You effectively tied the two elements together of modern psychological theory
and Christianity in order to demonstrate the similarities in the pursuit of truth,
knowledge and understanding (English Standard Version, 2022). As you pointed
out, our culture is very much intertwined with the tenets of Christianity, but
there still continues to remain a divide when it comes to approach taken to
meet objectives. Hill noted that in order to properly integrate with the field of
modern psychology, the Bible would have to gain authority in outside fields
(Hill, 2005). The reading I conducted by Hathaway et al. mentions a similar
concept as Hill in relation to explanatory power, in that the Bible can be used
as a resource or reference when it comes to supplementing and augmenting
the study of psychology (Hathaway et al., Hill; 2021, 2005). The more Scripture
is included in the study of psychology and the more practitioners embrace the
Christian mindset when working with their patients and conducting their
research, the faster the existing gap between theology and psychology can be
eliminated. c Part of that integration, as you mentioned, would be to encourage
the Church to also embrace secular thought and the scientific method. With the
right balance, the two fields of theology and psychology could work
synchronously to define the human experience. It would be interesting to
explore as a follow-on study what actionable steps could be taken to help both
fields expand their outlook and incorporate elements into their lessons drawing
from one another’s fields. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this
insightful discussion. Excellent explanation on the integration view of
Christianity and psychology. I have been focusing on the bible being my guide
and science that is in line with the word, helps explain these truths, but I have
not thought about what you said, as far as reaching people outside the church.
This is a good point and something that can't be missed. We must be able to
relate to others in order to reach them. This is why God spoke a lot in parables
so people could understand.The example you gave on a more detailed
approach on understanding emotions is something that I am thinking about in
my research area of Trauma Psychology and how you cope with trauma. As
you said, some things need be explained through empirical research, but will
come back in alignment with God. 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every
spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false
prophets have gone out into the world (English Standard Version Bible, 2001,
Romans 8:14)." As long as we are careful with how we seek the truth in
science and make sure it's in alignment with God's word as Aquinas states,
“some truths can be known only through scriptures, not by things like
astronomy or astrology, but more like truth found in nature that are not
disclosed in scripture (Sproul, 2010, p. 70).”It was enlightening reading your
discussion. I agree the ability to combine the Psychological view and the
Christian view are necessary. It is true that division erodes the chance at unity
within these two entities. The bible refers to unity among individuals as all
individuals being essential parts that are to fit together to make one body
(MEV, 2014, 1 Cor. 12: 12-27).Like you stated, it is vital to have the wisdom of
the word to be able to correctly get understanding to apply the Psychological
view (MEV, 2014, Prov. 4: 10 - 13). If the purity of what is considered secular
is used to build along with the truth of the sacred, optimum resuts could be
attained for individuals to have greater mental resilience. This could cause
positive effects in the individual, their families, community, and through the
world.
Unfortunately, the thought processes of combining the Psychological view and
the Christian view at the present time seem similar to the past rigid views of
what or who was allowed or not allowed to be used during that time. The bible
illustrates that even God instructed Peter to change his mindset about the
views and rules of engagement for Jewish and Gentile people (MEV, 2014, Acts
10: 28). The bible also points to the factual knowledge or witty inventions that
come forth from following wisdom (MEV, 2014, Prov. 8: 12).
My interpretation would be that similar to other philosophies of thought,
Psychological theories were birthed out of knowledge given by God's biblical
truth (MEV, 2014, Acts 17: 18 - 21). As you stated, facts and the truth of the
two enties combined are vital for the progression of individual and human kind.
Reference
Modern English Version, Parsley, R. ( 2014). Breakthrough Jubilee Bible. Military
Bible Association, Passio, Fl.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1&version
Sproul, R. C. The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts That
Shaped Our World. Crossway Books, 2020.
Hathaway, W.; Yarhouse, M. (2021). The Integration of Psychology and
Christianity: A Domain-based approach. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove IL.
Hill, P. C. (2005). Living on the boundary: Scriptural authority and psychology.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 33(2), 98 -112.
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arly-journals%2Fliving-on-boundary-scriptural-
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