Care for the Soul: Exploring the Intersection of Psychology Theology

by Mark R. McMinn (Editor), Timothy R. Phillips (Editor)

"This volume explores the intersection of psychology and theology, but it is not a simple intersection. It is an intersection affected by rich theological and ecclesiological traditions, by the ravages and wonders of modern psychology, and by the character and qualities of today's ministers and communities of faith." (from the introduction) For two millennia Christians have been caring for souls. Since the Enlightenment, though, the Christian concept of the soul has been usurped by modern and postmodern notions of the self. "Somehow we misplaced the soul even as we developed a thriving science of the psyche," lament the editors of this volume. Thus there is a clash between Western therapeutic culture and the church's understanding of the soul's nature and its care. As a result, some Christians deride psychology as dangerous. Others believe that it has much to offer Christians interested in caring for the soul. What is the proper relationship between psychology and theology? Is soul care the shared task of these two fields? This collection of essays is a multidisciplinary dialogue on the interface between psychology and theology that takes seriously the long, rich tradition of soul care in the church. In this volume you'll find incisive discussions of
the current state of theology and psychology
overcoming the acquiescence to secularism
theological resources for developing Christian psychology
taking theology to heart in psychology
taking psychology to heart in theology and Christian life
Contributors include Jeffry H. Boyd, Ellen T. Charry, Deborah van Deusen Hunsinger, L. Gregory Jones, Stanton L. Jones, Cynthia Neal Kimball, Bryan N. Maier, Michael Mangis, Philip G. Monroe, Stephen K. Moroney, Dennis L. Okholm, David Powlison, Robert C. Roberts, Richard L. Schultz, Myrla Seibold, Brett Webb-Mitchell and David Alan Williams. Providing insight and analysis from nineteen psychologists and theologians, Care for the Soul is essential reading for psychologists and counselors, pastors and theologians, and students or professors of psychology and theology.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Christian, Theology, Christianity, Read For School

364 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2001

About the author

After a long academic career conducting research and teaching doctoral students in health service psychology, I now spend my time writing and growing fruit in rural Oregon.

I am married to Lisa Graham McMinn, an author, sociologist, and spiritual director. We have three grown daughters and six grandchildren.

Reviews

[Porter Sprigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book for introducing a student to the diverse perspectives on how to relate Christian theology and psychology.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on a Chalcedonian framework of integration, self-serving cognitive distortions in light of Paul, and attachment theory and ecclesiology. Very helpful and important stuff here.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a very good book for those who are grappling with the intersection of theology with observations of human psychology. There are some very good articles in this compilation, and there are some that are questionable for a biblical standpoint. All in all though, I found it thought provoking and in many cases insightful.