| This dissertation examines the implicit theological assumptions of Transpersonal Psychology from the perspective of mainstream Christian theology, specifically, the theology of John Macquarrie. The need for such a study arises out of the continued cross-fertilization between psychology and theology for the field of Pastoral Care, including Pastoral Theology, Pastoral Counseling, and Psychology of Religion. The study attempts to provide an initial assessment of Transpersonal Psychology from the perspective of Christian theology in order to allow for more informed borrowing by the field of Pastoral Care.;The hypothesis of the study is that the implicit theological assumptions of Transpersonal Psychology are in variance with the explicit formulations of contemporary Christian theology.;The first chapter introduces the purpose, hypothesis, background, and methodology of the dissertation. Chapter two offers an overview of the current conclusions of Transpersonal Psychology including the transpersonal view of reality, the transpersonal epistemology, the nature of consciousness and human development, the mysticism-contemporary physics connection, the transpersonal view of the self, and the transpersonal approach to therapy. Ken Wilber is used as the primary data source, with supplementary input from David Bohm, Fritjof Capra, Kenneth Ring, John Welwood, Roger Walsh, and Frances Vaughan, among others.;Chapter three presents the assumptions and conclusions of John Macquarrie's Christian theology around the following major stackpoles: (1) epistemology, (2) cosmology, (3) nature of Being, (4) the understanding of God, (5) the nature of humanness and existence, (6) the nature of sin, and (7) the process and means of salvation. Chapter four offers the critical analysis of Transpersonal Psychology in interaction with John Macquarrie's Christian theology. The method involves a comparing and contrasting of the two perspectives with dialog taking place topically around the seven issues identified above. The final chapter summarizes the study and offers suggestions for further research.;The dissertation concludes that minimal differences exist between Transpersonal Psychology and Christian theology around issues of cosmology and epistemology, but that major divergence is evident in the areas of ontology and the phenomenology of personhood. |
