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