Applying psychological-type theory to faith: spirituality, prayer, worship and scripture

Abstract

Psychological type was developed by Carl Jung and expanded by Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers into the Myers-Briggs-Type Indicator. The MBTI® is now frequently used by churches in several contexts. This article explores ways in which psychological-type theory might be applied to aspects of faith, including spirituality, prayer, worship and scripture. Each aspect of faith is considered separately and explored for those aspects which might be found valuable for those whose dominant function is sensing, intuition, thinking or feeling. These distinctive perspectives are discussed in light of the Christian doctrine of creation and the theology of individual differences.

Keywords:

• psychological type
• spirituality
• prayer
• worship
• scripture