Integrating Theology and Psychology

Christians have debated how and if it is possible to integrate these two disciplines. First, let's define the terms. Theology is the study of the nature and attributes of God. Anthropology is the study of human cultural and social relationships. Psychology is the study of human emotional and mental behavior. The Bible is the best book to study social relationships. The biblical writers observed over 1500 years of human interaction covering over 6000 years of human history. The Bible is also the best book to study the human soul which includes the mind, emotions and will.
Christians have four basic responses to psychology. The first view is complete rejection. The fundamentalist camp view it as a diversion of the devil. Their view is based in large part on the presuppositions of the discipline. Since psychology is based largely on the philosophy of humanism and naturalistic biological evolution it must be rejected. The second view is to redefine the terms. The liberal camp replaces theology with psychology. Ancient mysticism and faith must be replace with the sciences of the enlightenment. The third view is to completely separate the two disciplines. The rational thinkers camp try to explain one as secular truth and the other as sacred truth. Both have their place but don't try to confuse apples with oranges.The fourth view believes that it is plausable and practical to integrate both disciplines. The primary assumption is that all truth is God's truth wherever it is found. The great value of the science of psychology is that the case studies and empirical data that is collected will affirm biblical truth. Does biblical truth need to be affirmed? It is always comforting to the seeker of truth to know that biblical truth will stand when under the microscope of science. As a recent presidential canidate stated, "I was attracted to Christianity because it was intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying."

Critics of the Christian Message

Critics of the Christian Gospel often times say, "Your message of a free gift is just too simplistic to answer the harsh realities of our complex world. To tell me that all I need to do is believe is insulting."

But it is just that simple to become a Christian. The complex and difficult process for us to become a Christian is the deeper isssue. How do you answer these complex questions: 1. How can imperfect humanity become acceptable to a perfect God? 2. How can death be conquered? 3. How can frail human bodies be made adaptable for eternity? 4. How can sin be atoned for? 5. How can evil be destroyed? 6. How can humanity be sustained for eternity? 7. How can God best communicate with humanity and still allow free will to be exercised? 8. How can human hearts and motives be transformed from thinking evil to thinking good? 9. How can people love their enemies? 10. How can people live together in grace, mercy and peace?

There are many more complex questions that could be asked. But Jesus Christ stands alone in offering the only reasonable and viable solution. He set the standard, offered a remedy and paid the supreme price. It cost him everything. He has done everything necessary for salvation today and salvation for eternity. All the human efforts to preform righteous deeds will never make us holy. It must be a gift from God to us.
If you were God, how would you change the message? (Isa.53:5-6; Gal.3:13; Col.2:13-14; 2Tim.1:10; 1Pet.2:24)

60/40/40

This year is a milestone for me. I recently turned 60 years old, have been married 40 years (to the same woman)and have served in Christian ministry for 40 years. It is not a point of pride but rather of great humility that God has been so gracious through the years. The church suprised me last Sunday with a pictorial review of my life. I am reminded of the scriptures which express the brevity of life. The apostle James says, "How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." I do count the blessings of a precious wife, loving children, curious grandchildren and loyal friendships. For those who know me, be entertained by the pictorial review.

How Big Is Your God?

I grew up in Pismo Beach,CA. There are large sand dunes just south of town that we enjoyed. Some of my friends had "dune buggy's" that were designed for driving in the sand. At Sunday School I was taught that the stars of the universe outnumber the sands of the sea. I admit,there is no way I could accept that teaching. But the latest explorations of space support that biblical statement. Check out this unique way of looking at our universe.