Abstract
Two misconceptions about the apparent burgeoning interest in the relationship between psychology and Christianity are discussed: that the interest in this dialogue is equally operative on both sides and that those involved in this dialogue share a common set of understandings. The history of the relationship between psychology and Christianity is reviewed. An organization of the psychology-Christianity literature is proposed. Three distinctive approaches to the dialogue between psychology and Christianity are outlined: (1) the development of a Christian psychology; (2) the psychological study of religious sentiment; and (3) the use of psychological principles and methods in religious contexts. These approaches are discussed both in terms of their impact upon Christianity and in terms of their impact upon the discipline of psychology. The effects of the frequently-dominant mind set of psychology upon Christian thought are discussed within the context of schema theory. Finally it is argued that a more veritable relationship between psychology and Christianity might be achieved if the apparent obsession with the integration of these disciplines were forsaken, and instead, the singular contributions offered by each toward a greater understanding of the human condition were acknowledged. (ABL)