Discussion Thread: How Do They Fit?
c c c In his book Psychology and Christianity: Five Views, Johnson (2010)
presents different perspectives on the connection between psychology and the
Christian faith. Some suggest that faith and learning pertain to conflicting
scopes of practice and knowledge (Esqueda, 2014). Conflict and disputes to
rule the best practice become unavoidable with the various existing traditions,
beliefs, backgrounds, and standards (Johnson, 2010). Individuals educated in
both fields are credited as the most qualified persons to debate potential
oppositions (Johnson, 2010).
It is important to remember that, despite the different means, both Christianity
and psychology have as their primary goal the search for truth. While theology-
based views seek truth through revelation, psychology seeks truth through
observation (Johnson, 2010).
c c c Johnson (2010) explains five relationship viewpoints between Christianity
and psychology, including a level-of-explanation, intervention, Christian
psychology, transformational psychology, and biblical counseling. I choose to
approach psychological sciences through a level-of-explanation view in an
attempt to diminish personal bias from all research interpretations. Science and
research are the sources of knowledge in this view, where humans are best
understood via a hierarchy of disciplines, and theology should not impact the
other domains (Johnson, 2010).
c c c However, regardless of my option to separate Christianity and science, if
God is the author behind all truth, science-based findings merely reflect his
authorship and, therefore, his truth. With that in mind, I am careful to make
suggestions on how modern psychology should fit in the church, and vice
versa, due to the need for human interpretation in both areas, scientific
findings, and the Scripture. How often don’t we see the same verse interpreted
differently by church leaders? How often don’t we see research conclusions
questioned by different researchers? I don’t have a strong suggestion on how
to integrate church and modern psychology. My only belief in this matter is that
we find our best interpretation of the information provided to us and use it
according to our epistemology.
c c c I don’t believe there is a right or wrong alternative when selecting our
approaches, only personal preferences. Our different backgrounds and life
experiences will dictate the selection of the idea that most appeals to us. It is
essential for professionals to respect each other’s opinions and debate them
respectfully and politely. Counseling professionals could benefit from
recognizing the limitations of each method and working together with
professionals with various views to address the individual’s needs fully and
better serve the community at large.
c c c An important topic to be remembered is that the common goal of all five
views is the search for truth and understanding and improving human lives. At
the same time, different people and personalities will be attracted and
sympathize with different perspectives. It is essential and valuable to offer
society a variety of resources they can choose from to help them with their
psychological and spiritual needs.
References
Esqueda, O. J. (2014). Biblical worldview: The Christian higher education
foundation for learning. Christian Higher Education, 13(2), 91-100.
https://www.doi-org/10.1080/15363759.2014.872495
Johnson, E. L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five views (2nd ed.). IVP
Academic.
