Authors: Rodney L. Bassett, Catherine Luzadder, Patricia Manley, Rosemary Miano, Christen Santore, & Julie Putnam

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol. 25(3), Fall 2006, pp. 195-204

The purpose of this study was to test the assumption made by the ACE model that what separates functional from dysfunctional (righteous from sinful) emotional experiences are the cognitive and expressive elements, not physiological activation. In this study, 36 students were asked to recall a past experience with functional or dysfunctional anger. Heart rate was monitored before and after the recollection. Following the recollection, students evaluated the experience along dimensions designed to tap the cognitive and expressive
aspects of the emotional experience. Consistent with the ACE model of emotion, the results revealed meaningful differences between functional and dysfunctional experiences within the cognitive and expressive domains but not within the physiological domain.

Author: Looy, Heather

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(2), Sum 2005, pp. 113-121

Abstract:

Religion in one form or another is a universal feature of human nature and social interaction. There is also individual variation in the manner in which religion is experienced, expressed, and embraced. Evolutionary psychology addresses whether the universal occurrence of religion directly reflects naturally-selected adaptive mental and behavioral processes, an adaptive application of mechanisms originally selected for other adaptive functions, or an undesirable by-product of such mechanisms. Behavior genetics explores whether variations in traits associated with religion are correlated with variations in religion-relevant genes. Both approaches present data that challenge Christians to consider the roles of our embodied, evolved human nature in the formation of our faith and its practices. The Christian faith also provides an interpretive frame-work through which these data can be understood and applied. The dialogue between the biological sciences and the Christian faith can illuminate our created potentials and the distortions of sin.

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.

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.