Relational integration, part II: Relational integration as developmental and intercultural

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In Part II of this two-part manuscript, we continue to outline the contours of a relational integration approach to the relationship between psychology and theology. Part I focused on relational integration as embodied and hermeneutical; here, in Part II we describe relational integration as developmental and intercultural. We start with hermeneutical work on Colossians 3:1-11 to probe biblical perspectives on the developmental and intercultural dynamics of Christian spiritual formation in community. Developmental research on attachment and interpersonal neurobiology are utilized to frame the prospects and challenges of interpersonal and interdisciplinary collaboration. Spiritual and psychological dynamics of idealization and dis-integration are described in relation to developmental and integrative processes. Finally, we argue for the importance of intercultural, gender, and other diversity factors as valuable dimensions for relational integration within our differentiation-based approach.

Department(s)

Seminary

Publication Title

Journal of Psychology and Theology

Volume

43

Issue

3

First Page

179

Last Page

191

Publication Date

9-1-2015

DOI

10.1177/009164711504300303

ISSN

00916471

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