Mark Cosgrove, himself a Professor of Psychology, has helpfully outlined some of the major tension-points between psychology (as taught in its behaviourist, humanistic and transpersonal forms) and Christian theism.

 1.  PSYCHOLOGY says that there is no explanation for the origin of man’s personhood.

CHRISTIAN THEISM asserts that there exists a personal, creator God.

2.  PSYCHOLOGY says that there is no agreement on the evil drive within man and the inability to remain other-centred.

CHRISTIAN THEISM asserts that man fell into sin and the consequences of a self-centred, spiritually dead existence.

3.  PSYCHOLOGY says that there is no explanation for man’s spiritual yearnings.

CHRISTIAN THEISM asserts that the spiritual world exists, and man has the capacity and need to relate to the God of the universe.

4.  PSYCHOLOGY says that there is no adequate method of knowing about people’s mental and spiritual nature and needs.

CHRISTIAN THEISM asserts that the God-inspired Bible reveals truth concerning the inner nature and ultimate needs of all people.

5.  PSYCHOLOGY says that there are no absolute guidelines for applying solutions to people’s problems.  Ethical and moral discussions are beyond the scope of the scientific method.

CHRISTIAN THEISM asserts that absolute truth is revealed by God concerning human nature, purpose, and life-style.

Psychology Gone Awry, 133f.