Depending on how one chooses to look at every individual discipline, theological and psychological ideas are interrelated. To establish the relationship between the two, there are different models through which the association has been viewed. While theology advocates for the supremacy of God in all its explanations, psychology places primacy on natural laws and empirical shreds of evidence to explain human behavior. Consequently, the relationship uniting the two study fields has been disdainful and making it hard to integrate their principles. Despite the differences between Christianity and the study of mental behavior, they strive to explain anthropoid conduct.
Divergent views of both Christianity and psychology result in opposing stances between Christian believers and psychologists. Some psychoanalysts opine that religion is a bolster for the feeble in society and it is based on fictions as there are no scientific proofs of it (Entwistle, 2015). On the other hand, Christianity faults those propagating the narrative of individuals’ behaviors as determined by natural laws. The Bible talks about the works of the human flesh which are evident in the commission of sins and also warns about the dire consequences of not inheriting the kingdom of God (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Galatians 5:19-21). As evidenced, the correlation between psychotherapy and theology is being hindered by the faults which are found in both religion scholars and psychoanalysts.
Moreover, the dissimilarities in the reflections of psychologists and Christians in assessing human behavior lead to a strenuous relationship between the two. Entwistle (2015) says that the antagonistic model of association between religion and psychoanalysis is always a background issue for hostilities among secular and Christian combatants. The Bible condemns Christians who are likely to cooperate with those who are opposed to the Word of God (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 1Corinthians 15:33). Similarly, the Bible does not approve of any partnership linking those who are opposed to God’s teachings and the believers (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 2Corinthians 6:14). Moreover, Christians are taught not to receive guests who do not bring the word of God into their houses (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 2John 1:9-11). Consequently, these uncompromising stances are heightening the existing level of tension between theologians and psychologists.
Differences in reflections of theology and Christianity create the need to establish a link between the two disciplines. The interdependent connection exists as the focus of all the religious and psychological studies is directed at human behavior. The Bible teaches about the importance of careful listening and thoughtful action plan in Christians’ lives (King James Bible, 1769/2017, James 1:19). The approach is common to both the psychoanalysis of human behavior and the theological view. To the church, Paul appeals to all brothers to agree and avert divisions as they become united in their thoughts and judgments (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 1Corinthians 1:10). Realization of human imperfections should, therefore, guide Christians to learn from other people’s ideas, although they disagree with them.
In conclusion, the variations between the psychological worldview and the religion’s point of view are ending in a conflicting relationship between the two study fields. The poor association has resulted in both the sides finding faults in each other. As the strenuous interaction is witnessed, each group has maintained a strong stance against the other, forming a background for conflicts. However, the differences are leading to the establishment of common grounds for understanding between theology and mental study. Accordingly, the impacts of the theological and psychological reflections on the relationship between religion and Christianity have made the two disciplines work independently.
References
Entwistle, D. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.). Wipf and Stock Publishers.
King James Bible. (2017). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1769)