A theological analysis of the functional epistemology and anthropology underlying Gary R. Collins's method of integrating psychology and theology

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze the epistemological and anthropological commitments underlying Gary R. Collins's method of integrating psychology and theology from an evangelical perspective. Collins has been one of the most influential evangelical Christian counselors over the past four decades through his writing, teaching, and speaking. The crucial issues at the heart of the intersection of psychology and theology are epistemology and anthropology. Collins has written extensively in both areas since the beginning of his career.; The purpose of chapter one is two-fold. First, the reader is introduced to Collins. His life, education, and career are considered along with four of the greatest influences upon his thought. Next, the chapter traces the history of integration.; Chapter two begins with a survey of four of Collins's major works: Search for Reality, The Rebuilding of Psychology, Psychology and Theology, and Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. The chapter also includes a summary of Collins's method of integration.; Chapter three focuses on Collins's functional epistemology. The chapter begins with an examination of the meaning of integration. In order to understand Collins's method of integration the reader must understand what Collins means by integration. Then, after a brief argument for the importance of epistemology, the chapter turns to Collins's analysis of the epistemology of modern psychology.; Chapter four turns to an examination of Collins's anthropology. An argument for the importance of anthropology comprises the first part of this chapter. Then, after a briefly describing two hermeneutical problems relative to integrating psychology and theology, Collins's anthropology is presented. Collins's method of integration is revealed most clearly in his presentation of anthropology.; The conclusion offers a summary of Collins's epistemological and anthropological commitments and attempts to analyze and critique his method. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...