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