I understand that the bible is the cornerstone, the map, for the life of a Christian.
Psychology gets their knowledge off science. I also understand that there are
reservations with integrating the Christian view and the Psychology view. Also, as
Wolters states, "This is a subject of some confusion, since in common parlance
any comprehensive perspective on things that appeals to the authority of the Bible
is called "theology," and any such perspective that appeals instead to the authority
of reason is called "philosophy. (Wolters, 2005, p 9)."
For me, I like the integration approach. While the bible will always be my guide, in
my opinion, it doesn't always cover every scenario. For someone who is practical,
I feel like science helps explain a lot of things. As long as it aligns with the word
of God. Some science for example, the Darwin Theory, contradicts the word of
God. The bible talks about how God created the world, but the science coming
from Darwin Theory talks about evolution, so this is an example of where the
Christianity view and the psychology view would not intertwine.
It can get tricky differentiating the science that is in align with Gods word and
what isn't. "The challenge, then, is to discern what one might confidently,
reasonably believe in. ( Rossano, 2007)."
For me, if you are grounded in your word, you can help differentiate the truth.
Also, being led by the holy spirit. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are sons of God (New King James Version Bible, 2001, Romans 8:14)".
An example on how the understanding of science can help explain the word is
when it comes to the mind. Proverbs 23:7 in the bible states "For as he thinks in
his heart, so is he". (New King James Version Bible, 2001, Proverbs 23:7)" Science
can break this down more when talking about our subconscious mind, neuro-
linguistic programming, the law of attraction, and more. This is just one example
of many.
"Other observations, however, suggest that a viable quantity of science and
religion overlap may exist. First, most religious persons, and most religions for
that matter, place a high value on reason. Religious faith is typically not blind faith
(Rossano 2007)."
In summary, I believe modern psychology as a science and Christianity can fit
together when the truth in science is in alignment and it can help break down the
details of what the word is trying to say. As I research more in my topic of
interest, Trauma Psychology, I am seeing how both Christianity and Psychology
help bring about the understanding of coping with trauma. I look forward to
learning more about the integration approach.
References
New King James Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+23%3A7&version=NKJ
V Links to an external site.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A14&version=NKJV
Links to an external site.
Rossano, Matt J. “RELIGION ON WHICH THE DEVOUT AND SKEPTIC CAN AGREE.”
Zygon. 42.2 (2007): 301–316. Web.
Wolters, A. M. (2005). Creation regained: Biblical basics for a reformational
worldview. William B. Eerdmans Pub
