PSY 762 - Psychology and Christianity II: Worldview, Ontology, and Epistemology

Units: 3
When Offered: Spring
Building on the first course in this four-course series, students focus on understanding and applying the basics of a Christian worldview to the foundations of clinical psychology, comparing and contrasting these building blocks with the various worldviews in psychology today. Students also explore ontology, before moving on to epistemology. Finally, students review the various epistemologies, applying them to the foundations of clinical psychology. Focusing on three distinct epistemologies-reason, empiricism, and divine revelation-students explore the prioritization of ways of knowing from psychological and Christian perspectives. From an “integrationist” point of view, empiricism is heavily relied upon as a starting point, followed by attempts to integrate divine revelation. On the other hand, “Christian psychology” attempts to begin with divine revelation, turning to empiricism as a way to deepen an understanding of scripture and God’s design. Each of these ways of knowing is detailed, along with strategies to apply the various epistemologies to research design and clinical practice, culminating with the effective, ethical, and competent care of Christian clients.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 761