Details for 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:
- At least 80 credit points, including THE101—Christian Worldview
Awards offering Theology and Psychology
This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:
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: the soul
- Consciousness, mind/brain and free choice
- Social formation of identity
- History of psychology
- Humanistic psychology
- Existentialism
- Positive psychology
- Forgiveness
- Grace and sin
- Freedom of choice and therapy
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
- Poplin, M. (2014) Is Reality Secular? Testing the assumptions of four global worldviews. IVP.
Please consult your instructor before purchasing any texts.