Psychology

Psychology

Permit me to define psychology as a branch of science and discipline that deals with the science of soul and mind, distinct from that of the spirit. For your information, we have the following known types of psychology:

1.     Christian psychology.

2.     Applied psychology.

3.     Educational psychology.

4.     Clinical psychology.

5.     Behavioural psychology.

6.     Cognitive psychology.

The various branches of psychology are employed by professionals to proffer solutions to various problems of humanity.

Beloved chaplains, as a consultant theologian, I stand here to say science has never been in conflict with Christian theology, it has actually proved the teachings of the Bible.

Psychiatric doctors use psychology principles to care for their patients with insanity regardless of their religious affiliation.

Psychologists, psychotherapists and psycho-spirituo therapists employ clinical psychology to care for their clients/patients suffering from mental health problems, people whose minds are troubled and people with broken hearts regardless of religion.

Behavioural therapists make use of cognitive psychology in effecting the needed change in people’s behaviours regardless of religion. Industrial experts make use of applied psychology in providing solutions in industries and in systemic concerns regardless of religion.

In chaplaincy, professional chaplains provide chaplaincy services to people as multifaith and interfaith ministers beyond the walls of chaplains and religions. There is no single profession that takes people away from their beliefs and religions.

Just as the professionals are secured from losing their faiths and religions, in practice of chaplaincy; clients are also secured from being lured into or cohered into another religion by professionals who offer to help solve their problems, this is what we called proselytizing which is not allowed by chaplaincy as a profession.

Chaplaincy profession has set boundaries for professional practioners so as not to become religious fanatics like the bokoharam we are witnessing in the part of West Africa presently. What a wonderful profession!

Professional chaplains, be rest assured that chaplaincy practice has a place for religious duties in practice as there is always respect for the Creator God as well as respect for religious beliefs for clients and their relations.

However, only trained professionals know this and when the call for religious duties comes their ways.

Chap. Prof. David Mike

Certified Chaplaincy Educator

1^st June, 2020