Dr Everett Worthington's TED talk on Forgiveness was quite intriguing and very
interesting. b The Levels-of-explanation view is steeped in empiricism and does not
have God as its foundation. (Johnson, 2010). b In short Dr Worthington
emphasized the following points about Forgiveness: 1. When one is wronged we
calculate the injustice gap, as Justice works with forgiveness, 2. There are two
ways to handle injustice Biblical or Not. 3. Forgiveness is best b for handling
unforgiveness, 4. 2 types of forgiveness-decisional and emotional 5. Both types of
forgiveness are different from reconciliation (requires trust from both parties and
for them to be trustworthy) 6. the Bible exhorts us to forgive, but does not show
us how and lastly 7. We can use REACH to obtain more thorough forgiveness. b b
The way Dr Worthington used the levels of integration approach in his talk on
forgiveness was simply to use empiricism and research to explain what in truth is
a Biblical theoretical phenomenon. Scripture reminds us that forgiveness has
first been shown to us by Almighty God. "Forbearing one another, and forgiving
one another , if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you,
so also do ye" (Colossians 3:13). Dr Worthington did not credit God as having the
Foundation of forgiveness.
Dr Mark McMinn used the Integrative approach in his talk on positive Psychology
and the Church. b To briefly capture his video, his remarks are that we have to
reclaim the fullness of our being that has been lost. We have to enhance the
constructs. b Her speaks of Aristotle not thinking that gratitude would be a virtue,
but admired the work of Aristotle. He briefly speaks of Jesus and the virtues of
Him. b He acknowledges that studies take what is Biblical and "cleans them" up to
be studied from a empirical point of view. b He ponders the question of how we
can bring back the Faith and Religiosity and study it. Dr McMinn uses Integration
by giving credence to mainstream Psychology and showing the Biblical side of it. b
I really enjoyed listening to him and wished I could have been apart of his
audience.
In listening to these two varying points of Psychology views, I know that I have to
establish my point of view as a foundation and build upon that foundation in a
quest for truth as a budding thought leader. In watching both videos I see how
the levels-of-explanation view can grasp a listener's attention, in that this view
always seems to have a positive spin, and I am reminded of Biblical "itching ears"
(2 Timothy 4:3, KJV). b It sounds great on the surface but it will not stand the
eternal test of time. The integrative view gives the levels-of-explanation its place
but grounds it in scripture. b I enjoyed this assignment very much.
References
Colossians 3:13. The Holy Bible. b King James Version. b
Johnson, E. L. (2010. Psychology and christianity: Five Views. (2nd. ed.).
InterVarsity Press.
2 Timothy 4:3. The Holy Bible. King James Version.
