Psychology and Christianity: Five Views
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Introduction
Psychology has been in existence since the late 1800s. Some scholars, however, believe that Christians were knowledgeable about psychology way before this time. This was due to the study of the Bible, which has tremendous psychological import. Erick Johnson, in his book Psychology and Christianity, expounds five viewpoints. These viewpoints will be discussed below.
Level-of-explanation View
It suggests that life is made up of several disciplines and levels. As regards faith and psychology, they are on distinct spheres. They both seek to address different questions in life. There is, therefore, no overlap between the two because they are different from each and have their uniqueness (Views et al., 2020)
Integration View
This view, as the name suggests, is a merger of the religious viewpoint and scientific worldview. According to this viewpoint, the study of the mind and faith are separate entities but complementary. It acknowledges that Christianity cannot provide all the answers adequately in life. It, therefore, recognizes the significant contribution from science to provide more clarity about the study of the mind and life in general (Views et al., 2020)
.Christian Psychology View
This viewpoint is concerned with the historical aspects of Christianity. It suggests Christianity be the lens through which one should understand psychology. Christianity offers a foundation and full charge for the believers, and everything else should be founded on Biblical teachings. If the science of the mind contradicts Biblical teachings, then it should be disregarded. It is only acceptable if it is in line with the Bible (Views et al., 2020).
Transformational Psychology View
This view is based on the principle of sanctification. It explains the conversion journey of a person to become a better individual. It is founded on discipleship and the believers’ journey of growth and conversion. This view, however, fails to separate religious beliefs with science but seeks to unite these two elements with the aim of the transformation of an individual (Views et al., 2020).
Biblical Counseling View
This viewpoint suggests that religious beliefs are not separate entities with psychology. They, therefore, do not need to be merged. He defines faith in God from a psychological point of view. It is, therefore, apparent in this viewpoint that religion and psychology are intertwined and overlap. They are inseparable (Views et al., 2020).
Comparison of the Views
The resemblance between the views is that they seek to explain the comparison of religious beliefs and psychology. They attempt to show how these two subjects agree or conflict. There are some specific similarities to the views. The first two views resemble due to their belief that religion and the science of the mind are distinct. The second and fourth views resemble because they both agree that science and religion can be integrated. However, there are differences. The first view contradicts with the fifth one. The first one emphasizes different spheres in life and how faith and the mind science are on distinct levels and, hence cannot overlap. The fifth one, however, explains faith from a psychological viewpoint and how they are inter-twinned. The fifth view also conflicts with the second one. This is because religion and the science of the mind are considered separate entities in the second view while they are inseparable in the fifth view (Whitney, 2019).
My Choice View
I believe in the third view. I believe in it because it is based on Biblical teachings. The Bible is a trusted authority as regards the study of the mind. Psychologists’ viewpoints vary, and some may even come up with philosophies that contradict God’s word entirely, as expressed in the Bible. From the Holy Scriptures in 1st Peter 1:21, it is written that God’s Word endures forever. It stands the test of time. In 2nd Peter 1:19, the word of God is expressed as a more sure word of prophecy. The Bible contains trustworthy words and not cunningly devised fables. They are truth and life. Since psychologists thought processes might sometimes be biased, their thought process must be viewed in light of Biblical teaching, which can be trusted (Payne, n.d.).
Conclusion
Erick Johnson clearly explains five views as regards to religion and the study of the mind. They have various similarities and differences, which sets them apart. The viewpoints contain different peculiarities. However, the Christian psychology viewpoint is outstanding as it is solely Biblically-based, and the study of the mind is seen rightly from the Christian viewpoint lens.
References
Payne, J. The Holy Bible containing the Old Testament and the New.
Views, Johnson, E., Jones, S., Coe, J., Watson, P., & Myers, D. et al. (2020). Psychology and Christianity. Retrieved 12 April 2020, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8489075-psychology-and-christianity
Whitney, W. (2019). Beginnings: Why the Doctrine of Creation Matters for the Integration of Psychology and Christianity. Journal Of Psychology And Theology, 48(1), 44-65. doi: 10.1177/0091647119837024