LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Submitted to Dr. Eric Scalise,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of,
PACO 506
Integration of Psychology and Theology
by
Todd Eckstein
August 28th, 2021
1
I know what I believe, but I had not thought about my specific ‘worldview’ in the context
of the four basic questions in Entwistle’s book. “Who am I? – Where am I? – What’s wrong? &
What’s the remedy?”1 I believe he is correct when he states:
As one astute observer points out, ‘We learn more than we create; we accept more than
we reject. In short, we do not develop our own private world views. At most, we refine
and reconceptualize (normally the latter) what we have learned from others.’ The
repercussions of this claim are astounding. Very few people have been able to rise above
their cultural prejudices to challenge institutionalized slavery, ethnic conflict, gender
bias, or a host of other societal ills. It is humbling to consider how many incorrect beliefs
we have adopted— and how many immoral actions we engage in— because of how
deeply acculturated they are in our own worldviews.2
The above statement is very true for my own religious background and upbringing. I was
born and raised in rural WI and attended a conservative Lutheran church for eighteen years
before I joined the Army. My worldview was very much shaped by my parents and the church up
until that point in time. I did not inherit any of the cultural prejudices listed above, but I also was
not challenged to confront or even think about such issues. The worldview was very much
confined to memorizing scriptures and engaging in social activities versus discussing biblical
truths or how the word of God could or should be used to change lives. I also do not recall any
discussions or sermons on the church’s stance regarding creationism, evolution, or even science
in general.
Like many others I am sure, my worldview has evolved in the last thirty years as I have
moved around the world and raised a family. I have gone from exploring my cultural background
in Judaism to a Christian Universalism to my present Evangelical beliefs. I have never found
myself opposing science, or at least not in the same manner consistent with the early Roman
1 David N. Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to
Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration, (3rd ed.), (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock
Publishers, 2015), 69
2 Ibid., 68
2
Catholic church and Galileo or even the early fundamentalist movement in the Scope’s trial. I
would like to believe that my beliefs are more closely aligned with Einstein when he stated, “I do
not think that it is necessarily the case that science and religion are natural opposites. In fact, I
think that there is a very close connection between the two. Further, I think that science without
religion is lame and, conversely, that religion without science is blind. Both are important and
should work hand-in-hand.3
I believe in the inerrancy of scripture, and I also respect science; not believing that the
two need to be mutually exclusive. One example of my views on this is reflected in the creation
story in Genesis. The bible states six days, but I am open to discussion on whether that is six
days as we know them, or six years, centuries, etc. Archeologists continue to make discoveries
every day that further corroborate portions of the bible, and I believe this also leaves room for a
faith component. God asks Job in Job 38:4-6, 18, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of
the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements, since you know? Or
who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone?...Have
you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.” At least Job had reasons
for questioning God based upon his circumstances, I thankfully, do not.
My intellectual virtues of humility, caution, courage, integrity, and perseverance have
been shaped in a large part by my thirty-four years of service in the Army. It is hard to think of
the above virtues without hearing Douglass MacArthur’s speech to the cadets at West Point run
through my head, “Duty, Honor, Country” and reflecting on how the Army has shaped my life
and pursuit of learning. I am blessed that I get to practice ‘humility’ daily, as the people that
work for me are much smarter than I am. Courage, integrity and perseverance have also been
3 Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, 20
3
strongly ingrained within me. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to come up with examples of what
happens when someone does not practice intellectual morals or uses their ‘virtues’ in a manner
that goes against God. I followed Ravi Zacharias for years, watched his podcasts, had purchased
many of his books, etc., and I thought it such a profound travesty that he used the word of God
and his gifts to prey upon women.4
I found the book Virtuous Minds to be a great resource for those that are more interested
in developing their intellectual virtues. The author discusses the seven virtues in depth and has a
biblical discussion guide that I plan on using for a later bible study with my small group. One of
his comments that resounded with me was the importance of not just thinking about the fruits of
intellectual character, but the value of spending time with others that model that behavior.5
Bibliography
4 Open Letter from the International Board of Directors of RZIM on the Investigation of Ravi Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statement
5 Philip E. Dow, Virtuous Minds: Intellectual Character Development, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 2013, 118
4
Dow, Philip E. Virtuous Minds: Intellectual Character Development, Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2013
Entwistle, David N. Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to
Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration, 3rd ed.,
Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015
Open Letter from the International Board of Directors of RZIM on the Investigation of Ravi Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statement
