Behavioral Psychology and the Bible: General and Specific Considerations

Abstract

Behavioral psychology has been slow in being accepted as a viable source of theological integration because of the questions it raises concerning man's freedom, dignity, self-control, and responsibility. Although these are valid concerns of philosophical behaviorism, they are merely pseudo-issues regarding methodological behaviorism. Reflecting the natural laws of God's universe, methodological behaviorism integrates with Scripture on many points. One of the most obvious integrative points is in the area of eschatology and the social learning theory of positive reinforcement, since goals, anticipation, expectancy, and rewards work as incentives in both Biblical eschatology and behavioral reinforcement.