Traditioning as Integration

This book addresses the task of integrating psychological theory and practice with Christian theology. It begins with an examination of the morality assumed by both a particular psychological theory and practice — relational psychoanalysis — and a particular theological system — social Trinitarian theology. By using the philosophical work of Alasdair MacIntyre this book attempts to accomplish the following three objectives: First it demonstrates that Stephen A. Mitchell’s particular account of relational psychoanalysis is an example of a moral practice. Second it demonstrates that Jürgen Moltmann’s social Trinitarian theology as a particular account of Christianity is an example of a moral tradition. As such social Trinitarian theology succeeds in rationally justifying its moral constituents whose aims are human flourishing while relational psychoanalysis in and of itself cannot justify its moral assertions. Third this book offers traditioning as a form of integration and demonstrates that the social Trinitarian account of the Christian tradition can rationally justify the moral assertions of relational psycho­analysis.