Psychology in Christian Perspective: An Analysis of Key Issues

Psychology in Christian Perspective follows the standard progression of introductory study. Identifying and discussing issues where faith and psychology seem to be in tension, Harold W. Faw shows that Christian perspectives bring needed diversity to the study of mind and behavior.

Each of the twelve chapters has four elements; (1) an introduction to a theme and an overview. (2) a discussion of one or more issues; (3) an exploration of how psychological and biblical perspectives might be complementary; and (4) a recap with suggested readings. Among the topics are the linkage between mind, emotions, and body; perception and ESP; pain; states of consciousness and the use of hypnosis; learning behavior modification; intelligence and artificial intelligence; motivation, emotion, and self-actualization; mental, social, and moral development; grief; personality types and self-esteem; psychopathology and guilt; therapeutic models; and social psychology and influence.

Writes Ronal Philipchalk in the foreword, "Professor Faw carefully brings important issues into view and helps readers gain perspective. His respect for the scientific tools of psychology and for psychology's accumulated knowledge is balanced by a deep reverence and awe at the marvels of human thought and behavior."