The Intrusion of Psychology into Christian Theology

by Don Matzat - Issues, Etc. Journal - September 1996 - Vol. 1 No. 9 - A three-part discussion of the threat that modern psychology poses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Modern psychology is not an innocent helping-discipline that we can carelessly borrow from the kingdom of the left-hand and merge with our pastoral theology. There are theories and techniques in psychology, such as self-esteem, the encounter dynamic, and psychological mysticism, that can grossly distort Christian truth and inflict grave spiritual damage upon Christian people. While most Christian denominations desire to remain faithful to the truth of God’s Word and dot every theological "i " and cross every theological "t", those same denominations, when it comes to the deceptive offerings of modern psychology, practice minimal discernment. The reason is simple. Pastors and church leaders are not equipped to do so.

Christian pastors should be primarily concerned with theology, not psychology. If a pastor has a doctorate in psychology and is in a position of influence within the denomination, he is virtually untouchable. He can promote any theory, recommend any book, and practice any methodology because he is one of the few professionals in a sea of amateurs. Who has the credentials to challenge him?

We must carefully discern the theories and practices of modern psychology before we visit them upon the people of God.


To read the entire article, click HERE or go to http://www.issuesetc.org/resource/journals/v1n9.htm

There are many issues that divide Christians today, but there is no issue that is more inflammatory than the issue of the relationship between secular psychology and Christian theology. Some popular Christian teachers are willing to embrace the theories and practices of modem psychology and integrate them with Christian/biblical truths. After all, as they often explain, "all truth is God’s truth." Others completely reject modern psychology, refer to it disparagingly as "psychobabble," and condemn the writings of those who dare to quote the findings of its practitioners.