Can Psychology Aid Us in the Fulfillment of the Great Commission? A Missiologist Speaks to Christian Psychologists

Abstract

Gary Collins (1976) says that “discipling of others must be a part of Christian counseling–-perhaps even its major goal” (p. 18). Missions people applaud this approach. But whether or not it will be realized cross-culturally depends on the attitude that will be assumed and the action that will be taken by Christian psychologists. Criticism from some quarters notwithstanding, historically both anthropologists and missiologists have benefited when their relationship has been one of mutual respect. Appropriate actions commended to psychologists include examination of some form(s) of non-Western therapy, a reexamination of the notion of universals, and cooperation with cross-culturalists in theory-building.