Christian Psychology and Christian Worldview
September 10th, 2007[This is the second post this month by guest blogger Dr. Mike McGuire]
In this post, I want to suggest that there are several reasons that those involved in Christian psychology should think of Christian psychology in terms of Christian worldview.
First, I would like to see us think in terms of worldviews because of the strong influence of non-Christian worldviews on much (if not all) of what might be called modern psychology. Without thinking carefully about these worldviews and the bias that they introduce, one is unlikely to avoid those errors. Worldview thinking promotes discernment.
Second, I would like to suggest that we should be committed to thinking about Christian psychology in terms of a Christian worldview. One might think of working out a Christian psychology by taking the Christian worldview element by element and asking oneself about the implications of that element for understanding human psychology. Keeping Christian psychology Christian requires that it be built upon a foundation of Christianity and what else beside a Christian worldview might provide such a foundation?
Third, I believe we should be committed to distinguishing between the Christian worldview and our preferred theologies. Here I am thinking of a Christian worldview as a constellation of ideas that are descriptive of beliefs shared by Christians –Christians who may take a variety of theological positions. As much as I would love to convert everyone to my way of thinking (as I suspect others would like to convert me to their way of thinking), I believe it is essential to know the difference between worldview and theology. For if I do not understand the difference, I may be tempted to accuse others of being outside Christianity when they have merely disagreed with some point of my theology, maybe even a minor point.
Fourth, I believe that it might prove helpful to think about the differences and the potential commonalities between worldviews as a guide to the differences and commonalities between a Christian psychology and various non-Christian psychologies. Here, I am assuming just because worldviews differ from one another on some elements, that does not necessarily mean that they differ on all elements. I am suggesting that it is important to understand both commonality and difference, and that focusing on one to the absence of the other is important.
November 9th, 2007 at 4:33 am
Dr. McGuire,
Your article is very stimulating. I suggest that for a world view in developing a Christian psychology that we start with the creation statement that we are made in the image according to the likeness of God.
The rest of the biblical message is built upon that creation statement. God has given the blueprints in His word of the creation, death, and salvation of the individual. It is up to the Christian community to put that information together.
The biblical writers understood that information for in all their writings they line up with it.
I would suggest that we begin to put together in a systematic way a body of bilical knowledge that that is based upon those blueprinsts. I would also like to be a part of that exciting adventure. It would be charting a route over uncharted waters.
December 31st, 2007 at 12:21 am
Dr. McGuire,
I recently joined ACCA and the Society for Christian Psychology and read your post on the Website. As I read your ideas it was obvious that you had given a lot of thought to the need of developing a Christian Psychology that focused on what you termed “Christian world view” as opposed to “preferred theologies”.
It seems to be your position that a Christian theory of psychology should avoid theological specifics. I understand your rational for taking that position but question if its significant to psychotherapy theory development for the following reasons:
1)In my opinion, a psychological theory (Christian or Non-Christian)represents under most circumstances a framework of understanding for the clinician (possibly the client when looking for a particular therapeutic approach or theological understanding) and provides therapeutic direction for the treatment process. A theory of psychotherapy shouldn’t overide or take the place of a individuals personal belief system (Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Budhist or Non-Christian). If it does I believe the psychological treatment that brought the client into treatment has taken a backseat to another agenda. In fact, the value of any Christian theory of psychology seemingly could be measured by its ability to bring about therapeutic changes in an individual regardless of his/her personal belief system (which is how other psychological approaches are measured).
2)With above point in mind wouldn’t it be better to develop Christian theories of psychology by addressing the same types of philosophical/psychological elements that the secular theories address while still maintaining our Christian perspective. I believe these basic elements should include:
a: To describe the background and history of the approach.
b: Theory of personality
c: Theory of Psychopathology
d: Theory of how dysfunction is assessed
e: Theory with regard to how the approach is practiced (structure, goals, strategies, techniques)
f: The general stance of the therapist in the treatment process.
g: How change is brought about
h: Populations that typically can benefit.
I appreciate your willingness for opening the dialoge on this subject. I think this forum is very useful for sharing thoughts and ideas.