Personal Religious Background and Influences on Worldview
Worldview may simply be described as one’s understanding and
interpretation of the world. Entwistle (2015) write, “Worldviews are
comprised of the ‘comprehensive framework of one’s basic beliefs about
things,’ or, in other words, the fundamental assumptions that undergird
one’s understanding of the world” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 61). Consequently,
“Everyone has a worldview –a window through which he or she views the
world, framed by the assumptions and beliefs that color what he or she
sees” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 60). According to Moitinho and Moitinho (2020),
“Your worldview includes what you have learned from your individual
experiences, family, culture, religion, and society” (Moitinho & Moitinho,
2020, p. 36). Upon reflection, I have discovered that my Christian
background exacts great influence on my worldview.
Moreover, Entwistle (2015) maintains that a historical survey suggests
that Christianity and science have been both allies and enemies at various
times over the past centuries (Entwistle, 2015). Albeit I acknowledge the
tension that exists between science and Christianity, my Christian training
and formation has always moved me toward a proper integration of
science and sacred knowledge. At the foundation of this is the fact that
both science and sacred knowledge share a “mutual interest in
understanding the ambiguities and mysteries of human behavior, and
healing human brokenness” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 57). However, the
Bible/sacred knowledge has remained for me the “senior partner”
(Hawkins & Moitinho, 2012).
Thus, part of the prerequisites of my training and formation was (and still
is till date for all who wish to undergo same formation and training) the
study of philosophy and theology. This encourages a proper balance in
the relationship between faith and reason. Hence, a balance is reached
between a liberal openness and fundamental opposition. In my
experiences, and reactions to the integration of scientific knowledge and
sacred knowledge or Science and Christianity, I have come to the
realization that extreme positions need to be avoided. This is well
articulated by Pope John Paul II as quoted by Entwistle (2015), “Science
can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science
from idolatry and false absolutes” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 110).
Furthermore, my background has also affected my intellectual virtues. It
has exposed human limitations, and God’s omnipotence and goodness. It
has instilled in me intellectual humility. According to Entwistle (2015),
intellectual humility “involves our recognition of our intellectual abilities
and liabilities. It allows us to receive correction, feedback, or affirmation
appropriately, and to develop and exercise our abilities unencumbered by
arrogance or self-deprecation” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 100). Obviously, “We
have to be aware of our limitations” (Liberty University, n.d.). Intellectual
humility helps us to achieve that.
References
Entwistle, D., N. (2015).Integrative approaches to psychology and
Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical
foundations, and models of integration (3rded.). Eugene, Oregon:
CASCADE Books.
Hawkins, R., & Moitinho, E. (2012). PACO 506: Integration of psychology
and theology. Week one, lecture four:Foundational and worldview issues
of integration.Liberty University.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/modules/items/13237297
Moitinho, E., & Moitinho, D. (2020).The dream home: How to create an
intimate Christian marriage. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing
Company.
Liberty University (n.d.). PACO 506: Integration of psychology and
theology. Week one, lecture one:Integration of psychology and theology:
Why bother
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/modules/items/13237285
