
Psychological view (MEV, 2014, Prov. 4: 10 - 13). If the purity of what is
considered secular is used to build along with the truth of the sacred, optimum
resuts could be attained for individuals to have greater mental resilience. This
could cause positive effects in the individual, their families, community, and
through the world.
Unfortunately, the thought processes of combining the Psychological view and the
Christian view at the present time seem similar to the past rigid views of what or
who was allowed or not allowed to be used during that time. The bible illustrates
that even God instructed Peter to change his mindset about the views and rules
of engagement for Jewish and Gentile people (MEV, 2014, Acts 10: 28). The bible
also points to the factual knowledge or witty inventions that come forth from
following wisdom (MEV, 2014, Prov. 8: 12).
My interpretation would be that similar to other philosophies of thought,
Psychological theories were birthed out of knowledge given by God's biblical truth
(MEV, 2014, Acts 17: 18 - 21). As you stated, facts and the truth of the two enties
combined are vital for the progression of individual and human kind.
Reference
Modern English Version, Parsley, R. ( 2014). Breakthrough Jubilee Bible. Military
Bible Association, Passio, Fl.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1&version
Sproul, R. C. The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts That Shaped
Our World. Crossway Books, 2020.
Hathaway, W.; Yarhouse, M. (2021). The Integration of Psychology and
Christianity: A Domain-based approach. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove IL.
Hill, P. C. (2005). Living on the boundary: Scriptural authority and psychology.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 33(2), 98 -112.
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arly-journals%2Fliving-on-boundary-scriptural-
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