The science of the mind defines psychology according to the worldwide definition
of an individual group's mental or behavioral characteristics. I disagree that
"Psychology is just sinful human beings sinfully thinking about other sinful human
beings." I believe that the phrase determines the connection between sin and
human nature. The quote is derived from a philosopher by the name of James
Adams. He thought that there are no other resources that are useful to the
progression of humanity. Adams perceived psychology as the enemy of the
church in a territory dispute (Entwistle, 2015).
Consequently, psychology is depicted as an entity that went against the word of
God and the principles of the church. I believe that psychology can discover the
human personality to include the Bible and churches' beliefs. The Bible is not the
work of man but the work of God's nature. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (NIV) I believe that my
understand and views of psychology align with Entwistle's statements"
Psychological and theological methods are used to gain a more holistic and
unified understanding of truth" (Entwistle, 2015, pg. 186). One should understand
how God sees us; we must see ourselves and others, then handle each other with
the care needed in our lives.
In concession, some church's may feel psychology will lead people away from
God, and people will begin looking at the scientific nature of their sin and
existence. The church and ministry advocate for fallen or sinful people to bring
them to God. Everyone looks at the world through their own eyes and perspective,
and the results included no one's view is perfect, regardless of whether it consists
of the Bible. As Entwistle states, Obedience is crucial for spiritual health. While
sinful behavior certainly bodes ill for psychological functioning, it is erroneous and
injurious to see morality as the only determinant of psychological health (Entwistle,
2015).
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Reference
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and integration models
(3rd ed.). Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.
