Author: Auris Huang Hung

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol. 25(3), Fall 2006, pp. 226-239

Abstract:

Modeling a multi-disciplinary evaluation of psychological concepts for use in cross-cultural settings, this paper presents a psychological, theological, and cultural analysis of the concept of differentiated oneness (and related concepts individuation, differentiation, and boundaries) to examine its theoretical foundations and applicability in counseling Asian American families. After evaluating some of the psychological research among non-Western populations and the theology underlying differentiated oneness, this paper explores how Western and Eastern cultural differences, at the core of which are differing views of self, make direct application of this Western-based psychological principle to Asian Americans problematic. Some implications for Christian counseling are presented.

Author: Johan (Ian) P. Verseveldt

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol. 25(3), Fall 2006, pp. 216-225

Abstract:

This article examines the philosophical presuppositions of EFCT using Browning’s (1987) Christian integrative model. After an introduction of Browning’s model and a brief synopsis of EFCT, the article focuses ont hree of Browning’s integration questions as they relate to EFCT: What does the theory claim as the ultimate meaning and foundation of life?, What does the theory morally obligate us to do?, and What are the fundamental needs and tendencies that this theory purports are foundational to psychological health and survival? These questions are then applied to EFCT.

Editor: Bassett, Rodney L.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 185-185

Abstract:

The article reviews the book “Fortress Introduction to the New Testament,” by Gerd Theissen and reviewed J. Harold Ellens.

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.

Authors: Yangarber-Hicks, Natalia; Hicks, Mitchell

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(3), Fall 2005, pp. 219-232

Abstract:

In the last 30 years of its formal revival, much has been written about the theology and sociology of Messianic Judaism as a movement. However, little is known about the psychology of persons who believe in Jesus and maintain their Jewish heritage. This study represents an exploratory investigation of the identity and psychotherapy experiences of individuals who identify as Messianic Jews and Gentiles. Seventy-five adult Messianic believers participated in the study by responding to a number of closed- and open-ended questions. The impact of their faith commitment on family and social relationships, self-perceptions vis-a-vis Christian and Jewish communities, and use of spiritual, psychological, and other resources to cope with their challenging identity configurations were assessed. Implications for mental health professionals and clergy in understanding this population and other groups with complex ethnic and spiritual identities were discussed.

Author: de Oliveira, Ebenézer A.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(3), Fall 2005, pp. 247-253

Abstract:

In this rejoinder to Lawson and Wilcox, I first summarize my 2004 article, “A Reformed Evangelical Approach to Developmental Psychology and the Bible,” and then I clarify five points raised by my interactants and demonstrate that we agree in that there is no hierarchy in sources, truths, or disciplines. What set us apart is my support to the Reformed view of Scripture as standing above all other media for organizing, expounding, and disseminating ideas on God and His creation (i.e., hierarchical view), and also my caution towards natural reason as a necessary and sufficient basis for integration, once one assumes neatly demarcated data sets (e.g., Bible, creation) and respective fields of study (e.g., theology, psychology).

Author: Emmons, Robert A.; Kneezel, Teresa T.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(2), Sum 2005, pp.140-148

Abstract:

Gratitude is a Christian virtue and an emotional disposition that has recently become the focus of systematic scientific research. We explore first the theological origins of gratitude as a virtue that is emphasized in Judeo-Christian traditions, and we then examine spiritual and religious predictors of dispositional gratitude and grateful emotions measured on a daily basis in a sample of persons with neuromuscular disease (NMDs). In this primarily Christian sample, grateful emotions and tendencies were related to both conventional religious practices (e.g., church attendance and reading the Bible) as well as to spiritual self-transcendence. Sanctification through personal goals (the perceived degree to which strivings enable one to feel closer to God) was also predictive of gratitude. Some implications of the research for psychospiritual assessment, religion and health, and the integration of psychology and theology 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.

Author: Evans, Barrett A.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 80-88

Abstract:

Early Catholic, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theology and practice contain a variety of potential aids for psychological growth and stability. Often having parallels with techniques and concerns of modern psychotherapy, these “Catholic” religious expressions have a comprehensive character that speaks to the totality of the human experience. Ancient and classic pastoral counsel from these traditions often address cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and existential aspects of the human condition and can give solace and opportunity for growth for those who appropriate them. Theological beliefs, pastoral instruction, prayer, liturgy, sacraments, Church authority and community are among the potential aids. The theology pertaining to suffering is also a powerful psychological resource. Specifically addressed are the common human difficulties of general anxiety, existential doubt and confusion, and guilt.

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.