Psychology and Christianity do not always sail in the same boat. Since the field of psychology started, Christians have often put off psychological methods and insisted on the bible as the sole provider of explanation for psychological processes and human behavior.
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Christians are always conscious when psychology is used to address mental issues and have often disregarded and labeled it as unnecessary. How does psychology and Christianity relate to each other?
Psychology and Christianity often have conflicting ideas on different aspects of life like trauma and forgiveness. Both Psychology and Christianity attempt to address issues that the society faces.
Let us look at some of the most biting questions when psychology and Christianity collide.
How Does the Bible Relate To Psychology?
When it comes to making life-changing decisions, Christian practitioners are frequently torn between the bible and psychological knowledge. The bible and psychology both contain instructions on how to treat spiritual and mental illnesses.
The bible and psychology approach mental issues in strikingly similar ways.
What is the difference between Christianity and Psychology?
In a few ways, Christianity and psychology differ. Psychotherapy is considered ungodly and pagan by Christians, who frequently deny psychological research findings and outcomes. The Bible, according to Christians, is the primary source of guidance and treatment instructions for mental illnesses.
Christianity also claims that psychology is mistaken in believing that all of our actions are caused by changes in our environment. Christians argue that if this is the case, then everyone who has gone through certain experiences should develop the same habits in the future.
Psychologists believe that our surroundings have a significant impact on how we behave. Psychologists argue that the bible is ambiguous about how to treat mental illnesses.
Christian Psychology
There is a group of Christians who have been practicing psychology for a long time but have not given up their faith.
Christian Psychology is already recognized as a valid course in psychology by the American Psychological Association.
In their writing and teaching to other Christians, Christian psychologists apply modern psychology’s teachings. Some Christians have even exiled Christian psychologists because they believe Christian psychologists negotiate Christian teachings.
Christian psychologists argue that the best aspects of Christianity and psychology can be combined to help explain an individual’s behavior.
Can I Practice Psychology as a Devout Christian?
It is exceedingly difficult to fully comply with the demands of two opposing perspectives on human behavior. However, it is possible.
You have a responsibility to your clients as a devout Christian. Your Christian values should guide you in providing the best advice and counseling to your customers.
Being a psychologist does not have to contradict your faith, but it should improve your understanding of human behavior and mental illnesses.
Conclusion
The causes of behavior and mental illnesses are sought to be explained by Christianity and psychology. The dilemma for Christian practitioners has been deciding which of the two disciplines’ teachings to follow.
