Irreconcilable Differences? Apes, Adam, and an Ark

Relating Christianity and Psychology

By: Geoffrey W. Sutton

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The purpose of this book is to consider how Christians may embrace both the science of psychology and Christian theologies by looking at apparent conflicts between science and Christianity in Genesis.

In the first chapter, I look at how scholars define psychology and Christianity, general methods Christians rely upon to explain how various biblical texts do not necessarily contradict scientific evidence or professional ethics, and psychological factors that can influence how Christians view the biblical sources underlying their theology and ultimately, their Christian worldview.

In chapter two, I look at the divide in the first chapter of the Bible. There are psychological factors associated with views about the creation of the universe and there are methods to reinterpret the Bible to circumvent conflict.

In chapter three, the chasm between faith and science deepens when Christians juxtapose the creation of humans against human evolution.

Chapter four considers God's destruction of creation in a colossal flood. As with the other chapters, scholars propose insightful ways to interpret the story that are at least compatible with psychology.

In the epilogue, I attempt to demonstrate how Christians may draw upon various perspectives to construct a Christian worldview that both acknowledges the distinct subjects of theology and psychology, avoids conflict, and contemplates ways to integrate the disciplines or, in the case of psychotherapy, accommodate a broad spectrum of ways Christians express their spirituality.

Chapter notes offer additonal details and links to videos and articles for greater exploration.