Abstract
In the preface to his book, Theology and Psychology, Fraser Watts, a lecturer in Theology and Natural Science at the University of Cambridge, states that he approaches “… the interface between theology and psychology by looking at each discipline from the perspective of the other. This includes a religious perspective on several current hot topics in psychology, such as evolution, neuroscience, and computer intelligence. I also consider theological topics like divine action, salvation history and eschatology, in each case using the psychological perspective in a different way”. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, Watts aims at proposing a psychology of religious experience. He considers theology to be the rational reflection on the Christian tradition. When exponents of this tradition are in dialogue with exponents of psychology, the focus falls on human nature. Watts admits that a certain lack of competence in one of the two disciplines can be a problem when working in an interdisciplinary way. However, he is willing to take the risk. Watts worked in psychology for 25 years and was also involved with a medical research council, before taking up a position at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge.
Highlights
Fraser Watts, Starbridge lecturer in Theology and Natural Science at the University of Cambridge (UK), is known for works such as Christians and bioethics (SPCK), Science meets faith (SPCK), Psychology for Christian ministry (Routledge) and The psychology for religious knowing (CUP)
Using data obtained from a survey, the book attempts to provide information about the kinds of people who are religious, where religious experience happens, where conversion takes place, who attends church, how children learn about religion and what causes stress for ministers
Extremes found in Christian attitudes to pastoral psychology range from suspicion or even hostility to an uncritical enthusiasm which apparently assumes psychotherapy to be the Christian gospel itself! To set Christian leaders as well as psychologists at their ease, Watts (2002:3) states clearly that the purpose of his book is not to pursue either the psychology of religion, or pastoral care, nor does he consider the theologies of non-Christian faith communities
Summary
Fraser Watts, Starbridge lecturer in Theology and Natural Science at the University of Cambridge (UK), is known for works such as Christians and bioethics (SPCK), Science meets faith (SPCK), Psychology for Christian ministry (Routledge) and The psychology for religious knowing (CUP). To set Christian leaders as well as psychologists at their ease, Watts (2002:3) states clearly that the purpose of his book is not to pursue either the psychology of religion, or pastoral care, nor does he consider the theologies of non-Christian faith communities. He is not concerned with the practical life and work of Christian communities
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