Psychology as a science and Christianity have different origins, goals, and beliefs,
that if utilized correctly (together) can work in tandem and support each other into
the future. a When viewing how Christianity and psychology obtain their knowledge
and foundations of truth vary greatly.
a. Christianity (Christians) receive their knowledge and fundamental truths through
Scripture and work of God. The Scriptures teach us the. Expectations or rules of
God within our experiences to help improve our spiritual vision. God teaches us
truth and knowledge in a variety of ways or through life influences. God’s
influence, teachings or plans, are not conveyed or experiences the same for all of
us which makes it difficult for some to accept as fact.
b. Psychology utilizes research, modeling, and tangible/obtainable facts through
research facts as a source for scientific understanding to truth and knowledge.
Psychology believes that most things can be understood and explained in the
correct conditions. When something is not able to be explained it is believed that
society has not reached that level of understanding or technology development
within our sociality.
a a a Even though each concept has a different source on their knowledge and
truths does not mean that they cannot function interoperable together. However,
we do need to review the goals of Christianity and Psychology to obtain a clearer
perspective on their compatibility to fit together.
a. Psychology determines its goals based on research and acts that can be
determined through scientific research and detailed explanations. It’s foundations
of knowledge are rooted in the idea that tall things can be explained but not
necessarily understood. However, through research psychology believes it is able
to create a more inclusive world and bring understanding through research,
learning and understanding the learning of tangible facts.
b. The goal of Christianity is to bring humans closer, develop a stronger
relationship/understanding with their creator (God). This relationship and
understanding with God creates a more spiritual calling and understanding to
life’s plan.
a a Now that we have discussed the origins of knowledge and the goals associated
with psychology and Christianity, we must address the inter an opposing
relationship. Whenever a psychological study suggests scientific findings that are
different from the Bible (Scriptures) there is the possibility of social or
interpersonal conflict. This conflict varies on how the psychology discoveries are
communicated and what support is proved to the individual from a biblical
viewpoint.
a a Today the importance that Christianity and psychology working together to
address the disparities in research and communicate that the discoveries are not
absolute is critical in developing a successful collaboration. a a Specifically, more
Christians recognize that psychological observations illuminate our understanding
of human cognition, emotionality, and our social and personal experiences. The
Bible provides some very specific instructions on how one might become more
emotionally and spiritually healthy, psychology provides us insight into the
emotional and mental dynamic of our experience and provides us with tools to
enact the Bible’s instructions.
a a To better place this into context lets view it from the book of Romans, where
Paul instructs us to no longer conform to the patterns of this world (Rom 12:1).
Psychoanalytic explanations posits that the patterns that have the greatest impact
over our emotions and behavior come from our family of origin. What happens to
us in childhood contributes to how we function as adults. Utilizing psychoanalytic
explanations can help us gain understanding how our experiences during
childhood impact our emotional and rational health and help change these
patterns that limit or control our behavior.
a a When we are combining psychology and Christianity together in a syncretism
manner can lead us to a more inclusive and spiritually healthy relationship with
God. This can also help us become more knowledgeable on the insight with the
meaning and direction provided in the Bible, not only from a historical context but
from our current world view.
References:
Johnson, E. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2nd ed.). Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830828487.
Wolters, A.M. (2005). Creation Regained (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN: 9780802829696
