In his Grand Narrative, Wolters discusses the Biblical worldview and attributes it to
elements of structure and direction that define our structural norms and values,
leading to our understanding of the world through a conglomeration of experiences
and innate understanding. Through the Biblical worldview, we could apply the
knowledge presented by Wolters to the research area of psychology and discover
an approach to conducting research in the area. As Wolters points out, structure is
related to the essence of creation, while direction is the force that consistently
pulls away from that order to approach sin. Through the reformational worldview,
sanctification and consecration can be applied to remedy the situation both
internally and externally, respectively, allowing someone or a society at large to
reform themselves and once again return to a graceful state in line with creation
law (Wolters, 2005). Psychologists can use this knowledge to help treat their
patients and conduct research that would allow them to devise courses of action
to identify a problem and come up with a solution. If an individual is diagnosed
with an illness, through a Biblical worldview and understanding, the psychologist
can assess the core elements of that person’s psyche and work toward peeling
back the layers that have masked the purity of the originally created state of mind;
through this means, they can implement a remedy through the assistance of
Scriptural teachings, providing the diagnosed individual with an opportunity to
redeem themselves by switching their framework for processing information to
embrace one that is in line with Christian morals and values. b
The Grand Narrative describes societal institutions and personal constructs as
elements that consistently seek renewal in order to get back on track to the
essence of creativity, counteracting the tendency to deviate from the path
(Wolters, 2005). This is tied to nature as defined by biology, moral compass,
emotional elements; etc. (Wolters, 2005). Societal institutions include familial ties
and the church, all which have a standard set of rules that must be adhered to
(Wolters, 2005). Embracing this lens to process information, psychologists can
work to analyze and assess a situation accordingly and determine any potential for
deviation (whether it is in someone’s mindset, their daily activities, or their
approach to their environmental settings, habits, actions; etc.), then come up with
methods by which to remedy the issues. Society at large and its institutions are all
comprised of the human element, and thus, the relationship between people and
these institutions can be evaluated through a psychological standpoint in finding
ways to heal and maintain structure through the utilization of Scripture (Wolters,
2005). In line with these ideas, John 10:9 states “I am the door: by me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” and John
11:25 states “I am the resurrection and the life” (KJV). Scriptural verses such as
these offer a path toward salvation for individuals in need of assistance to return
to their naturally created form. Thus, we can apply this knowledge in the field of
psychology to conduct research through the lense of the Grand Narrative rooted in
the Biblical Worldview to explain and support social and personal phenomena.
Resources
The King James Version Cross Reference Study Bible. (2016). Barbour
Publishing, Uhrichsville,
Wolters, A.M. (2005). Creation Regained (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing.
