THE BIBLE AND PSYCHOLOGY Introduction In brie

However, arriving at the most precise (and hopefully most valid) interpretations of the bible in general and its applications to psychology in particular is difficult because, as noted by Myers (1986):

The language of the Bible is varied, ranging from the rigidly literal, to the highly figurative. Scripture encompasses a wise variety of classes of literature and language, history, letters, poetry, oration, allegory, parable, biography, romance, tragedy, drama, type, antitype, figure, symbol and vision. (p. 91)

Given the sheer scope of communication modes used in the bible (not to mention the fact that the bible uses both the Hebrew and Greek languages to convey its message), it is not surprising that there is also a good deal of variation in scholars discussions of the application of bible principles, and concepts to the study and practice of psychology. The purpose of this paper is to examine differing perspectives of the relevance of the bible to the study and the practice of psychology.

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g them to remain true to the faith." Regarding the usefulness of psychology a means of assisting people to fully implement bible principles and notions into their lives, Grace and Peolstra (1995) caution that incorporation can be problematic in that those integrating or incorporating psychological notions can be loathe to give up some of these psychological constructs if, in the final analysis, they are obstructing an implementation that is fully in accord with the bible. For example, the authors describe how teachers at undergraduate Christian colleges, desiring to teach the integration of psychology and theology, have been negatively affected by the current state of scientific psychology. Noting that various integration models from the Christian perspective have been currently proposed, the authors report that these attempts are all too often being accompanied by unhealthy responses, such as refusing to abandon the battered concepts of objectivity and value-free science. Other obstacles to the integration of psychology and theology are said to include the lack of formal theological and philosophical training, and the absence of appropriate theoretical models that go beyond a clinical perspective. Perspectives Involving
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Approximate Word count = 4185
Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page)