Page 18 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 5

Empirical steps toward a Christian Psychology

Romuald Jaworski (Poland)
Comment

to „Grace Matters: A Christian Psychology Story“

The question of the development of Christian (“a full life”).
psychology discussed by Timothy A. Sisemore The history of
is both important and interesting. In the first the development
part of his paper, he presents the complicated of Christian psy-
relations between contemporary scientific psy- chology, announ-
chology and faith. Dr. Sisemore makes reference ced in the title, is
to the five characteristic types of relationship discussed in the Romuald Jaworski
between these two domains of study of man and paper rather cur- (Poland), dr. hab., psy-
assistance to man that were proposed by Eric sorily. Of interest chologist, psychothe-
Johnson [2007, 2010]. Indeed, one should stress is the interesting rapist, supervisor, ca-
the value of systematizing the various approa- and valuable hi- tholic priest, professor
ches to the relationship between contemporary story of creating at the Cardinal Stefan
psychology and Christianity because it consti- and verifying the Wyszynski University
tutes the background for the current develop- Richmont Grace in Warsaw, president of
ment of Christian psychology. Scale. Still, while the Association of
this subject is si- Christian Psychologists
Dr. Sisemore begins his study with an impor- gnificant, it is (ACP) in Poland. He
tant and true assumption that it is necessary only one of many is the author of several
to address specifically Christian aspects of re- aspects of the books and articles in
ligious life. He rightfully emphasizes the role development of the field of psychology
of grace in Christianity. This corresponds to Christian psycho- of religion and pastoral
the popular understanding of the term “grace,” logy. psychology.
which is confirmed by the history of the deve- Articles by Romuald
lopment of the Richmont Grace Scale. Howe- The overview of Jaworski you can see
ver, even at this stage some doubts arise as to the relationship here:
defining grace mainly in the context of pardo- between the faith- Journal 1 on page 34, 46
ning sins. It is true that, according to Christian based Christian Journal 3 on page 5
theology, God gives grace – a gift meant to help concept of grace
man, especially in overcoming difficulties rela- and the concepts
ted to his sinfulness. However, a discussion of advanced by 20th century Christian psycho-
God’s grace should take into account not only logy is incomplete as it does not include many
man’s sinfulness, but also the context of God’s important discoveries made by the psycho-
generously endowing man on his road toward logy of religion both in the United States and
salvation. Furthermore, grace may be given in in Europe. The psychology of religion is an
the form of some natural positive traits of hu- area where Christianity (as well as Judaism, Is-
man nature, and it may also be given through lam, Buddhism, and other religions) can meet
one’s environment. Signs of God’s grace include with contemporary academic psychology. One
not only inspirations of the Holy Spirit directed should emphasize the rich achievements of the
immediately to man or the forgiveness of sins psychology of religion and its contributions to
(redemption from sins), but also one’s health, the interpretation of the characteristic aspects
personality, talents, character, or good fami- of Christianity. In the context of the discussed
ly and social environment. In this sense, grace paper, one should also stress the importance of
is an act of God’s good will directed to man to the limited but important research in the psy-
help him live his life in a dignified and efficient chology of or religion conducted at European
manner, or, in other words, to achieve salvation and American universities, and a number of

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