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. d 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.
d d d d d d d d d d d
d References
Entwistle, D., N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and
Christianity: An introduction to d d d worldview issues, philosophical
foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.). Eugene, d d d d d d
Oregon: CASCADE Books.
Hawkins, R., & Moitinho, E. (2012). PACO 506: Integration of psychology
and theology. Week one, d d d lecture four: Foundational and
worldview issues of integration. Liberty University. d d d d d d d d d d d d d
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/modules/items/13237297
Moitinho, E., & Moitinho, D. (2020). The dream home: How to create an
intimate Christian marriage. d d d d Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing
Company.
Liberty University (n.d.). PACO 506: Integration of psychology and theology.
Week one, lecture d d d d one: Integration of psychology and
theology: Why bother? d d d d d d d d d d
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/modules/items/13237285 d
