Theology for Psychology and Counseling

“In Theology for Psychology and Counseling, Callaway and Whitney provide a superb resource for the contemporary integration movement. I can think of no other book where the authors have such deep knowledge of both theology and psychology, yet they write in a way that is approachable, engaging, and accessible to all. This should be one of the most important integration books of the decade.”—Mark R. McMinn, scholar-in-residence, George Fox University

“Theology and psychology are both human quests. Each discipline deals with the big questions of life: What makes life worth living? What is the flourishing life? How can we live it? They approach these questions from their respective philosophical and empirical idioms. Science-engaged theology has become a popular buzz phrase of late; however, theology-engaged psychological science has not been pursued as vigorously—until now. Callaway and Whitney argue compellingly and convincingly that theology is meaningful because it is about what matters most for human life and offers genuine value to psychological science by adding richness and texture to psychological accounts of human flourishing and enormously enriching empirical investigations into the good life.”—Robert Emmons, professor emeritus of psychology, University of California, Davis; editor in chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology; author of The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns and Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
“Theology for Psychology and Counseling provides psychologists with a foundational and holistic understanding of how core tenets and principles from Christian theology can inform and improve counseling and clinical practice. A highly approachable text that is both clever and earnest, this book is a worthwhile and delightful read for novices and experts alike. Callaway and Whitney’s culturally relevant illustrations, key takeaways, personal anecdotes, and reflection questions help readers to actively engage the ideas rather than passively consume them. This is the first accessible text that helps students think about how to integrate Christian faith and psychology written by actual theologians who are also trained in psychology—a long-awaited addition to the conversation!”—Sarah Schnitker, associate professor of psychology, Baylor University
“Callaway and Whitney generously invite psychology students to the constructive adventure of doing theology in a way that advocates for and learns from psychology—most distinctively in their strong account of God the Spirit’s wider presence. Winsomely written and knowledgeable about the fields of study, this book gives us biblical and theological integration at its boldest, aiming to instill habits of seeing and loving that recognize God and neighbor in the academic work and professional practice of psychology.”—Andy Draycott, associate professor of theology, Talbot School of Theology
“Callaway and Whitney’s book is at once a warm welcome and an uncomfortable challenge to think with clarity and depth about how Christian theology can motivate and guide one’s work as a psychologist.”—Justin Barrett, author of Thriving with Stone Age Minds: Evolutionary Psychology, Christian Faith, and the Quest for Human Flourishing