My research area is developmental psychology. This includes the study of how
the mind works and changes over our lifetime. How a human life progresses is all
a part of God’s good creation and His plan. However things such as mental
illness and disease, which are also a part of the study of developmental
psychology, came as a product of the fall (Wolters, 2005). Rather than
designating certain emotions and behaviors as inherently good or bad, it would be
best to consider them in terms of structure and direction (Wolters, 2005). For
example, anger can be a cause or result of a traumatic experience or illness, but
it is also a natural emotion. While some religions designate anger as “bad” and
that humans should be kind and meek, there are also positive forms of anger and
aggression (Wolters, 2005). Humans should stand up for their beliefs, protect
their loved ones, and fight to maintain a Godly society (Wolters, 2005). When
aggression becomes hateful aggression, is when it becomes perversion (Wolters,
2005). It is then our goal to distinguish between healthy, sanctified aggression
and hateful aggression (Wolters, 2005). And when hateful aggression is identified,
it is then our goal to work through and sanctify it (Wolters, 2005). This is
important to keep in mind when researching developmental psychology, as it is
important to distinguish between what is healthy, what is not, and what can help
bring individuals back to a sanctified state. This is also yet another example of
how faith and science can work together to heal the individual and society as a
whole.
Another example of how this integrated worldview is important is considering
spiritual gifts. It is not that spiritual gifts are otherworldly, but in fact part of God’s
planned creation (Wolters, 2005). Every person has their talents, their strengths.
Some of these spiritual gifts may seem odd or even as mental illness to others.
Again, it is important to distinguish between what is sanctified and what is
perversion (Wolters, 2005). Just because someone speaks in tongues, is a healer,
or can hear angelic messages does not mean they should be treated or that there
is anything wrong with them. However, there are many people whose beliefs are
deeply rooted in science that would beg to differ. Personally, I used to work as a
psychiatric technician in an inpatient mental health facility. I appreciated the
stance the hospital and employees took on matters such as these. If individuals
were admitted and were hearing voices, doctors were sure to investigate whether
these voices were helpful or hurtful. Some people were plagued with demonic
voices, while others were hearing encouragement from beyond. It will be
important to distinguish, incorporate and consider spiritual matters when studying
developmental psychology. And as with most things in life, these gifts could also
be used for perversion if used incorrectly. Again, it would be important to ensure
the sanctity of these gifts (Wolters, 2005). In the research of developmental
psychology, and all research, the goal is to use the information to restore and
reform what has been corrupted (Wolters, 2005).
Reference
Wolters, A. M. (2005). Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational
Worldview (Second). William B. Eerdmans Pub. ISBN: 9780802829696.
