Theology and Psychology
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: THE530
- Credit points: 10
- Subject coordinator: Nigel Pegram
Prerequisites
The following courses are prerequisites:
RES401 Postgraduate Writing and Research or SSC400 Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods or SSC410 Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing or THE401 Christian Worldview
Awards offering Theology and Psychology
This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
- Graduate Diploma of Applied Social Science
- Master of Arts
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Leadership
- Master of Theological Studies
Unit Content
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;
- Synthesise perspectives from the fields of psychology and theology.
- Relate synthesis to practical issues of human flourishing and communicate to a collegiate audience.
- 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
- Sexuality
- Love, attachment and relationships—social and theological implications
- Positive Psychology
- Psychology—fields of study and application to Christian ministry
This course may be offered in the following formats
- Face to face (onsite)
- eLearning (online)
- Intensives
Assessment Methods
- Critical Definitional Essay (25%)
- Applied Presentation (25%)
- Major Essay (50%)
Prescribed Text
- Sandage, Steven J, and Jeannine K Brown. Relational Integration of Psychology and Christian Theology: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York: Routledge, 2018.