Theology and Psychology exaGm

1. argues that apparent conflicts should cause us to reconsider out rata and reasoning as a first ste in solving apparent conflicts

2. As a second step, we should consider whether one claim is more grounded than another

A form of disciplinary integration in which psychology and theology are relatively distinct spheres

Pros: Can resolve conflicts by looking at different perspectives

• cons:
• leads to primacy of psychological interpretation
• inadequate attention to theological interpretation
• failure to bring about sufficient dialogue between the two

Scriptural interpretation trumps scientific interpretation

pros: sees the importance of Gods word

• cons:
• fails to distinguish between scriptural interpretation and scriptural authority

"To glorify God as we try to understand human behavior and act as redemptive agents in a fallen and broken world."

rigorous application of the methods appropriate to our disciplines

Evaluating the conclusions brought from either discipline by discerning if our psychological and theological beliefs are "based on sound as well as appropriate research methods

Relating the theological and psychological conclusions resulting from discovery and verification

Holding a Christian worldview and using it as the lens that we see the world

ex: the sinfullness and finite-ness of man, the focus on God's redemptive plan

developing an understanding of of the historical and philosophical foundations of psychology and Christian theology

ex.: for psychology this will include the philosophy of science in general and for the theologian this will include systematic theology, biblical theology, epistemology, etc.

developing a more complete picture of a common subject by exploring psychological and theological perspectives

ex. being able to critique the others, such as acknowledging that humans are both biological and spiritual beings

how can psychology and theology can aid us in confronting personal and social issues that are within the scope of their mutual concern

ex. integrative efforts should result in praise of God, bringing the message of hope and reconciliation

A shared responsibility where as a community we can discuss and move forward in integration

Integration is also a quest for personal wholeness

ex. personal commitments to character

Looking at it as an object, a definition, a goal. This is a distanced view

This is the actual action and process. Being in this process makes it more personal and leads us to ask questions like, "how do we do this?" and "what does it look like in reality?"

answers these questions:

• 1. what does it mean to be a person?
• 2. What is the nature of this world?
• 3. Whats wrong with the world and why do things go wrong?
• 4. How can these wrongs be fixed?

believes that spirits inhabit the world and impose their wills upon it, although they can sometimes be placated with sacrifice

the belief that everything that exists is part of a great oneness, that one God is in everything

mixing beliefs, such as christianity and animism

perceive a hierarchy of Gods, each of whoms power is limited to a domain

Belief in one God, three biggest are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam

Belief that scientific and human progress will fix all problems

critiques empirical data, most things are relative. all claims to knowledge are dubious

• 1. What does scripture say?
• 2. Who wrote the book?
• 3. To whom is it written?
• 4. What is the historical context?
• 5. Why was it written?
• 6. What is the genre?
• 7. What does it say in the original language
• 8. What is the immediate context?
• 9. What does other scripture say about it?
• 10. What do credible sources say?

Includes Secular and Christian Combatants

One completely rejects the other

ex. siblings who tape off their side of the room

Foreign and Domestic

Psychologists use parts of religion that promote well being but reject the worldview

ex. trying to fit everything into a little tiny suitcase but certain things get left out

Religious people trying to take ground in the psychological field while picking and choosing what the want.

Manipulate studies to get the answers they want, many are very ignorant

Recognize other as legitimate but each has own domains. the may have some contact with each other, but this varies

examples: rail road tracks, when in rome do as the romans

When theology and psychology are used together we get a more holistic perspective on life and understanding of truth

all truth is God's truth

example: movie director who puts theme in all movies