Sacrament of Psychology: Psychology and Religion in the Postmodern American - Softcover

Cox, Richard H.

9781929902156: Sacrament of Psychology: Psychology and Religion in the Postmodern American

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1929902158 ISBN 13: 9781929902156

Publisher: Insync Communications Llc, 2002

Simply put, the premise of this book is that the church has allowed itself to become overwhelmed with psychology. This is not truly new. Karl Menninger challenged both the clergy and the psychogists to consider a similar concept over twenty five years ago. Richard Cox argues that what many call superstition of materialism -- ascribing all power and glory to science and its accomplishments, the church has capitalized upon and through the process has lost its identity. It has done this, he challenges, by allowing the norms and diagnosis of contemporary psychology to replace the Gospel. Sparing no sacred cows among the clergy or psychologists, Cox builds a strong argument. A critical addition to the literature, The Sacrament of Psychology is not for the faint of heart. It is not for the pop-psychologist or, as he calls them, armchair-theologians. While the author accepts that theology needs psychology and psychology benefits from theology, he is quick to point out that there needs to be a redefining of this partnership in order to make the relationship truly productive. Passions rise as one symbol after another is challenged in this highly enlightening and powerfully written acknowledgement that the power of the Gospels has been, in many instances, thrown to the uncritical winds of psychological embracing. As one critic has said, the amalgam has created neither good theology nor good psychology.

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About the Author:

Richard Cox is the recently-retired President of the Forest Institute (a graduate school of professional psychology, which includes an intergenerational living community) in Springfield, MO. A man of many talents, Cox holds doctorates in psychology, medicine, and theology. He has authored numerous professional and popular papers, articles, as well as contributing to several professional books. Dr. Cox has spoken internationally and has served as keynoter at several national conferences-- especially in the area of human services as they apply to medicine, pyschology and religion. Among his other talents, Richard is a trumpet virtuoso and is recognized by the International Trumpet Guild and the National Trumpet Competition. He resides with wife Betty in Springfield, MO.

Review:

"...in its thirst to be relevant, the church has drunk deeply of this sugary elixir of 'feels good.'" -- Russ Chandler, Author, former religion writer for The Los Angeles Times

"...religious faith and practice have been adversely influenced by embracing psychology uncritically and thus diluting...redmptive effectives of the Gospel." -- Vernon Grounds, PhD, Chancellor, Denver Seminary

"Psychology and theology need each other, and Richard Cox points the way to a new and more productive partnership." -- Dr. Richard J. Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary

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