b I do not agree with the statement that “Psychology is just sinful human beings
sinfully thinking about other sinful human beings.” This statement would
correspond with the “against” approach according to Sandage and Brown
(Sandage, & Brown, 2018). Against approaches view psychology and theology as
incompatible. Entwistle describes this approach or model as the Enemies model.
While this statement acknowledges that all humans are sinful, it implies that
exploring how the human mind functions and wanting to have a better
understanding of the reasons behind people’s behavior is sinful in itself. Proverbs
4:7 states “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get,
get insight.” (English Standard Version, 2021:1978) This verse contains a
command to pursue wisdom and insight. This is in contrast to the statement
which implies that pursing wisdom and knowledge as it relates to psychology is
sinful. Furthermore, Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his
mouth come knowledge and understanding;” (English Standard Version,
2021:1978). This passage acknowledges that the Lord provides wisdom and
knowledge. Humans pursuing knowledge and wisdom may, by their sinful nature,
pervert the truth and knowledge that they find. However, when the knowledge and
wisdom are given by the Lord, we can know that it is indeed truth and pure. My
personal beliefs align with the Allies model (Entwistle, 2015). I believe that the
pursuit of knowledge and gaining wisdom in the area of psychology will ultimately
lead to a better understanding and deeper relationship with God. All knowledge
and wisdom are from God and everything that we, as humans do, should be to
honor God and to seek Him. He created each person to be specifically designed
and by understanding His creation better we will be able to have a better
understanding of Him and who He is. By gaining more knowledge in this area we
will also be better equipped to help those around us as He has commanded us to
care for those who are in need.
References
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology nd Christianity: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of
integration. Cascade Books.
Sandage, S. J., & Brown, J. K. (2018). Relational integration of psychology and
Christian theology: Theory, research, and practice. Routledge.
English Standard Version Bible. (2020). The ESV Bible.
https://www.theesvbible.com/ (Original work published 1978)
