The Conduct of Integration

Abstract

A method is presented for integrating psychological and theological facts. Based on a definition of integration as a process of discovering, verifying, relating, and applying God's truths, the procedure places heavy emphasis on orthopraxy (right living) as well as orthodoxy (right thinking). Briefly outlined, the method consists first of “conceptual relation,” or verifying that one's facts are methodologically-hermeneutically sound and then comparing them to see how closely they correspond or perhaps can be made to correspond. Second, the method involves “embodied integration,” or committing oneself to facts that are intellectually understood to be true in one's life over time. Epistemological issues and methodological alternatives are presented, with special emphasis on the biblical principles of “knowing that passes understanding” (Ephesians 3: 19, Philippians 4:7) and “doing, not hearing only” (James 1:22). In addition, five conceptual relation models are critiqued, and a challenge is given for doing research rather than merely reviewing research.