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Foundational Discussions in Christian Psychology

teaches his disciples that the most important Gallese et al (1996) discovered that neurons
commandments to follow are the two that re- which fired when the animal performed a cer-
quire relationships of love, first with God, then tain task also became active when the animal
with others (Matt. 22:36-40). merely observed the experimenter doing the
same thing. They aptly named these mirror
Furthermore, humans are created in the image neurons. Further study enabled them to hypo-
of God (Gen. 1:26). The imago Dei, despite li- thesize that the function of these neurons is to
mited biblical attention, is an important topic understand the meaning of “actions performed
in theology. Four approaches can be described: by others” (Rizzolatti and Sinigaglia, 2008, p.
structural—we resemble God with respect to 97). Studies in humans using positron emission
our rationality and morality, functional—we tomography and functional magnetic resonance
image God through our stewardship over crea- imaging have confirmed the presence of mirror
tion, relational—we have a special relationship neurons in humans (Rizzolatti and Sinigaglia,
with God, particularly as we focus on Christ, 2008, pp. 115–23). Human mirror neurons ap-
and dynamic—the divine image is a goal of hu- pear to have a wider range of function than in
manity (e.g., Grenz, 2000, pp. 168–73; Grenz monkeys and have roles in imitation, language,
2001, pp. 141–82; Cortez, 2010, pp. 14–40). and learning (pp. 139–71) as well as empathy
The relational view has come to prominence in and emotional sharing (pp. 185–93), although
contemporary thought, especially with the new the authors caution that there are many other
emphasis on the trinity as social and relational. factors involved in these complex human capa-
Theologian Daniel Migliore (1991, p. 122), for cities. Most counselors have noted how they are
example, critiques other views in favor of a re- affected by the emotions of others. In fact, often
lational one: “Human beings are created for life unaware, we find ourselves crossing our legs
in relationships that mirror or correspond to when our client does so. This is mirror neurons
God’s own life in relationship.” at work. Sponheim (2006, p. 145), when discus-

The relational view of the imago Dei is some- sing the neurosciences, notes that creation itself
times viewed in combination with the func- is inherently relational. All cells as well as sub-
tional or dynamic views. Being made in God’s atomic particles are interconnected. It appears
image also implies responsibility as humans are humans are hardwired for relationship and em-
commanded to build community and care for pathy.
creation (Gen. 1:28). As Old Testament scholar Finally, although psychotherapy has always
Terrence Fretheim (2005, p. 49) notes, we are recognized the importance of the therapeutic
“created in the image of God…[but also] to be relationship, it is being emphasized in recent
the image of God.” Imaging God is active not discussions. Certain types of therapy are rooted
passive. Similarly, relational and dynamic views in relationship (e.g., Gestalt, person-centered),
are associated. Theologian Paul Sponheim but it is increasingly being noted that the rela-
(2006, p. 53) points out that image refers not to tionship between therapist and client is critical
a human “property” but to a relationship that for successful therapy, regardless of style. There
has directionality and teleology: “The image is little evidence supporting the superiority of
calls us ahead, into life.” Through Christ and the any therapeutic technique over another (Wam-
ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, humans are pold et al, 1997), instead, the quality of the re-
called to move towards perfecting our ability to lationship is the catalyst for change (e.g., Corey,
image God as we were originally created to do. 2001, pp. 15–18).
In philosophy and psychology there has been a
move from viewing the self as primarily rational From a Christian perspective, the psychothe-
to viewing it as relational (e.g., Grenz, 2001, pp. rapeutic relationship (employed with wisdom
9–14, pp. 58–97). Recent neurophysiological re- and integrity) can be viewed as a model for the
search supports the idea that we are created as relationship between God and his people. As
relational beings. In their original experiments Mark McMinn (1996, p. 43) notes, “when the
involving primates, Rizzolatti et al (1996) and counseling relationship works well, it is because

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