The reading of “Psychology and Christianity Five Views’ by Johnson, Myers, &
Jones is an eye-opener study that explains the relationship between Christianity
and psychology. It highlights both science and faith that means a lot in an
individual’s life. Here, the used term psychology is always progressing and
evolving. This textbook is very informative and beneficial; that made me learn
different types of views and perspectives. I believe that the collected information
will be the best healer in the upcoming years. While reading this book, I tried to be
neutral myself on these new views (Johnson & Jones, 2000). However, I felt a
little disappointed while educating myself regarding the transformational view in
the fifth chapter. Here, I have identified that the used theory is different from
other perspectives that are covered this semester, like LOE and Integration Model.
In general, the transformational view is a stand-alone theory and is considered to
be grounded in reality. This particular viewpoint is widely agreed upon by many
psychologists or persons of science. Likely, a person of faith also believes in the
form of healing which does not have faith in psychology. Further, this viewpoint
does not make anyone less credible and whole as a Christian or a psychologist
(Johnson & Jones, 2000).
My final research paper will be on treating stress and anxiety among people using
alternative methods. While going through my research paper, I have identified that
stress and anxiety are growing among the people due to the covid-19 pandemic,
as many people have lost their job and they are unable to go outside because of
the lockdown. The pandemic period has affected many people across the world,
but I found that Christian people were also part of that. However, this textbook
was eye-open for me as it supported me connect and identifying my future
patients during the ongoing research process.
The statement Johnson - “for the Christian, the science of psychology and the art
of counselling are fundamentally religious enterprises, as is all of life”, has
become very helpful for me in future research (Johnson & Jones, 2000). This is
because most people who have similar faith can make themselves feel close to
one another by staying far from each other. Here, a person of faith can reassure
and feel calm by believing in psychology as a form of religion. However, I feel the
transformational view or any other relevant theory will be irrelevant as a mental
health researcher. As a professional, it is my duty to be neutral and fulfil the
needs of the patients. I can say that whatever I learned from this course is really
helpful that I can take forward in my future research.
References
Johnson, E. L., & Jones, S. L. (2000). Psychology & Christianity: Four views.
InterVarsity Press.
