The Integration Of Psychology And Theology

(pg 70) The scope that they show is a broad one that covers everything from theology proper to eschatology. Also in this chapter they stated some questions that Christian psychologist would have to answer. Some of these are: what methods are acceptable in gathering information (pg 55); is there any similarity between spiritual and psychological maturity (pg 58); what is the essence and cause of psychopathology (pg 59); why do some Christians need a counselor if the Holy Spirit is the Counselor (pg 66); what is the role of hope in both human motivation and emotional adjustment (pg 69). These are a sample of some of the questions that some of the different areas of psychology have to answer for theology and psychology to be integrated.
             The next three chapters talk about the diverse approaches to integration. The first of which is the Against model. The Against model is built on the assumption that there are inherent conflicts between psychology and religion. The secular version of the against model begins with the assumption that rationalism and empiricism are the only valid means to truth and that truth claims of revealed religions are necessarily in conflict with the findings and methods of the science of psychology (pg 73). A second characteristic of the secular Against model is the belief that religion has a negative effect on mental health (pg 74). The third assumption of the secular Against model has to do with the origin and resolution of psychological disturbance (pg 75). Now the Christian version of the Against model is similar to the secular viewpoints. For instance, Christians believe that the sole source of truth is revelation. The authors see no advantages to the Against model. They feel that "The oppositional stance inherent in both of these views does not allow proponents to step out of their own perspective to understand the suppositions, methodology, and reasoning of those holding other views.