Six Kinds of Christian Psychology Research
Community-Generic Studies
Studies of features of human nature that are not significantly impacted by Christian
worldview beliefs. In such areas, the accounts of Christians and non-Christians will share
great similarity, e.g., research on neural networks, memory schemas, animal learning, and
treatment of autism.
Also, the use of empirical procedures in one’s own studies for the purpose of evaluating
the validity of other research, as well as the evaluation of other research simply by
measuring in terms of the standards of good empirical research.
Higher Level, Supplementary Studies
Studying features of human nature left out of secular studies (e.g., wisdom includes the
fear and love of God), but that complement available secular research (wisdom involves
problem-solving). Usually this will involve focus on the unique contributions of the
ethical and spiritual orders of discourse, without rejecting well done, related lower-level
research by secularists (which may still be distorted somewhat by worldview bias).
Community-Specific Studies
1)Studying features of human nature left out of secular studies that have little to no direct correlate in secular studies, e.g., research on the Holy Spirit, sin, glory, the Christian’s real self, and so on.
2)Research on topics dealt with in secular psychology, but discussed using Christian
terminology and assumptions, e.g., regarding a Trinitarianframework for human love,
the role of sin in various psychopathological conditions, the role of the Holy Spirit in
group dynamics, and so on.
Community-Critical Studies
P. J. Watson’s comparative procedures using his Ideological Surround Model for evaluating the usually hidden bias in secular research and instruments because of ideological distortions (or worldview bias) (from which of course Christians also are not
immune).
Biblical Studies
Careful analysis of relevant biblical texts, interpreted in light of the whole canon of
Scripture, the main theme of the redemptive-historical drama, and other appropriate
theological considerations.
Philosophical Studies
Careful rational analysis of concepts and language use, human experience, nature,
norms, and relationships, and other kinds of research.
Important research problems for Christian psychology
When measuring Christian beliefs and attitudes in large samples, we are examining average Christians (in college samples, average early young adult Christians), not the most mature or virtuous. This will require selective sampling, and likely a greater reliance on qualitative research methods. This is one reason why biblical research has to
be included within our empirical procedures.