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The Integration of Psychology and Theology
Historically the minister or religious leader has filled a key role in mental health. Before the advent of modern psychological and psychiatric therapies. the great bulk of personal counseling was conducted by religious leaders. With the crystallization of the new discipline of psychology a shift occurred which saw many people turning away from the minister and to the psychologist for counsel. With this phenomenon has come a dichotomy between "religious" and "psychological" counseling. This differentiation has the advantage of en couraging both the minister and the psychologist to function within their area of specialization. Unfortunately, however, men are not split into religious and psychological entities. This bifurcation works against a holistic approach which deals with the total physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of man. As a Christian institution, Rosemead is committed to an effective interface and integration of psychology and theology. Several areas of theology and psy chology are speaking to the same issues. Anthropology is a good example. A concurrent study of concepts like the nature of man, sin, and psychopathology can do much to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of man. What, for example, is the relationship of the biblical concept of sin to the psychological concept of mental illness? And how can biblical teachings on sin and the nature of man be reconciled to psychological concepts like self-esteem and self-acceptance? Similarly the theological concepts of growth known as sanctification need to be put side by side with psychological concepts of growth. Biblical principles like confession (James 5:16). fellowship (Acts 2:42), admonishment (Colossians 3:16), and support (Galatians 6:1-2) need to be related to current psy chotherapeutic concepts. Theological and psychological concepts also merge constructively in the study of religious development and behavior. Research and theoretical findings can do much to clarify the development and functioning of religious values and concepts from infancy through adulthood. Rosemead believes an interdisciplinary study of these and similar issues can serve the dual purpose of providing future psychologists with a holistic view of man and awakening the church to the potentially very significant contributions of psychology to its role of reconciling men to God and leading them to wholeness and personal fulfillment.
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