

Episode 366 - James Bryan Smith, "Integrating Faith and Psychology"
Sep 22, 2025
James Bryan Smith, an author and the director of the Apprentice Institute, discusses the dynamic relationship between faith and psychology. He emphasizes how spiritual formation intertwines with mental health, especially post-pandemic. The conversation highlights the usefulness of tools like the Enneagram and the need for therapy in genuine healing. Smith also explores the integration of neuroscience with spiritual practices and addresses the important dialogue around sin and forgiveness within the church community, setting the stage for the upcoming Apprentice Gathering conference.
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Everyone Is Being Formed Spiritually
- James Bryan Smith emphasizes that everyone receives a spiritual formation, intentional or not.
- Christian formation intentionally aims to shape the inner life toward Christlikeness.
A Seminary Student's Encounter With Psychology
- James recounts reading Jung and Henri Nouwen in seminary and noticing psychology entering spiritual conversation.
- He traces a history of integration from the 1970s through recent authors and clinicians.
The Pandemic Accelerated Integration
- Mental health ideas entered Christian practice through writers and clinicians and have become part of the cultural atmosphere.
- The pandemic accelerated public interest in anxiety, grief, and therapy.