Authors: Montgomery, Derek E.; Sandberg, Erika; Zimmerman, Alissa

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 3-12

Abstract:

College students were asked to judge whether two protagonists with different beliefs were equally right or whether one could be more right than the other one. The beliefs were either about religious phenomena (e.g., whether God is all-knowing) or natural phenomena (e.g., scientific claims about social and physical occurrences). In Experiment 1, the different beliefs were conflicting, but not strictly contradictory, and in Experiment 2, they were explicitly contradictory. In both studies participants generally assumed that opposing beliefs about the natural world could differ in veracity. However, significant increases in relativistic judgments (ps < .05) occurred for competing religious claims as participants maintained that conflicting or contradictory religious beliefs were equally true. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Author: Pembroke, Neil

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 13-20

Abstract:

An attempt is made to bring a trinitarian perspective to bear on the way in which the counselling alliance is constructed in narrative therapy. A tripersonal alliance is promoted in this approach to therapy. Participating in the re-storying process are the counselor, the counselee, and the support person (s). The author finds in this structure an image or mark of the triune God. This theological approach can be located in the vestigia trinitatis tradition sponsored by Augustine.

Authors: McDonald, Angie; Beck, Richard; Allison, Steve; Norswortby, Larry.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 21-28

Abstract:

The relationship between early caregiver experiences and attachment to God was explored in the current study. Using the Attachment to God Inventory (AGI) developed by Beck and McDonald, the relationship between parent-child attachment and attachment to God was explored among a college population. In addition, parental spirituality and religious emphases in the home were investigated. Comparisons of the AGI with parent-child attachment measures support a correspondence between working models of parents and God. Respondents that reported coming from homes that were emotionally cold or unspiritual exhibited higher levels of avoidance of intimacy in their relationship to God, a trend consistent with a Dismissing attachment style. Overprotective, rigid, or authoritarian homes were associated with higher levels of both avoidance of intimacy and anxiety over lovability in relationship to God, a trend characterized by the Fearful attachment style.

Author: Yarhouse, Mark A.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spri 2005, pp. 29-35

Abstract:

How important is religion as a primary variable in the study of human sexuality and sexual behavior? Is religion merely a historical footnote in the study of human sexuality, to be regarded mostly as a social construction that limits sexual freedom, or is religion a key variable in the meaning structures around sexuality for some persons? This article makes three major points: (1) there exists a negative attitudinal set within the sexuality establishment in regards to religion that is not well-established (i.e., valid); (2) the ethical imperatives of the discipline of psychology mandate that religion as a variable be understood and explored respectfully; and (3) there is a possibility of a positive relationship for which a case example is provided.

Authors: Rosik, Christopher H.; Richards, Alicia; Fannon, Ty’ Ann

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 36-45

Abstract:

A sample of 55 Protestant missionaries currently serving in East Africa completed surveys assessing their utilization of and perceived need for various member care services, as well as their views on certain aspects of the treatment frame for counseling. Results indicated that these missionaries utilized and valued several member care resources. A desire for services by missionary families with children was suggested. In spite of relatively high usage levels, respondents were only slightly satisfied with the member care services they received and expressed wide variability in their experiences. The authors discuss factors that may contribute to this and suggest it may be time to emphasize quality of care issues in the provision of member care services.

Authors: Maier, Bryan N.; Glass, John H.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 46-50

Abstract:

This article critiques Beck’s (2003) assertion that the current integration enterprise is “out of balance.” Five concerns with Beck’s charge are identified. First, Beck does not support his claim that balance was the initial goal of the integration enterprise. Second, a clear definition of balance is not given. Third, without clear definitions, the charge of being unbalanced becomes very subjective. Fourth, views not favored by Beck are treated superficially and finally, Beck commits some of the same errors that he warns others about.

Author: Beck, James R.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spri 2005, pp. 51-55

Abstract:

In reply to Maier and Glass in this issue of JPC, the author summarizes his original article (The Integration of Psychology and Theology: An Enterprise out of Balance [Beck, 2003]), interacts with issues raised by Maier and Glass, and suggests a way in which changes in terminology could help facilitate conversation among adherents of the various approaches now extant in the integrative enterprise.

Author: Brown, James H.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 56-59

Abstract:

Discusses key issues concerning psychological practices that are independent of managed care participation in the U.S. Key issues of interest; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on Christianity and psychology.

Authors: Yarhouse, Mark A.; Tan, Erica S. N.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 60-64

Abstract:

Discusses key issues concerning the relationship between being a Christian and one’s sexual identity. Key issues of interest; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on Christianity and psychology.

Author: Christian, Jo Ellen

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spring2005, pp. 65-67

Abstract:

Discusses the use of equine-assisted therapy in the treatment of eating disorders. Key issues of interest; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on Christianity and psychology.