The integrationist view recognizes that the bible and its scriptures are
unchanging truths from which we can, and have a duty to conduct
science, and our lives, in ways shaped foundationally and foremost in our
convictions as Christians, intentionally and constantly being aware of the
tension between science and Christianity, whether it be from improperly
conducted science or a misunderstanding of the bible. We must always be
very clear about our fundamental loyalty to God and His word above all. In
all things and all aspects of our lives, we need to be anchored in, and
exhaustive of our self-pursuits in biblical truth.With that being said, I align
with the integrationist view of Christianity and psychology and science. My
research area of interest, child development, can be pursued, like all
science, with the integrationist view of rigorously pursuing science and
truth through a place rooted in Christ. Many concepts in child
development, such as the Constructivist Theory of learning (1985), as well
as other essential aspects of development such as Social Learning Theory
can be investigated with little, if at all, tension between science and
Christianity. As Stanton describes in Johnson (2020), the bible makes no
claims to explain all that humans may want to know and Christianity
facilitates the pursuit of science and knowledge. The most important thing
to be noted, however, is that all things we do must come from a place of
Christ and His word, which will allow us to investigate accurately, knowing
when secular claims are made not out of science or objectivity, but from
subjectivity, culture, and a willful rejection of the truths of reality, conduct,
and lifestyle as God's word clearly states. With all of that in mind, the
integrationist view would allow me to advance knowledge in the area of
child development with high standards for scientific and biblical truth.
References
Bandura, A. J. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice
Hall.
Johnson, E. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2nd ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830828487.
Piaget, J. (1985).Equilibration of cognitive structures. University of
Chicago Press.
