Authors: Strawn, Brad D.; Brown, Warren S.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(2), Sum 2004, pp. 121-129

Abstract:

The present ankle attempts to explore a non-dualist position regarding human nature in relationship to both Wesleyan rheology and modern psychoanalytic theory. We wail first explore the resonance between the current understanding of human thought and behavior taken from cognitive science as it can be related to a Wesleyan model of growth into holiness. Specifically, we will argue that a Wesleyan view of the person resonates with the concepts of procedural knowledge, affect memories, somatic markers, and automaticity as found within cognitive science. In the end, we will suggest how these ideas come together with modern psychoanalytic theory, and particularly with what is known of transference and of the therapeutic process. Taken together, these three areas resonate around (he ideas that human behavior and character are largely unconscious and difficult to change, and that time change must come through gradual and relationally mediated experiences that alter both conscious and unconscious cognitive processes.

Author: Strawn, Brad D.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23 (2), Sum 2004, pp. 140-148

Abstract:

The present article suggests three sins of omission in the clinical integration literature and illustrates an alternative approach with a Wesleyan, theology-directed clinical integration. A Wesleyan informed psychotherapy will include six presuppositions. First, it will take seriously the immanence of God. Second, its focus will be healing and not just cure. Third, it will take a holistic approach to the brain and body. Fourth, it will direct its interventions at the core motivational dispositions of persons. Fifth, it will emphasize the relational embeddedness of humanity, and finally, it will personify a telos of love. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy will be presented as a form of therapy that encompasses these six presuppositions and clinical material will be used to illustrate the therapeutic process.

Author: Adams, Christopher J.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23 (2), Sum 2004, pp. 149-154

Abstract:

This article is an attempt to begin a conversation via comparative analysis of Wesleyan theology, family systems theory, and psychoanalytic theory. The article also seeks to extend relevant concepts in the service of understanding how sin and grace are transmitted from one generation to the next. The article begins by defining collective tempers as emergent phenomena in family systems. Then, utilizing the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a framework, processes of intergenerational transmission are shown to function via entitlement hidden within collective tempers, which are potentially either constructive or destructive. Finally, the article discusses potential implications for family therapy as well as for congregational life.