An Analysis of Dallas Willard's Theology of Emotion in Light of Contemporary Neuropsychology

This thesis considers Dr. Dallas Willard’s theological and practical response to late twentieth century expressions of evangelicalism in America as the through-line of his pastoral writing. It details the cultural and theological evolution of specific issues against which Willard took a stance and explicates how his writings sought to counter them. It then narrows to consider specifically his theological anthropology, focusing on his psychology of emotion and its role in the Christian spiritual life. This latter piece is considered in depth, analyzing how he understood emotion’s proper role, the manner in which it is distorted by sin and misunderstanding, and the means by which one may gradually restore it to God’s intention for the human person. Dr. Willard’s understanding of emotion is then examined in light of the research of contemporary neuropsychologists Antonio Damasio, Joseph LeDoux, and Jaak Panksepp. The scientific research is used as a means of providing some correction, but also additional specificity and clarity to Willard’s work, which in turn provides a theological character and teleological orientation to the neuropsychologists’ work. The result is a revision of Willard’s spirituality that coincides more closely to contemporary neuropsychological perspectives on emotion, thought, and volition.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD