Author: Thayer, O. Jane

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 195-207

Abstract:

Based on the assumption that processes of learning and processes of spiritual growth are analogous, this study used learning theory and theology to develop the Christian Spiritual Participation Profile (CSPP), a measure to predict spiritual growth. Basic spiritual disciplines and KoIb’s experiential learning theory were integrated in the construction of the CSPP. The measure produces four scores, each indicate ing the extent to which a person uses one of four spiritual development modes. Study samples totaling 1,687 participants came from four groups of evangelical Protestants: Baptist/Free Church, Pentecostal, Reformed, and Wesleyan/Arminian. High reliability was found for all scales in terms of internal consistency using coefficient alphas. Evidence for criterion-related validity came from correlations with 15 scales or subscales from 6 different measures.

Author: Beck, Richard.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 208-218

Abstract:

The article is a theoretical and empirical review attempting to describe two modes of religious motivation: defensive versus existential religion. The article begins by seriously considering theoretical and empirical evidence that religion may function as a defense mechanism. It is argued that this description of religious belief is coherent and cannot be ignored by psychology of religion researchers. However, the article goes on to argue for the existence of a non-defensive, existentially aware religious motivation. Theoretical and empirical support for this model, defensive versus existential religion, is presented.

Author: Van Walsum, Kimberly L.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 219-233

Abstract:

Throughout history, the symptoms of insanity have elicited responses of rejection, fear, hostility, and often community exclusion or abuse (Jones, 1983), responses that can be captured by the identifier lesfoux (the crazy ones). However, history also provides some examples of communities and individuals who responded to the insanity of others in a very different manner, identifying the insane symbolically or directly, in a connected manner, as nos malades (our ill ones). This article focuses on three historical examples in which Christian, specifically Catholic, influences shaped the care of the insane in their time. The three examples are drawn from the histories of France and Belgium prior to the 20th Century. They are: the Gheel Colony for the Insane founded around the cult of Saint Dymphna, the work of the Brothers of Saint John of God at Charenton in Paris, and the hospice-based care of Philippe Pine! and Jean Baptiste Pussin at the Bicêtre and Salpêtrière hospitals in Paris. Each example in its own way involved Christian institutions or principles transforming methods of caring for the insane. The care provided by the C heel Colony, the Brothers of Saint John of God, and Philippe Pinel each contrasted with the prevailing methods of care for the insane in their time. Each of the examples discussed here exemplified a response that may reflect roots in Christian institutions and principles that emphasized receiving others as one would receive Christ. Some thoughts are explored on how each of these three examples-with their associated Christian principles and rituals-influenced care for the insane at their particular historical juncture. When relevant, the article explores why the innovations in care demonstrated in these examples ran counter to the prevailing models of care for the insane in their day.

Authors: Chara, Jr., Paul J.; Gillett, Jill N.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 234-248

Abstract:

Possible synesthetic perceptions of God by 187 students from a secular university and a religiously affiliated college were investigated. Participants were presented 27 questions about their sensory images of God. Participants’ responses to the questions revealed several strong regularities in perception, suggesting a weak synesthetic experience and were interpreted to support the Martino and Marks (2001) semantic coding hypothesis. Additionally, gender, religious orientation, and value preferences were found to be related to many of the participants’ images of God, whereas some associations appeared to transcend the psychosocial factors studied. The perceptions of the participants were also compared to relevant biblical passages and found to be highly consistent with a scriptural portrayal of God in some ways but inconsistent with a biblical depiction of God in other respects.

Author: Tisdale, Theresa Clement

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23 (3), Fall 2004, pp. 249-253

Abstract:

The article presents reflections on clinical practice as vocation. It is a call to connect clinical works with clients and to help them to connect in more meaningful ways with God, themselves, and other people. Calling is defined in the article as a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence. Nurturing calling involves attaining and maintaining an awareness of what the calling is, attending to the ways in which the calling can be safeguarded and expressed, and discerning new directions or expressions.

Author: Aten, Jamie D.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 254-257

Abstract:

The article presents an interview with Gary R. Collins, a renowned educator, author, speaker, mentor and leader in Christian psychology, on bridging the gap between integration research and clinical practice. More specifically, by outlining ways that integration research can be made more applicable to the clinician, Collins talks about turning integration research into practice. He has published over 170 articles and authored more than 65 books, several of which have helped to lay the foundation for the future of Christian psychology. According to him, the problem of clear communication is not limited to the psychological or Christian world.

Author: Aten, Jamie D.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 258-260

Abstract:

The article presents a case study related to Rubik’s Cube metaphor and the use of metaphors in the process of treating a patient suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. This metaphor evolved out of author’s clinical work with Susan, a fictitious name, who was suffering from a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Rubik’s Cube metaphor has several therapeutic uses and benefits. It enabled the author to empower his client, educate Susan about the process of therapy, bring God into conversation between him and his clients, and help Susan integrate her sense of self.

Author: Rosenau, Douglas E., Sytsma, Michael R.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 261-270

Abstract:

The church is struggling to develop a truly livable theology of sexuality and sexual intimacy. After suggesting some of the factors that may have contributed to this serious neglect-including idolatry, dualism, and the distortions of poor exegesis of Scripture-this essay explores the priority of intimacy, and sexual intimacy, to God’s heart through examining writings found within the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is suggested that sexuality provides great insights into God’s character and the way God interacts with God’s people. The development of more articles and sermons on sexual theology is implored if this millennium is to be a time when the church better understands God’s sexual economy and unveils many valuable lessons.

Author: Hughes, Antony

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 271-277

Abstract:

The differences between the doctrine of Ancestral Sin-as understood in the church of the first two centuries and the present-day Orthodox Church-and the doctrine of Original Sin-developed by Augustine and his heirs in the Western Christian traditions-is explored. The impact of these two formulations on pastoral practice is investigated. It is suggested that the doctrine of ancestral sin naturally leads to a focus on human death and Divine compassion as the inheritance from Adam, while the doctrine of original sin shifts the center of attention to human guilt and Divine wrath. It is further posited that the approach of the ancient church points to a more therapeutic than judical approach to pastoral care and counseling.

Editor’s Note: Some within modern evangelicalism (Oden 2003, Packer and Oden 2004) have begun to examine the Patristic corpus in an attempt to inspire unity within the Christian church. While somewhat controversial, the present article was invited in hope of beginning dialogue among the tributaries of Christian spirituality on a topic of great importance to a spiritually sensitive psychotherapy—sin.

By: Bassett, Rodney L.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 278-278

Abstract:

Reviews the book “Qualitative Research in Psychology Expanding Perspectives in Methodology and Design,” edited by Paul M. Camic, Jean E. Rhodes and Lucy Yardley.