Contrary to the popular belief that it emerged as a secular science in conflict with religion, academic psychology was born from a theological tradition. Universities in the nineteenth century were religious institutions where ‘mental philosophy’ was a core subject, blending philosophical introspection with theology. When more scientific forms of psychology appeared, they were welcomed, not opposed. Pioneers like G. Stanley Hall, the first president of the American Psychological Association, openly framed psychology as a Christian discipline, even calling the Bible the ‘greatest textbook of psychology’. The new field gained acceptance by seamlessly integrating into existing curricula, quietly excising theological ideas while retaining much of the original content. This compatibility with religious beliefs allowed psychology to prosper and enabled the field to transition toward a scientific worldview without abandoning faith entirely.