Augustine to Freud: What Theologians & Psychologists Tell Us About Human Nature and Why It Matters

by Kenneth D. Boa

In this book, Ken Boa takes the reader on an innovative exercise as he examines what six prominent theologians and eight psychologists of renown believe and teach about human needs. Where do they agree about human nature? Where do they disagree? Are their differences based on scientific knowledge? Psychobabble has become a part of culture’s everyday vocabulary. Terms are bandied about and statements are taken as truth without knowing where they come from or what they imply. Augustine to Freud will help readers see how psychological perspectives are in harmony with Christian theological perspectives, and where they sometimes do conflict.

Genres: Theology, Psychology

282 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Kenneth Boa is an author, a speaker, and the president of Reflections Ministries. He is the author of over fifty books, including Conformed to His Image, Faith Has Its Reasons, Face to Face, and Rewriting Your Broken Story. He is a contributing editor to the Open Bible, the Promise Keepers Men's Study Bible, and the Leadership Bible, and is the consulting editor of the Zondervan NASB Study Bible.

Boa earned a BS from Case Institute of Technology, a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary, a PhD from New York University, and a DPhil from the University of Oxford. He teaches a weekly Bible and Faith study at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he resides with his wife.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was originally, Boa's dissertation, which explains why it's so hard to read, but overall is well researched and intellectually well written. Boa takes a stand in this age-old debate of can psychology contribute to the theologian's understanding of human nature & personality, or can theology give insights into the world of modern psychology. Is there a balanced answer or only two extremes?

[Matt Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a student of philosophy and theology I was excited to read this book. Unfortunately it is not the deep dive I had hoped for, worse than that. The overviews of some of the figured (esp Calvinist theologians) are painted a cliche picture in negative light. The subtitle really is not addressed until the end. the book is essientally a survey of 10 important figures in theology and physchology. Boa’s choice of individuals to survey is also poor. They are not even orthodox some of them. I struggled to finish this book.

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book. I didn't finish this book, in fact I barely read much. couldn't get past the author's writing style. Also I thought the book would be more of a primer, but it seemed to assume that the reader have a solid understanding of each person, which I don't.