ARE CHRISTIANITY & PSYCHOLOGYCOMPATBLE?

Integration Lecture notes # 2

Defining TermsIntegration: i) The process of incorporating parts, components and elements into a larger defined unit, set or whole; ii) Combining parts so that they work together or form a whole. Theology: This describes the study, writing, research, or speaking on the nature of gods, especially in relation to human experience. Typically the concept includes the premise that such study is done in a rational, philosophical manner and can also refer to specific schools of thought - for example, progressive theology, feminist theology or liberation theology. Christianity: This is a monotheistic (the belief that there is only one God) system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior Psychology: The scientific study of human behavior, mental processes, and how they are affected and/or affect an individuals or group's physical state, mental state, and external environment. It's goal is to describe, understand, predict, and modify behavior.

The nature of the problemOne of the issues that faces us is the question of whether a relationship exists or can exist between Psychology and Christianity/Theology.

Can they be integrated on order to provide solutions to mans problems. In other words: Are they compatible?

State that are still many unanswered questions as psychology seem not to have any one answer to any one of humans problems.

Those who have sought their answers through Christianity/Theology claim that the many variant views are inconsistent and renders responses unreliable

Similarities: Psychology/Theology

Promote self understanding/awarenessPromote behaviour changeProvide tools to improve/develop selfFunction at a high levelOther

Psychological consequences of SIN - in the beginning

Psychological consequences GenesisShame and guilt Chapter 3Fear & hiding Chapter 3: 8Blame Chapter 3:11Anger Chapter 4Depression Chapter 7

Text: Integration of Psychology & Theology (John Carter & Bruce Narramore) ---------------

A Critique by: Paul D. AckermanModels of Integration

Integrates Model Main proponents: Carter & Narramore Christianity affirms that God is the creator of all things. He is the creator of all knowledge and truth

Truth is unified - it has one source. So truth of psychology cannot be deemed separate to truth of theology - but unified. Given this unity of truth, it is possible to integrate truth of theology with the truth of psychology

Scripture has much to say that can influence our understanding of psychological research, theory, and practice. Psychology is raising questions and providing data that bear on our theological understanding of the human being, and theology expresses divinely revealed truths that speaks to psychology's developing view of humanity (p.20).

Against Model

Proponents : Albert Ellis, Sigmund Freud, B.F Skinner, Jay Adams, J.B Watson

Holds that psychology and Christianity are essentially incompatible and there is no real possibility for integration.

Of Model Proponents: Carl Jung, Erich Fromm, Morton Kelesey, Gordon Allport, Larry Crabb. Gary Collins, Mark CosgroveAttempts to find good psychology in theology or to find the psychology in/of religion There is a great deal of common ground between psychology and theology which should not be ignored

Parallel ModelProponents: David Myers. Malcolm Jeeves, Carter and Mohline, Thomas Oden

Suggests that psychology and Theology have their rightful place; psychology is treated as a valid and necessary science or profession and theology or Christianity is viewed as helpful, personal societal phenomenon.

Their views run parallel to each other but never truly integrates.

Critique of the models (Ackerman)

As Christians we may affirm a partial wisdom in all this but only within the context of a certain, fixed and encompassing biblical framework. The Bible warns Christians to be cautious and walk circumspectly.

The sense of Scripture is that we are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. There is no evidence in the details of Christ's life to indicate that He operated in the manner of the Integrates model. On the contrary, His life coincides with the plain sense of apostolic teaching which calls us not to integrate the world's knowledge with revelation but rather to bring the world's knowledge into captivity to the revelation.

Critique of the models(Ackerman)

The Christian's resolve must be to avoid ultimate ties of loyalty to any model of Integration. This is true because all models themselves are human constructions and thus beneath us. This would be true even if we were not fallen. Our fallen condition simply adds a practical reason (i.e. We cannot take human theories seriously because they are, in principle, fallible.) to the eternal wisdom which says that the creator does not bow down to his creation.

Main topics - Stanton Jones articleIntegrationists: Limiters of science (Territorialists, Perspectivists); Humanizers or Christianizers of Science;

Anti-Integrationists scientists

Anti-Integrationists Christians

Barriers to Integration

Stages in doing Integration

Presuppositions of Psychology

Presuppositions of theology

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