Coming to Peace with Psychology: What Christians Can Learn from Psychological Science

by Everett L. Worthington Jr.

Religion and science have often been at odds. In particular, Christianity and psychology have not always gotten along. Some Christians are still suspicious of psychological findings. But researcher Everett Worthington argues that Christians can know people better--and even know God better--through psychological science. Worthington suggests that the relationship between psychological science and Christianity is less like a war or mere dialogue and more like an emerging marriage. In this relational model of psychology and Christianity, there may be marital spats at times but also great potential for an intimate, mutually fulfilling relationship. Worthington demonstrates how the tools of experimental psychology shed light on human nature and the nature of God. Because people bear the image of God, the findings of psychological science help us understand both people and God more clearly. Psychological science provides new perspectives on theology and can help us address theological controversies and hot topics. Worthington gives recent examples of illuminating psychological findings, examines the distortions of the image of God through the effects of sin and points to ways that psychology assists Christians in living more virtuously. Psychology can contribute to the Christian life, because all of us, psychologists and non-psychologists alike, are human and can benefit from better understanding our fellow humankind. Beyond integrating Christian and psychological truths, this book uncovers new relationships between science and religion, demonstrates psychology's benefits to theology, and helps Christians live a redeemed life that is pleasing to God.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Reference, Christian

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2010

Reviews

[Kat Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a school read not a for-fun read, but I really enjoyed it! The author addresses the seemingly endless debate of whether psychological science and theology can be friends, or whether they are mutually exclusive. The approach he presents in the book is that they have a marriage relationship, working together to give us a better view of God and the world He created. Just like in a marriage, they have different areas of speciality, and operate in unique ways. The book is extremely well-researched, both in psychological research and biblical truth. He gives a ton of examples and cites a lot of scientific research studies that help the material make sense, more than just a list of points.

Overall it was super interesting, makes great points, and worth a read for anyone interested in the topic! I’ll save the rest for the 8 page critical analysis paper i’ll be writing this week. 🥴

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worthington is a respected psychologist and has a long history of producing outstanding research. In particular, his research on forgiveness is insightful since it is a topic that crosses the boundaries between theology and psychology. Thus, I had high hopes for this book as a way of understanding the relationship between psychology and Christianity. In the end, I was disappointed. Perhaps it was because the book tried to deliver more than what psychology can deliver. The repeated refrain of the book was, "Psychology can help us know God better." But the assurance was vacuous. Psychology can help us know people better; I rather doubt that it can help us know God better.
From that premise, Worthington then proceeds to deliver a rather underpowered view of Scripture. If, after all, Psychology can help us know God better, Scripture becomes another tool in helping us know God. The relationship between Scripture and Science must be reconfigured: Theology is no longer Queen of the Sciences, but demoted, she takes her place as a dance partner beside Science. Suffice to say, this is not the high view of Scriptural authority that one might hope for.
With that dimished authority of Scripture, one can then look to Psychology as a similar authority - in fact, a more useful and value-free way of adjudicating in public disputes. It is enlisted as support in defending marriage, promoting sexual health and promoting forgiveness. All very well. But what happens when the Science doesn't support Scripture? Alas, Worthington doesn't give us the answer. There is a somewhat happy illusion that the two always coalesce. But his diminished view of Scripture warns that the outcome may not be so happy if Psychology does not support Scripture.
The problem he poses with Scripture and theology, is that it is so subject to our own biases wrought upon us by culture, language and history, that it can't serve as an arbitrator of truth. Psychology, on the other hand, can fulfil that role. Of course, he pays lip-service to the subjectivity of science; but then fails to properly demonstrate its fallibility. What of the Milgram experiments that he enlists to show his claims about human sin and moral frailty? Does he consider that these have been subject to numerous critiques from the social identity perspective, from rhetorical psychology and from social psychology more generally? Such critiques are completely ignored; Milgram stands as a pure voice of clarity that reinforces Scripture in Worthington's eyes. Or what about the now-discredited view that Phineas Gage was radically altered and morally impaired by his brain damage? The old fables get trotted out.
It turns out then, that Psychology is rather fallible. Worthington, however, glosses over it. Perhaps Scripture has more authority than he would credit after all.

[Katherine B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great reminder that religion is not separate from other parts of your life!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for an introductory college Research Design class. The concept is thought-provoking, but the execution is lacking. I found all of his examples forced- it seemed like he was trying too hard to make his point. I saw Everett Worthington speak last year, and while he is a delightful character, I would have to say that writing is not his forte. While reading, I would often get lost in the examples and forget what the original point was. I think there are probably more well-written books about science and religion out there, and I do not recommend this one.

[Scott Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The summaries at the end of each chapter were good.