Great point on the challenges of integrating modern psychology and Christianity.
Since its recognition as a discipline in 1879, psychology has experienced various
phases, with an initial influence from philosophical viewpoints, to a current focus
on the mind and behavior (Hatfield, 2002). Hatfield (2002) partially credits the
recognition of psychology as a science to its disconnection from philosophy.
Johnson (2010) explains that both theology, psychology, and philosophy have the
unique goal of finding the truth. However, the leading approach of these
disciplines significantly differs, with psychology relying on observation, theology
on revelation, and philosophy on reasoning to achieve its goals (Johnson, 2010).
Furthermore, psychology and theology have congruent roots, which can be traced
back to the work of ancient Greek philosophers (Johnson, 2010).
While research and science are the primary sources of knowledge for modern
psychology, Christianity relies on the scripture as its source of knowledge
(Johnson, 2010).
Despite the similarities mentioned above, one of the five views presented by
Johnson (2010), a level-of-explanation, sees psychology and theology as
independent domains that should not interfere with one another. This view
attempts to minimize personal bias when interpreting scientific findings (Johnson,
2010).
With that in mind, if God is the author of all truth, the modern psychology findings
are mere reflections of God's authorship and, therefore, his truth. I found one
statement in your thread to be poignant in this discussion of how does Modern
Psychology as a science and Christianity fit together. You mentioned “humans are
considered to be naturally spiritual beings who depend on the Almighty for
everything in their life”. When I look at it from a humanitarian perspective than my
approach changes as it relates to Christianity and God with Psychology and
Science. I am inclined to feel that same in my belief that the true fit between the
two is how it affects people. Individuals that follow Scriptures as taught the
words of wisdom from the Almighty God as to how to live one’s life. God clearly
explores the pathway to how people live their life. But on the other hand people
live their lives also by exploring and tracing their steps on a given day. Each day
is different (unlike Groundhog Day) where the outcomes of one’s actions are
based on what a person decides to do. They follow the tune of science and
psychology as they live out experiments as to what worked and didn’t work.
Wolters (2005), talk about truth and how it is about an individuals beliefs about
things and how these things are anything that one can have a belief about. In
order for an individual to have a belief about something then they are in essence
having a worldview. This worldview can either derive from Christianity and God’s
Scripture or can come from psychology and science with empiricism. Either way,
we can clearly see that there is in fact a fit between the two. People are making
decision about their life based on action. I concur with your psychology and
Christianity insight; we are all given an opportunity to make the best decisions and we
have the bible to instruct and psychology to guide our thoughts. I think for so long
people have misconstrued the presence of God and in some ways, He is used to
convicting people before they sin. If you think about it, when you swear to tell the truth
in the courtroom, the bible is used. To an unbeliever, this could be very intimidating, and
ultimately a misrepresentation of God’s power. If we are not careful one might be led
astray with the idea that God is not forgiving. In combining psychology with Christianity,
one would be allowed an opportunity to seek the presence of God so that when troubles
arise, psychological services will only enhance the teachings of the bible. I do not feel
that God would have gifted psychologists with these gifts, had He not intended them to
be utilized in conjunction with His word. According to scripture, God is our protection in
times of crisis (New King James Version, 1997, Psalm 46:1) therefore we should not
fear for God is always with us.
References
Hatfield, G. (2002). Psychology, philosophy, and cognitive science: Reflections on
the history and philosophy of experimental psychology. Mind & Language, 17(3),
207-232. http://www.doi.org/10.1111/1468-0017.00196
Johnson, E. L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five views (2nd ed.). IVP
Academic.
