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. c 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.
c c 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.
c c 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.
c c 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. c c 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.
c c 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.
c c 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
