How do you believe modern psychology as a science and Christianity fit
together (if at all)?
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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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). (2 ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Creation Regained nd
Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN: 9780802829696
