Theology and Psychology
Who am I? What is the soul? How should Christian faith interact with the psychological sciences? This unit considers the theological concepts of grace sin and freedom as found within traditional Christian theologies of the human person. It also seeks to interact with the discipline of psychology and contemporary insights into the study of the mind. The unit should be of particular interest for all people interested providing pastoral advice and counselling from a Christian perspective.
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: THE320
- Credit points: 10
- Subject coordinator: Nigel Pegram
Prerequisites
The following courses are prerequisites:
RES101 Introduction to Academic Writing and Research or SSC100 Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods or SSC110 Psychology of Emotion & Wellbeing or THE101 Christian Worldview
Awards offering Theology and Psychology
This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:
- Associate Degree in Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Social Science
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Theology
- Bachelor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Theology
- Diploma of Arts
- Undergraduate Certificate in Arts
Unit Content
Curriculum Objective
This unit considers the theological concepts of grace sin and freedom as found within traditional Christian theology in interaction with the discipline of psychology.
Outcomes
- Construct a theological anthropology in dialogue with the discipline of psychology, exploring concepts such as the imago dei, soul, spirit, consciousness, mind/brain, and the social formation of identity;
- Appraise and apply the basic concepts of the psychology of religion to the human quest for identity and meaning;
- Discuss and evaluate the theological concepts of grace, sin, conversion and freedom against the background of the discipline of psychology;
- Formulate strategies for spiritual transformation drawing on the resources of psychology and theology;
- Evaluate the insights of positive psychology and explain their implications for well-being.
Subject Content
- Introduction: theology and psychology world views
- Anthropology. body, soul and spirit: monist, dualist, tripartite views of humanity
- Psychology: History
- Psychology: Fields of Study
- Theology and Psychology: Methods of integration
- Grace, Sin and Forgiveness
- Social formation of identity
- Consciousness, mind, brain, and free will
- Love, attachment and relationships—social and theological implications
- Sexuality
- Positive Psychology
- Psychology—fields of study and application to Christian ministry
This course may be offered in the following formats
- Face to Face (onsite)
- Distance/E-learning (online)
- Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)
Assessment Methods
- Critical Reflection (40%)
- Case Studies (30%)
- Applied Short Answers (30%)
Prescribed Text
- Sandage, Steven J., and Jeannine K. Brown. Relational Integration of Psychology and Christian Theology: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York: Routledge, 2018.
Please consult your instructor before purchasing any texts.