Integration of Psychology and Theology, The

by John D. Carter, S. Bruce Narramore

The Rosemead Psychology Series is a continuing series of studies written for professionals and students in the fields of psychology and theology and in related areas such as pastoral counseling. It seeks to present current thinking on the subject of the integration of psychology that grow out of the interface of psychology and theology. The data and theories of both theoretical and applied psychology are treated in this series, as well as fundamental theological concepts and issues that bear on psychological research, theory, and practice. These volumes are offered with the hope that they will stimulate further thinking and publication on the integration of psychology and the Christian faith.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 1979

Reviews

[Nate Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read presenting and defending the integration approach to counseling. I grew up and went to college and seminary being taught a strictly biblical counseling model. Over the last few years, I have read many books written strictly from the world of psychology and have benefited from them. I still maintain the core tenet of biblical counseling - the sufficiency of Scriptures; however, since I have benefited from a secular description of human brokenness (I am not talking about the secular presuppositions), I was curious what I would think of a formal presentation of an integrationist approach.

I will get right to it. I found myself mostly in agreement with how it was presented in this book. They have done an excellent job laying things out and exploring the things at stake. The key concept that I cannot agree with is putting psychology on equal footing with the Scriptures. John and Bruce do consistently give a nod to the sufficiency of the Scriptures, and they extensively credit the world of psychology under the principal "the unity of truth" with the ability to produce knowledge/truth that the Bible does not. I don't think they would say it that way though, and I am not sure how to put it into words yet. They make an excellent and persuasive case. However, I kept on waiting for them to make a clearer statement more along the lines the discipline of psychology more under the Scriptures instead of an equal. They come very close, but not quite.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EVANGELICAL DISCUSSION OF REFINING THEOLOGY IN LIGHT OF PSYCHOLOGY

The authors wrote in the first chapter of this 1979 book, "This volume deals with the integration of psychology and theology, and the reader has no doubt already concluded that the text will utilize material from both psychology and theology... We ASSUME that both psychology and theology offer a great deal toward an understanding of the human race. Consequently, no effort has been made to establish the validity of either psychological methods or biblical revelation... This volume is an attempt to integrate biblical and psychological concepts, not establish or defend them... This volume assumes a basic commitment or openness to the data of psychology." (Pg. 12-13)

They add, "Whether we label the relating of the Bible and psychology as 'integration' or as 'interface' of psychology and theology or the 'relationship' of faith and learning is not our main concern. What is important is the concept of wrestling with the relationship between the findings of psychology and the revelation of the Bible." (Pg. 16) They note, "It is our belief that the phenomenal growth of interest in psychology is bringing into focus a need to refine and clarify certain areas of evangelical theology---especially those dealing with the nature of the human being." (Pg. 17)

They observe, "In almost every area of psychology, Scripture has much to say that can influence our understanding of psychological research, theory, and practice. This is what we mean by the term integration. Psychology is raising questions and providing data that bear on our theological understanding of the human being, and theology expresses divinely revealed truths that speak to psychology's developing view of humanity." (Pg. 20) They suggest, "Psychologists and theologians are frequently studying different aspects of the same phenomena or studying the same phenomena from different perspectives... we must ask [about] the seeming conflict... whether both facts may not be true simultaneously since they are dealing with different types of data or levels of explanation." (Pg. 27)

They pose (and then answer) the rhetorical question: "Shouldn't Christian therapists ... be able to agree on one general model of counseling? Isn't the Bible sufficiently precise to show us THE biblical approach to counseling? ... we doubt that this will ever happen... the nature of people's adjustment problems dictates the counseling style that will be most helpful. Short-term, directive counseling is ready-made for a variety of situational problems... Long-term therapy may be very helpful for others. Behavioral methods are clearly successful in relieving a variety of symptoms. And many people respond well to nondirective counseling." (Pg. 113)

This book will be of great interest to Christians questioning the relationship of Christianity and psychology.

[Mary Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, especially for those struggling to integrate faith with their psychology practice.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5

[Kirk Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it in a day. Short. Concise. A good primer on issues involved and general models of approach.