views as an overemphasis on the hereafter at the expense of facing the issues of the present. The very concept of faith is thought to exclude an intellectually honest approach to problem solving. Without going into depth on this complex issue, part of the seeming conflict is based upon insufficient understanding, lack of communication and the ever-present problem of personal defensive ness and ego involvement. Granted, there are realistic issues and conflicting thought. But these conflicts lie largely between theory and theory or between explanations of fact rather than between fact and fact. Psychology and biblical Christianity actually have potentially ex tensive mutual contributions to make. Historically the minister has fulfilled a key role in counseling. Before the advent of modern psycho logical and psychiatric therapy, the great bulk of personal counseling was conducted by the local religious leader. With the crystallization of the new discipline of psychology, there is a shift occurring which sees many people turning to professionals within this field for coun sel. With this phenomenon has come a dichotomy between "spiritual" and "psychological" counseling. This has the advantage of encourag ing both the minister and the psychologist to function within their area of specialization. Unfortunately, however, men are not divided into clear-cut spiritual and psychological entities. This bifurcation works against a holistic approach which deals with the total physical, spiritual and emotional needs of man. Psychology and Christianity possess a mutual goal of human health and happiness. The apostle Paul, for example, in writing to the church at Galatia, writes that a mature Christian's faith will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. These positive personality variables are certainly a key goal of applied psychology. Basic principles such as conditioning and the importance of early experience are also shared. For example, Proverbs 22:6 reads, "Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Some techniques are also held in common by psychology and Christianity. Therapeutic psychology places great stress on insight, honesty, and group and individual catharsis. In Psalm 51 David wrote, "Thou desirest truth in the innermost part of the heart." And the apostle James wrote, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." These basic areas of mutual inter est are typical of many complex theoretical and practical concerns where fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue can be held. The methods and insights of psychology can also make significant contributions to the Christian church as it attempts to fulfill its role in reconciling men to God and leading them to wholeness and per sonal fulfillment.
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