The Nature of Psychotheology: Varieties of Conceptual Integration

Abstract

The necessity of advancing psychotheological integration is argued. Then, four types of conceptual integration are outlined: Applying theoretical concepts or empirical findings to help Christians individually or collectively; pointing to the ontological and cosmological bases of such concepts or findings; exploring the relationship(s) between the psychological effects of responding to the gospel and the effects of such helping processes as psychotherapy; and, integration in the service of apologetics, i.e., endorsing the Christian faith from a platform of respect within the general society. Points of articulation between this taxonomy and others which have been proposed are highlighted.