Analogy or Homology? An Investigation of the Congruency of Systems Theory and Biblical Theology in Pastoral Leadership

Bibliographic Data

ID20331535
AuthorsRobert Stevens (0000-0002-7528-0102, Regent College, corresponding author), R Paul Stevens (Regent College Vancouver, B.C.)
Year1994
Volume22
Issue3
Pages173-181
Publication date1994-09-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychology and Theology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-6471 • E-ISSN: 2328-1162
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/009164719402200302
OpenAlexW2793594537
LanguageEN
References cited7

Pastoral interventions have generally assumed a linear, cause-effect approach. General systems theory and family systems theory (Bowen Theory) provide a more sophisticated approach to the complexities of working with the congregation as a living system. This article explores the crucial question of biblical congruency by examining the biblical witness to the church as the family of God, the body of Christ, and the covenant community. In the context of affirming substantial congruency, a final theological critique of the assumptions of systems theory is offered

Analogy · Attachment theory · Context (archaeology) · Covenant · Epistemology · Family systems theory · Forgiveness · Linguistics · Psychological intervention · Sociology · Systems theory · Theology · Witness · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Computer Science · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion, Society, and Development · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology