Integration of Faith and Behaviorism

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that against the broader backdrop of the ongoing debate about the integration of religion and psychology, is the debate about the integration of specific faith practices in behaviorist strategies in both professional and non-professional settings. The writer notes that integration attempts to engage individuals in a wholistic manner, considering all aspects of their personhood: behavioral, social, physical, mental and spiritual. The writer also notes that religious individuals and families benefit from behaviorist interventions that include Scripture, prayer and the foundation of a spiritual understanding of humanity. The writer then discusses whether the use of Christian practices with behaviorist intervention should be considered as control, discipline or discipleship.

Outline:
Abstract
Integrating Scripture with Behavioral Interventions
In Professional Settings (Psychotherapy, CBT and ASD)
In Non-Professional Settings (Church and Home)

From the Paper:

"Sunday School is once a week and many Christian parents do not find themselves in psychotherapy, CBT or ABA therapy with their children. It is within the day-to-day task of parenting children without disorders that they desire to integrate faith practices. With the relationship of Jesus and His disciples serving as a model, it is suggested that in daily life learning/behavior modification is continuous and often unscheduled. The bookshelves in church libraries and church sponsored parent education classes become a source of information on how this can be accomplished.
"A review of an assortment of books in the Willingdon Church library highlighted the various levels of education and experience of authors, as well as varying degrees of integration suggested. With millions of books sold, Dr. James Dobson is a leading psychologist that Christian parents go to for direction."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Atchison, D., and Atchison, E. (1999). Shaping the next generation: Helping parents seize their brief window of opportunity. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
• Carter, J. D. (1977). Secular and sacred models of psychology and religion. Journal of Psychology & Theology, 5(3).
• Byrdsong, R. (2000). Coaching your kids in the game of life. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.
• Dobson, J. (1992). The new dare to discipline. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
• Garzon, F. (2005). Interventions that apply scripture in psychotherapy. Journal of Psychology & Theology, 33(2).

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