bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immortality Experience: A Reaction to Haule
Authors: Sabom W. Stephen
Published: February 2018

Haule's “ultimacy” concept is critiqued in this reaction in terms of its usefulness in defining the soul, salvation, relationship, and life. Ultimacy is understood as an experience of the immortal. “Immortality experience” is then examined in the light of its promotion of therapeutic presence, its relation to a Christian value perspective, its place in social interaction, and its significance for everyday living.
Anthropological Integration: A Theological Appraisal
Authors: Breshears Gerry
Published: February 2018

Haule's (1983) three modes of shepherding presupposing the requirements of the individual soul and its need to find ultimacy raises the question of the possibility of integration using an anthropological theme. He properly stresses the complexity and integrity of the person, and the religious dimension of persons as well as psychology and caring. However, because his religion is oriented to ultimacy, rather than Yahweh, his model cannot adequately unify psychology and theology. Only Christ, as the Logos of God, can be adequate for this task.
Some Reflections on the Separation Phenomenon Idiosyncratic to the Experience of Missionaries and Their Children
Authors: White Frances J.
Published: February 2018

This article deals with the effects of the multiple separations to which those in the mission profession, particularly their children, are constantly exposed. Its primary purpose is to share with mission leaders and fellow professionals some of the idiosyncratic forms that the universal life-long phenomenon of separation takes for missionaries in a cross-cultural situation. It is an initial step to generate research hypotheses that hopefully will result in preventive and treatment measures adapted to the needs of missionaries. Theoretically, the article draws from John Bowlby's studies on the intertwined concepts of attachment, separation, and loss. It stresses the normalcy of the relatively predictable reactions that change evokes. Some interventions, primarily psychoeducative and preventive in nature are suggested for the potential and actual problems created by an overload of separations.
The Incarnation as a Metaphor for Psychotherapy
Authors: Benner David G.
Published: February 2018

The incarnation of Christ is considered as a metaphor for the role of the psychotherapist. The tendency of children to attempt to purge parental badness by taking it upon themselves, as noted by object relations theorists, is considered as a reflection of the imago Dei. Ways in which a similar process may occur in psychotherapy are then considered. It is concluded that the incarnational element of psychotherapy may be one of the basic curative factors present in any successful therapy.
Goal Selection for Counseling with Potentially Religious Clients by Professional and Student Counselors in Explicitly Christian or Secular Settings
Authors: Worthington Everett L. , Scott Gary G.
Published: February 2018

Research findings suggest that (a) “religious” clients are less likely to benefit from counseling (more dropouts, less beneficial change) than “nonreligious” clients and (b) successful counseling usually results in value changes by clients. It was hypothesized that both of these findings might be due to secular and religious counselors setting different goals for potentially religious clients. In this study, counselors in explicitly Christian or secular settings, on professional or student levels (n = 96), completed questionnaires rating their goals for a fictitious client who denied the importantce of religion, ignored it, acknowledged it responsibly, or acknowledged it but acted bizzarely. The work setting accurately predicted the values of the counselors. Counselors, regardless of setting, responded differentially to clients who perceived the importance of religion differently. Christian counselors were significantly more concerned with spiritual issues and viewed spiritual goals as more important than did secular counselors. Findings suggest that, although both secular and Christian counselors are sensitive to perceptions of individual clients, the value system of the counselors will likely be reflected in the treatment goals they prefer.
Spiritual Well-Being: Conceptualization and Measurement
Authors: Ellison Craig W.
Published: February 2018

Recent attempts to measure the quality of life or subjective well-being show promise for a more helpful and accurate appraisal of the collective and individual state of people than objective, economically-oriented indicators have allowed. Unfortunately, the quality of life movement has virtually ignored the religious dimension of life and the part that such beliefs and practices play in well-being. In response to this void, Paloutzian and Ellison (1982) have developed a Spiritual Well-Being Scale which measures both religious and existential well-being. This article reports on the conceptualization of the spiritual well-being dimension, development of the scale, research which has utilized the scale, and suggests directions for future research.
A Christian Approach to Authority and Discipline in the Family: Theological-Theoretical Issues and Research Findings
Authors: De Vos Stehouwer Nancy , Stehouwer R. Scott
Published: February 2018

Parents are faced with a rather perplexing array of approaches to authority and discipline in the family. These approaches range from permissive perspectives, which emphasize freedom and warmth, to authoritarian perspectives, which emphasize control and compliance. Many parents search for a biblical approach to authority and discipline in the family. This article presents such an approach, both in terms of theological-theoretical perspectives and research addressing these perspectives. A biblical approach emphasizing dominion and service working hand-in-hand yields a more authoritative perspective. Research has demonstrated this perspective as beneficial to the child in the development of instrumental competence, self-esteem, responsibility, and moral maturity.
Loneliness, Marital Adjustment and Burnout in Pastoral and Lay Persons
Authors: Warner Janelle , Carter John D.
Published: February 2018

The present study assessed the quality of life for pastors and pastors’ wives by comparing the quality of life they reported with that reported by non-pastoral males and females within the same denomination. Loneliness, marital adjustment and vocational burnout were used as the indices of the quality of life as measured by the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Responses from 189 subjects indicated that the pastors and the pastors’ wives experience significantly more loneliness and diminished marital adjustment in comparison with males and females in non-pastoral roles. Burnout was indicated by higher experienced levels of emotional exhaustion and involvement for pastors and pastors’ wives than non-pastoral husbands and wives. This provides some empirical support to the hypothesis that pastors and pastors’ wives experience a diminished quality of life compared to other persons in the church.
Which Presuppositions? Secular Psychology and the Categories of Biblical Thought
Authors: Powlison David A.
Published: February 2018

It is one thing to say presuppositions affect theory and counseling; it is another to identify which presuppositions are most important. If our thinking and counseling is to be biblical, where does the key presuppositional issue lie? The thesis of this article is that categories of human experience and behavior become “psycho-logistic” unless they specifically and consciously describe all that pertains to human beings in relation to God. Kuhn, Polanyi, Van Til, Berkouwer, Hooykaas and McQuilkin are discussed. The categories for understanding human behavior must root intrinsically and consistently in the biblical view of people.
Group Counseling in the Church: An Integrative Theoretical and Practical Analysis
Authors: Pingleton Jared Philip
Published: February 2018

Little, if any, study and research has focused upon integrative principles of group psychotherapy and biblical Christianity. In this article, both theoretical and practical implications of conducting group counseling in the Church are explored. Following an overview of the present utilization of group process within the existing Church structure, an integrative framework is proposed from which to formulate psychotherapy groups in churches. Utilizing Carter and Narramore's (1979) “Integrates” model, twelve major curative factors of group psychotherapy are systematically integrated with Getz’ twelve “one another” scriptural principles. Finally, after further discussion of the theoretical paradigm, several potential advantages and disadvantages of the process of conducting group counseling in churches are outlined and their practicality and feasibility are analyzed.
Needs Assessment in the Development of a Clergy Consultation Service: A Key Informant Approach
Authors: Ruppert Phillip Paul , Rogers Martha L.
Published: February 2018

A needs assessment was conducted with clergy to assist a counseling center in the development of a clergy consultation service. A total of 66 clergy were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to determine the following: clergy and church demographic characteristics, clergy involvement in counseling activity, referral practices and value placed on collaboration with mental health resources, and receptivity towards consultation with mental health professionals. Clergy revealed they saw the following problems on a frequent basis in their counseling work: marital problems, issues regarding guilt and forgiveness, anger, depression, anxiety, family problems, premarital issues, job related concerns, and parent-teen conflicts. Differences were noted in the counseling technique employed by clergy who had higher education, formal coursework in counseling methods, and had undergone a personal therapy experience. Pastoral counselors and mental health professionals had significantly more value as mental health resources than physicians and other clergy. Clergy also revealed a strong interest in attending seminars relating to stress, marital communication, psychological testing, divorce, depression, working with mental health professionals, anger, delinquency, and sexual problems, with the stipulation that these programs be of minimal cost and time. Suggestions are offered regarding the development and implementation of clergy consultation programs.
Masochism and the Distortion of Servanthood
Authors: Liaboe Gary P. , Guy James D.
Published: February 2018

The concept of servanthood is central to the Christian perspective of sanctification. An evaluation of current views on servanthood and suffering was conducted and the possibility of distortion of servanthood into an expression of sublimated masochistic tendencies was considered A psychoanalytic perspective of masochism was presented with a view toward the unique aspects of Christianity which may lead to, or encourage, the expression of masochistic behavior.
Pastors’ Friendships, Part 2: The Impact of Congregational Norms
Authors: Wright Paul H. , Blackbird Tegan
Published: February 2018

This is the second of two reports of a study exploring the expectation that pastors would be discouraged from forming close friendships by a “pedestal effect,” norms of propriety and antifraternization norms. Data were provided by the pastor, a control layman and 10 or more congregation members from each of 12 protestant churches. The pedestal effect was considered in our first report. Contrary to expectation, the normative situation was found to be the kind that should encourage rather than discourage pastors in developing close friendships. Even so, no differences were found in the strength or rewardingness of pastors’ versus controls’ closest friendships. Those pastors perceiving more selective expressions of approval and disapproval on two of five normative dimensions indicated stronger relationships with their closest friends than did pastors perceiving greater overall approval Possible explanations for the discrepancy between these findings and expectations, based largely on “ministerial lore,” are suggested.
Ignatian Spirituality in the Work of Morton Kelsey
Authors: Bunker Diane E.
Published: February 2018

Morton Kelsey, an Episcopal priest who has written numerous books on the subject of spirituality, often integrates the insights of depth psychology with the traditional teachings of Christian masters in the devotional life. This article examines Kelsey's references to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola and considers them in light of the four personality functions–-sensing, intuiting, thinking, feeling–-postulated by Jung. It is suggested that Kelsey's appreciation of Ignatius may be due to the fact that the Spiritual Exercises are founded on traditional elements of spirituality and they incorporate practices which draw on all four Jungian functions.
Integrating Psychology and Theology with Bricolage: A Response to Griffin
Authors: Haule John R.
Published: February 2018

Although the writings of C.G. Jung may very well inspire an adequate integration of psychology and theology, they do not provide it ready-made. This is due to three characteristics of Jung the writer and commentator–-that he was a bricoleur, an alchemist, and a therapist This is to say, he put together in handyman fashion (bricoleur) imagistic impressions of his work in the laboratory (alchemist) which was his consulting room (therapist). Because Jung was sensitive to the problem of modernism in his own experience and in that of his patients, his writings amount to a “bricolage” lying somewhere between the contemporary individual's inchoate longings and the integration of psychology and theology which is yet to be articulated.
Reply to Analytical Psychology and Human Evil
Authors: Kelsey Morton
Published: February 2018

Jung's thinking and experience, while not making a perfect “fit” with Christianity, do provide the best framework upon which to base the integration of psychology and theology. Jung has much to offer Christians seeking such integration Cited are his extensive education in the history of modern thought, his understanding of the problems involved in materialistic rationalism and of idealism, the acknowledgement he paid to the spiritual world, and other factors. The author describes how Jung's works aided his own understanding of the Bible, God, and sin.
Racial Prejudice among Christian and Non-Christian College Students
Authors: Boivin Michael J. , Darling Harold W. , Darling Terry W.
Published: February 2018

The relationship between Christianity and racial prejudice was evaluated by means of a questionnaire which included the Shepherd Scale, the Christian Conservatism Scale, and the Multifactor Racial Attitude Inventory. The instrument was administered to two groups of college psychology students, one predominantly Christian and the other predominatly non-Christian (low scorers on the Christian scales). Although the Christian group scored significantly higher on the Shepherd and Christian Conservatism Scales, no significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to racial prejudice. Furthermore, the dimension of Christianity and the dimension of racial prejudice were independent of one another with respect to correlational measures and a principal components factor analysis.
The Success of Alcoholics Anonymous: Locus of Control and God's General Revelation
Authors: Bridgman Laird P. , Mcqueen William M.
Published: February 2018

The success of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program for non-Christian members is a source of cognitive dissonance for Christians. Where does the power to change come from for these individuals, since AA does not emphasize a personal relationship with Christ? This article proposes that the research data demonstrates that it is the alcoholic's change from an internal to an external locus of control (LOC) regarding his/her drinking behaviors which accounts for the success of the AA program. A dual LOC theory, one LOC for drinking behaviors and one LOC for life events in general, is proposed to explain some of the conflicting data in the research Additionally, some issues for integration and future research are presented.
Traditional and Biobehavioral Information in Dieting: The Anticipated Effects of Christian Weight Loss Literature
Authors: Mcminn Mark R. , James Stephen B.
Published: February 2018

The study was designed to evaluate the effects of traditional versus biobehavioral information about dieting among individuals in early stages of dieting behavior. Forty-eight participants were presented with a message emphasizing the traditional information that weight loss is only a matter of will-power. Forty-eight participants were presented with biobehavioral information that explained why dieting is often ineffective and that other approaches could be used constructively to achieve weight loss. Twenty-four participants received a control message that was unrelated to weight loss. The biobehavioral message was expected to result in decreases in self-blaming attributions. This was true only for those participants that had been overweight since childhood Six current books on weight loss written from a Christian perspective are reviewed based upon the results of the study.
Heavenly-Minded and Earthly Good: A Study of Social Interest, Ethical Style, and Word-Spirit Orientation among Christians
Authors: Hsieh Theodore T.Y.
Published: February 2018

The Social Interest Scale (SIS) and measures of religiosity, Word-Spirit orientation and ethical style were administered to 127 Christian college students to ascertain differences between those who were more conservative in their doctrinal beliefs and behavioral attitudes and those who were less conservative, between those who had a Word-oriented, Christian style and those who were Spirit-oriented, and among those whose ethical style was either Situational, Absolutistic, Subjectivistic or Exceptionistic, Results indicate that those students with more conservative doctrinal and behavioral beliefs tend to have higher SIS scores than these who are less conservative. Spirit-oriented Christians have higher SIS scores than Word-oriented Christians. Subjectivistic students tend to have the lowest SIS scores among the four ethical style positions. No sex difference is found. Implications for studying social interest among religious subjects are discussed along with ideas for further research.
Professional Ministry Satisfaction in Evangelical Education Agencies
Authors: Wilson Fred R.
Published: February 2018

Many ministries within and outside the church fall under the heading of Christian Education. Little research has been conducted to measure the degree of satisfaction derived from Christian ministry. Three major groups of professionals in Christian Education–-a parachurch youth organization, church youth directors, and Directors of Christian Education–-were examined to determine the extent of their ministry satisfaction based on the traditional satisfaction-dissatisfaction continuum and Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene content, dual continuum theory. It was theorized and partially supported that each of these ministries is uniquely influenced by a distinct combination of job satisfier, dissatisfier, and demographic factors.
Psychotherapeutic Virtues and the Grammar of Faith
Authors: Roberts Robert C.
Published: February 2018

A new method for integrating secular psychotherapies into Christian practice, “the virtues approach,” is presented, which promises more fine-grained assessment of continuities and discontinuities between Christian theory and practice and secular theory and practice, and more hope of a richly and distinctively Christian psychotherapy. Albert Ellis’ therapy is examined as a test case. Three Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET) virtues–-equanimity, self-acceptance, and a sense of humor–-are compared grammatically (structurally) with their Christian counterparts, and suggestions are made about consequences for Christian RET.
An Integrated Spiritual and Psychological Growth Model in the Treatment of Narcissism
Authors: Lawrence Constance
Published: February 2018

Narcissism, called “the personality disorder of our time,” is also one of the most difficult conditions to treat. It is suggested that one of the reasons for the negative prognosis is that the condition is as much a spiritual as a psychological issue. The psychological etiology in poor object relations results in an existential anxiety regarding the issues of trust, value and purpose. These issues, as well as the formation of primary object relations, can be dealt with through the establishment of a trust relationship with a personal God, which then makes the individual accessible to psychotherapy. A Spiritual Growth Model is superimposed on Erikson's Developmental Stages and a ease study is given to illustrate its application.
Proactive Care of Missionary Personnel
Authors: Gardner Laura Mae
Published: February 2018

The author studied terminations from the Wycliffe Bible Translators, using the case method. The purpose of the study was to permit a new look at internal structures and procedures and to make recommendations for missionary care in a rapidly changing world. This article looks at those structures and procedures and suggests some refinements that will result in better care of Wycliffe members.
A Practical Approach to Transitions in Missionary Living
Authors: Gardner Laura Mae
Published: February 2018

This descriptive preliminary research focuses on career transitions and the accompanying stresses experienced by members of the Wycliffe Bible Translators. Issues of internal conflict are presented. Administrative and therapeutic options are suggested by those who participated in the research. This interaction within Wycliffe is presented as a case study or window through which all mission agencies can look at key transition points for their own personnel and examine the internal support systems available for effecting member care at the transition point of career change.
The Popularity of Integration Models, 1980–1985
Authors: Foster James D. , Horn Debra A. , Watson Steve
Published: February 2018

Farnsworth's five integration models were used to categorize integration articles published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology between 1980 and 1985. In addition, the graduate education of article authors was examined to determine if educational background influenced integration approach. Of the 177 articles reviewed, 52 reported research and 76 were considered integration articles. Results of the review indicate that one integration model accounts for nearly 2/3 of the integration work presented in JPT during this period and that differences in educational preparation do not produce preferences for particular integration approaches.
Hope and its Relationship to Spiritual Well-Being
Authors: Carson Verna , Soeken Karen L. , Grimm Patricia M.
Published: February 2018

Hope is essential to physical and psychosocial well-being and plays a central role in one's ability to deal with illness and suffering. It's relationship to spiritual well-being, however, has not been explored empirically. This article addresses the conceptual similarities of hope and spiritual well-being and reports the results of a correlational study examining the relationship in a sample of healthy individuals. While hope was found to be related to both the religious and existential dimensions of spiritual well-being, the relationship with existential well-being was significantly stronger. Questions are raised concerning the developmental relationship of hope and spiritual well-being, and the importance of spiritual well-being in facilitating hope in others is addressed.
Spiritual Concerns in Eric Fromm
Authors: Helminiak Daniel A.
Published: February 2018

This article summarizes Erich Fromm's understanding of human nature and pinpoints his account of the human tendency ever to seek further perfection: biological dichotomy results in contradictions that produce existential needs whose various resolutions determine passions and strivings, which are incessant and inherently unquenchable. Though not wholly unambiguous, his position is basically correct. Empirical evidence and logical argument support it. It presupposes a spiritual component in human nature that strives toward what is objectively correct and truly worthwhile, and so it is not only useful as a secular transformation of many traditionally religious concerns but is also open to easy theistic and, ultimately, Christian interpretation. Here is the basis for an account of spirituality that cuts across cultures and religions. Fromm's account of the matter squares well with the more detailed and profound analysis of dynamic human consciousness–-“spirit”–-presented by Bernard J.F. Lonergan (1957, 1972) and used by Daniel Helminiak (1987) to provide a technical nontheistic definition of spiritual development.
Sin and Self-Functioning, Part 2: Grace, Guilt and Psychological Adjustment
Authors: Watson P.J. , Morris Ronald J. , Hood Ralph W.
Published: February 2018

Grace and an intrinsic religious orientation were generally consistent with healthy psychological characteristics as revealed in relationships with self-consciousness, depression, hopelessness and/or self-efficacy. Extrinsicness and orthodox beliefs dealing with guilt tended to predict maladjustment. Several findings suggested that grace can obviate the negative effects of guilt while mediating the positive consequences of intrinsicness, and these data therefore reconfirmed the complex and interrelated influences of sin-related beliefs on self-functioning.
Sanctification and Therapy: The Model of Dante Alighieri
Authors: Harrison Sandra Marleen
Published: February 2018

The Christian experience called “dying to self” and involvement in secular psychotherapy have been described in some religious circles as mutually exclusive if not antagonistic. The present article suggests that this is not necessarily the case. Careful analysis of one historically significant description of the process of sanctification. Dante Alighieri's Purgatorio, reveals several procedures frequently found in contemporary therapeutic practice.
The Identified Patient in Family Therapy and Jesus Christ: A Limited Analogy
Authors: Polyson James , Herrema Randall , Barrow Victor
Published: February 2018

Family therapists have recognized the importance of analogic or metaphoric thinking in the conceptualization of family problems. In this article, we develop an analogy pertaining to a frequently studied phenomenon in family therapy, the symptom bearing child or Identified Patient (IP). By exploring certain similarities and differences between the IP and Jesus Christ, we hope to increase the reader's awareness of the richness and poignancy of the saving role in human relations. Also, an understanding of the Christ/IP analogy may be helpful to family therapists who must avoid idealizing or identifying with the symptomatic child.
Through a Glass Darkly, but Face to Face: Comments on Psychology and Theology Eyeing one Another
Authors: Goldsmith W. Mack
Published: February 2018

Comments made on four main Symposium articles and a discussant's article stress the hope that theological literacy will increase the sensitivity of psychological research to the real complexities of religious people. Differing theologies need to be considered seriously, even if new or unfamiliar. Different theologies may fit different psychological models. Sampling needs to be more sensitive to theological differences among potential subjects, and researchers need to be aware of how standard test results and other methods may be distorted by religious beliefs. Designs as well as theory must increase in complexity. Openness to ontological issues is a fascinating if risky and rare possibility.
Intrinsicness, Self-Actualization, and the Ideological Surround
Authors: Watson P.J. , Morris Ronald J. , Hood Ralph W.
Published: February 2018

Previous data have suggested that observation of positive relationships between self-actualization and intrinsic religiosity may be made difficult by an antireligious, humanistic element within self-actualization scales. In the present project, the Allport and Ross (1967) Intrinsic Religious Orientation Scale was found to correlate positively with the Short Index of Self-Actualization (SISA), an instrument derived from the humanistically informed Personal Orientation Inventory. Evaluation of each SISA item in terms of personal religious commitments revealed none of the statements to be antireligious, with the vast majority instead being proreligious. Intrinsic Scale relationships with other measures of self-adjustment were roughly explicable in terms of their degree of congruence with religious articulations of self-functioning. These data confirmed that no fundamental incompatibility exists between religiosity and self-actualization and that a direct relationship between the two can occur when no antireligious elements are present in the measure of self-functioning.
How Missionary Children become World Christians: The Role of the MK School and the Local Culture
Authors: Sharp Larry W.
Published: February 2018

How do missionary children (MKs) become world Christians? In an effort to answer this question, Christian commitment and worldmindedness were measured in a sample of 533 adult children of missionaries to Brazil. Several correlates were examined and the results reveal a basic dichotomy between the local culture and the MK school in that MK schools are positively associated with Christian commitment but negatively with worldmindedness, while cultural involvement is positively associated with worldmindedness and negatively with Christian commitment. The research suggests important implications for the development of worldmindedness and Christian commitment especially in an MK school and overseas context.
The Effects of Schooling on Thinking in Northeastern Nigeria with Implications for Christian Education
Authors: Plueddemann James E.
Published: February 2018

The study investigates the effects of schooling on the way males of northeastern Nigeria prefer to sort dissimilar stimuli into equivalent groups. A picture-grouping instrument was constructed, field-tested and administered to 130 Tangale males. The sample was composed of farmers, pastors and teachers. Results showed a positive and significant correlation between the amount of schooling and the number of superordinate strategies used for making groups. There was no correlation between the recency of schooling and preference for using superordinate strategies; thus the effects of schooling did not “wear off.” Implications for Bible teaching, leadership development and theological education are discussed.
Strengthening a Religious Social Support System: A Brief Report
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Lattimore Barbara
Published: February 2018

Attendance at a Roman Catholic church in a metropolitan area had declined markedly over the past few years. With the cooperation of church officials, a needs assessment was conducted, and the findings indicated that parishioners wanted to be more actively involved in the services. The intervention involved introducing a children's choir in the 12:30 Mass, and later organizing an adult choir for the 9:30 Mass. With the onset of these interventions, attendance increased significantly at both Masses.
An Empirical Study of the Pastoral Mental Health Involvement Model
Authors: Lau Godwin K. , Steele Robert
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the utility of a conceptual model—the Pastoral Mental Health Involvement Model—in understanding and predicting pastoral mental health activities (counseling, referral, and consultation). This model, based on previous research findings and logical speculations, includes four sets of external factors (church organization, church membership status, types and severity of presenting problems) and three sets of internal factors (clergy's attitudes, mental health skills and knowledge, and demographic variables). Data were collected from 231 clergy of the United Methodist Baltimore Conference in 1984. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses in terms of sets were performed. The results partially validated a multi-factorial interactional model in understanding and predicting pastoral mental health involvement with the external inputs, that is, church membership status and presenting problems being the most significant predictors.
Dependency, “Irrationality,” and Community
Authors: Watson P.J. , Morris Ronald J. , Hood Ralph W. , Folbrecht Jeanelle
Published: February 2018

The Dependency subscale of the Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT) was scored as a rational-emotive “irrationality” and as a religious “rationality.” Rational-emotive understandings of dependency appeared to recommend as mental health ideals a Machiavellian manipulativeness, an alienated normlessness, and avoidance of an empathic concern for and a communal orientation toward others. Dependency as a religious rationality was related to greater social responsibility, emotional empathy, and a communal orientation and to lower levels of interpersonal manipulativeness, alienation, and depression. IBT subscales seemed inadequately characterized as uniform indices of a pathogenic irrationality. Overall, these data supported recent communitarian arguments that an excessive individualism can be socially corrosive and that practical rationalities are difficult to disentangle from specific value commitments.
Religious Commitment and Mental Health: A Review of the Empirical Literature
Authors: Gartner John , Larson Dave B. , Allen George D.
Published: February 2018

Research on the relationship between religious commitment and psychopamology has produced mixed findings. In a recent meta-analysis, Bergin (1983) found mat 23% of the studies reported a negative relationship, 47% reported a positive relationship, and 30% reported no relationship at all between religion and mental health. Based on our review of more than 200 studies, we have discovered four additional trends: (a) Most studies linking religious commitment to psychopathology have employed mental health measures that we have called “soft variables,” that is, paper-and-pencil personality tests which attempt to measure theoretical constructs. In contrast, most of the research linking religion to positive mental health is on “hard variables,” that is, “real life” behavioral events which can be reliably ob-served and measured and which are unambiguous in their significance. (b) Low levels of religiosity are most often associated with disorders related to undercontrol of impulses, whereas high levels of religiosity are most often associated with disorders of overcontrol. (c) Behavioral measures of religious participation are more powerfully associated with mental health than are attitudinal measures. (d) Distinctions such as that between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity explain some inconsistent findings.
Spirituality and the Four Jungian Personality Functions
Authors: Bunker Diane E.
Published: February 2018

Throughout history, Christians have expressed their spiritual life in a variety of ways, both corporately and individually. The purpose of this article is to consider ways in which knowledge of the four Jungian personality functions—sensation, intuition, thinking, and feeling-can be used to identify modalities for expressing one's faith that are consistent with individual personality differences and faithful to the traditions and practices of Christianity. Such considerations are useful in understanding differences between individuals, as well as in addressing needs within an individual to modify the manner of faith expression to make it consistent with individual personality changes.
The Effects of Prayer and Prayer Experiences on Measures of General Weil-Being
Authors: Poloma Margaret M. , Pendleton Brian F.
Published: February 2018

Although some 90% of all Americans claim to pray, a review of social science literature will reveal that researchers have shown little interest in the topic. The 1985 Akron Area Survey which focused on religiosity and subjective perceptions of well-being included items measuring the frequency of prayer, prayer experiences, and different forms of prayer, together with more standard measures of religiosity. The results demonstrate significant relationships between the varying measures of prayer and the different well-being measures included in this survey. A factor analysis of 15 prayer activity items identified four types of prayer which relate differently to the well-being measures. Prayer, like its parent concept religiosity, is clearly multidimensional and contributes to a profiling of well-being.
Measuring Christian Maturity: A Comparison of Several Scales
Authors: Bassett Rodney L , Camplin Wayne , Humphrey Dennis , Dorr Cathy , Biggs Sandra , Distaffen Robert , Doxtator Ivan , Flaherty Mary , Jo Hunsberger Patti , Poage Ruth , Thompson Hazel
Published: February 2018

One way to explore the meaning of Christian maturity is to try to measure Christian maturity. Catholic and Protestant students responded to several instruments purporting to measure Christian maturity and one instrument measuring intrinsic faith. The correlations between the instruments were all positive and typically high. Several of the instruments were collapsed together and a principle components factor analysis revealed four basic factors undergirding the instruments. Using a varimax rotation, the four factors seemed to reflect: (a) personal commitment as manifested in living, (b) personal commitment as manifested in belief, (c) relationships with others, and (d) perceptions of God as protector and sustainer. In summary, this article takes an empirical look at what it means to be a mature Christian.
Christianity versus Humanism: The Influence of Values on the Nonclinical Professional Decisions of Veterans Administration Psychologists
Authors: Neumann Joseph K. , Thompson William , Woolley Thomas W.
Published: February 2018

The literature concerning personal values and professional practice is briefly reviewed. This project explored the relationship of values to nonclinical professional decisions in a nationwide survey of doctoral level psychologists. Respondents were sent a set of three vignettes (a Veterans Administration inservice summary, a state society presentation summary, and a publication abstract) and were asked to rate their approval of the vignette activities. The two sets were alike, except that one included statements inserted to reflect Christian values and the other included statements reflecting Humanist values. Humanist vignettes received significantly greater approval for all questions for all vignettes than did Christian vignettes. Overall, the publication abstract was rated as most approved and the inservice as least approved. Differential response patterns were much more apparent in the Christian vignettes and among several self-labeled groups. Methodological issues, the separation of church and state issue, the slippery slope hypothesis, as well as several specific professional implications are discussed. A structural pluralism is encouraged to avoid the apparent nontheistic basis in the nonclinical, professional decisions of psychologists.
Personality Characteristics of Male and Female Pastoral Candidates
Authors: Patrick Jayne
Published: February 2018

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) were administered to a sample of 67 male and female United Church of Christ pastoral candidates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in the candidate population (with respect to age and sex) during the 1980s have altered the composite “ministerial personality” first identified by Nauss (1973). Results indicate that this personality profile has remained fairly constant, despite the higher mean age of candidates and the substantially higher number of women seeking ordination. The implication of these findings with respect to congregations’ needs and expectations is also examined.
The Development of Moral Reasoning: Some Observations about Christian Fundamentalism
Authors: Hanson Richard A.
Published: February 2018

The relationships between the phenomenon of Christian fundamentalism and several aspects of cognitive and moral development were discussed. Modern Christian fundamentalism has acquired a new sense of ideological and political rigor within the last fifteen years. The specific cognitive and moral reasoning concepts discussed in terms of Christian fundamentalism were Kohlbergian theories, interpersonal negotiation, perspective taking, and disequilibration. There was confirmation that, although moral reasoning and religious conservatism are related, the relationship is much more Intricate than previously thought. Furthermore, the importance of considering the structural parallelism of these concepts was confirmed.
The Parables of Jesus: A Social Psychological Approach
Authors: King James Roy
Published: February 2018

This article examines certain parables of Jesus as psychosocial documents, describing the reactions of various individuals to social situations. The justification for such an approach lies in Jesus’ intense concern over the commitments people make and the similarity between his teaching stories and the stories of other itinerant Middle-Eastern teachers—from Old Testament times to the present. Many such stories can be seen as reports on negotiations between individuals in a confusing and dangerous world. The methodological framework for this approach is provided by Erwin Goffman's (1974) frame analysis, a frame being a commitment, a set of assumptions within which an individual chooses to function. Goffman's complex scheme is applied to the Parable of the Wedding Guest, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. However, the author's contention is that analysis of all the parables in which social interaction occurs can be enriched by Goffman's method.
Parenting as Discipleship: A Contextual Motif for Christian Parent Education
Authors: Lee Cameron
Published: February 2018

Many parents attend seminars and workshops to learn how to deal with problems of behavioral discipline. One goal of Christian parent education, however, should be to help parents understand a broader biblical view of the parent-child relationship that transcends the immediate discipline situation. The purpose of this article is to present “parenting as discipleship” as a grounding motif for parent education. The article considers five areas: (a) the biblical teaching on discipline and discipleship; (b) the relational context of discipline; (c) the interactional and multi-determined nature of parenting; (d) the importance of parents’ personal self-reflection; and (e) the role of empathy. Insights from the child psychology literature are used to reinforce the contextual motif.
Mental Health and the Virtues of Community: Christian Reflections on Contextual Therapy
Authors: Roberts Robert C.
Published: February 2018

The virtues approach is applied to Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy's (1984, 1986, 1987) contextual therapy to assess it for integration into Christian use. After an initial description of Nagy's theory and practice, the contextual framework is examined via a grammatical analysis of four contextual virtues: trust, mutuality, gratitude, and justice. Contextual therapy is shown to escape the major criticisms that have recently been leveled against psychotherapy by communitarians and to have considerable promise for use in Christian communities. For integration, however, two adjustments are required: God and his kingdom, rather than the intergenerational family, must be seen as the normarively primary objects of loyalty, and forgiveness must replace exoneration as a central therapeutic strategy.
Christian Anti-Psychology Sentiment: Hints of an Historical Analogue
Authors: Beck James R. , Banks James W.
Published: February 2018

This article explores the similarities between the current Christian anti-psychology movement and the creationist-evolutionary conflict earlier in this century. In this article, we argue that if indeed the movements are similar, we may be observing the beginnings of some important developments: a move by anti-psychology proponents for a centrist position and a new test for orthodoxy among conservative evangelicals–-anti-counseling and anti-psychology dogma.
Three Approaches to Religious Issues in Counseling
Authors: Presley David B.
Published: February 2018

The Christian faith continues to be a powerful influence in the lives of a great number of people in American culture. Three approaches employed by practitioners to deal with a client's religious faith have been identified through a review of the literature of the past 10 years. The approaches taken include avoidance, eradication, and integration of the client's faith. Practitioners will either avoid dealing with the client's faith, attempt to eradicate faith, or work towards integrating faith into the counseling process. These three approaches are evaluated in view of the American Psychological Association's code of ethics. Any one of the three approaches may be ethically acceptable when practiced within the bounds of professional code of ethics.
Some Questions Come to Mind: A Response to Ganaway
Authors: Cozolino Louis J.
Published: February 2018

The author responds to George K. Ganaway's review of the Shaffer and Cozolino, Gould and Cozolino, and Friesen articles in the section on psychotherapy with MPD/SRA patients in this special issue of the Journal.
Ritual Abuse and the Moral Crusade against Satanism
Authors: Victor Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2018

This article addresses the research question: What accounts for widespread belief in allegations of “ritual” child abuse by satanic cults in the absence of any verifiable law enforcement or scientific evidence? The hypothesis is that allegations of ritual abuse are manifestations of the social construction of an imaginary form of deviance which is being promoted by a moral crusade against satanism. Events of a satanic cult ritual abuse scare in England are used to illustrate the collective behavior dynamics. The interpretation suggests that the activism of moral crusaders is a response to belief in frames for attributing meaning to an ambiguous problem, linked to shared concerns for fighting “evil” in society. The conclusion is that controversies surrounding claims about ritual child abuse can be best understood if they are investigated in the social context of the moral crusade against satanism.
Sociological Argument Applied to a Historical Example of Deviance: A Response to Professor Victor
Authors: Jenkins Carol A.
Published: February 2018

Jenkins’ response focuses on an analysis and critique of Victor's application of a sociological argument to the 1988 satanic abuse scare in Rochdale, England. Important questions relate to why the religious collectivity in Rochdale assigned SRA behavior to a “deviant” category. The author critiques Victor's failure to suggest the range of alternative theoretical paradigms used to explain collective behavior and the linkages there are between ideology, social action, and collective response.