Author: Cooper, Terry D.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 177-184

Abstract:

For decades, observes of the psychotherapy enterprise have debated whether to privilege individual or social concerns in therapy. This article explores various social critiques advanced against the excessively individualistic and even narcissistic aspects of psychotherapy as well as the ethical assumptions supporting this therapeutic individualism. Several recent proposals for a more socially-oriented approach to therapy can help all practitioners find the important balance between individual psychotherapy and social justice.

Author: Carroll R., M. Daniel.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 169-176

Abstract:

Observers utilizing Freudian and Jungian approaches have given considerable attention to various Old Testament prophets. These efforts represent both the interpretive stances of observing what is behind the text or presented in the text, as well as what is in front of the text. This paper explores the Old Testament prophet as an advocate for justice. Justice is a prophetic theme with strong emotional content. It stems from the prophet’s understanding of who God is and what are the emotions of God in the face of injustice. The article surveys the prophetic emotions as found in the book of Micah and concludes with some suggestions on how biblical and psychological studies could further work together in the area of social justice.

Author: Worthington, Everett L., Jr.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25 (2), Sum 2006, pp. 155-168

Abstract:

My thesis is that findings from social scientific research can be a valid tool that theologians can use to make stronger theological arguments. I use experimental and basic-research studies of forgiveness and justice to illustrate this thesis. To illustrate, I address a theological issue—N. T. Wright’s (1997) version of the controversial reinterpretation of the doctrine of justification by grace appropriated by faith, which is known as the New Perspective on Paul. Experimental psychology can thus bolster theological arguments as do analysis of biblical texts, analysis of Hebrew and Greek language and linguistics, understanding of historical contexts (including the history of Israel, the church, and surrounding area), conversations with philosophers, theologians, and public intellectuals across situations and time, and even clinical theory.

Author: Blomberg, Craig L.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 137-154

Abstract:

Is forgiveness a necessity or a nicety for the Christian? A close examination of Matthew 18:15-35 reveals that this question is a vital one for everyone concerned with the psychotherapeutic and counseling fields. The article argues that the central idea of this passage, contained in verses 21-22, is best interpreted in light of the sections immediately preceding (verses 15-20) and immediately following (verses 23-35). These two sections give us implied qualifiers for verses 21-22 that disciples of Jesus would have understood but that we often miss. This article concludes with the reminder that the extension of forgiveness is essentially related to the well-being of the believer in this life and the next.

Author: Roberts, Robert C.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 127-136

Abstract:

Psychologists by definition are people concerned with how to help others live well. As such, they are purveyors of wisdom. In the days of Hellenistic philosophy, the psychologists were all philosophers. No one should think that psychology or psychotherapy is a recent phenomenon. Christianity came into a world well-populated with psychotherapies. This paper reviews Paul’s approach to wisdom as described in his first letter to the Corinthians. When the distinctiveness of this Christian wisdom is ignored, lost, or sidelined, the wisdom psychotherapists pass along to hurting people will not nurture or produce Christian character, but some other kind. The article concludes with an example of the process regarding forgiveness in the work of Lewis Smedes.

Author: Averbeck, Richard E.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 111-126

Abstract:

Calvin’s (1960) discussion of “double knowledge” helps us understand the relationship between psychology (knowledge of the human person) and biblical studies/theology (knowledge of God). The double nature of these two forms of knowing illustrates the natural and necessary mutual interaction they have. Neither one is complete in itself; both need the other. We can see this theme throughout the pages of Scripture: in the redemption-sanctification-wisdom strands of theology as well as in the creation-corruption-foolishness teachings of the Bible. True wisdom is bringing the knowledge of God and people together in the midst of the mess which we ate and in which we live. This is what both the Bible and counseling are really all about.

Author: Beck, James R.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006. pp. 101-110

Abstract:

Before pursuing collaboration between biblical studies and counseling/psychology, scholars must ascertain the appropriateness of the endeavor. The answers to five crucial questions will provide useful information regarding this determination: Can we articulate a theological foundation for the collaboration? Can we find biblical precedent for our collaboration? Does the history of the church contain examples of such efforts? Is there evidence for mutual benefit to both disciplines? And, is such collaboration double?