1st Edition
Mutual Enrichment between Psychology and Theology
The relationship between psychology and Christian theology has been one of the most important topics in the science and religion fields. Discussions, however, are too frequently one-sided. This book takes an alternative approach: following the lead of Fraser Watts, the contributions develop various aspects of the mutual enrichment of each discipline by the other. Moving beyond outdated models of conflict and independence, this book highlights areas of fruitful enhancement at the interface of Christian belief and practice with psychology.
Set out in four sections the book’s chapters first engage methodological and substantive issues in the interdisciplinarity raised by the dialogue between psychology and theology. Second, chapters explore a variety of areas in which psychology enriches theology, looking at both historical and contemporary themes such as psychoanalysis, embodiment and mindfulness. Chapters in the third section explore some of the theological enrichments of psychology, with topics including character strengths, wisdom and forgiveness. The final section engages aspects of mutual enrichment in religious life and pastoral care with an applied focus on mental health, meditation, prayer, spiritual direction and spirituality.
A refreshing alternative study of the mutual enrichment of psychology and theology with theoretical and practical applications, this book reinforces the need for both disciplines to pursue creative and constructive engagement with each other. Of interest to scholars in psychology, theology and religious studies this book will also be of interest more widely as a case study of successful interdisciplinary work.
Foreword - Sara Savage
Introduction - Russell Re Manning
Part 1: Mutually Enriching Dialogue
1. Doing Theology in Dialogue with Psychology
Fraser Watts
2. Dialogue within Dialogue: Interdisciplinary Dialogue between Theology and Psychology
Léon Turner
Part 2. Psychology Enriching Theology
3. William Temple and the Religious Reception of Psychoanalysis
Alistair Lockhart
4. Have a Bit of Nous: Revelation and the Psychology of Religion
Christopher Knight
5. Embodying Theology
James W Jones
6. Mindfulness, Secular Spirituality, and the Psychology of Religious Knowing
Mark Williams
Part 3. Theology Enriching Psychology
7. Character Strengths and Virtue
Roger Bretherton
8. The Psychology and Theology of Open-mindedness
Ryan Williams
9. Wisdom and Moral Formation
Harris Wiseman
10. Forgiveness and Relational Spirituality
Everett L. Worthington, Jr. and Steven J. Sandage
Part 4. Mutual Enrichment in Religious Life and Pastoral Care
11. Religion and Mental Health Practice: A Framework for Integration
José Liht
12. Meditation as Science and Religion
Miguel Farias & Masoumeh Rahmani
13. Worry and Prayer
Christopher Cook
14. Being with Unknowing: Spiritual Direction and Bion's idea of O
Mark Argent
15. Redeeming Narratives in Christian Community
Matthew Russell
16. Self-Spirituality in the Twenty-First Century
Galen Watts
Afterword - Fraser Watts
Biography
Russell Re Manning is Reader in Religions, Philosophies, and Ethics at Bath Spa University, UK, and a Visiting Fellow of St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge.