I agree that Dr. Worthington demonstrates the LOE approach in his lecture
on forgiveness using two different categories, as you stated. On the one
hand, he describes forgiveness using a Christian approach, while on the
other hand, he employs a psychological approach (The Table | Biola CCT,
2014). Moreover, he gives the health benefits associated with forgiveness
both emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The LOE approach is
demonstrated in how psychology and Christianity are differentiated, with
each discipline regarded on its own merit concerning the issue of
forgiveness (Johnson, 2010).-
Further, a clear boundary between the disciplines of psychology and
Christianity is illustrated in how the lack of forgiveness can result in a
person needing the help of psychology whether they are of Christian faith
or not. I also agree with you that the LOE approach in Dr. Worthington’s
lecture demonstrates various levels of acknowledgment of different
disciplines ranging from social, psychology, theology, and biology
(Johnson, 2010). For example, he mentions the presence of God when
dealing with forgiveness from a Christian perspective and the presence of
science when dealing with the same topic in psychology. Hence, the
subject of forgiveness is addressed concerning both disciplines and
approaches of Christianity and psychology.
On the other hand, as you mentioned, I agree Dr. McMinn
describes the importance of using positive psychology as an integrated
approach between psychology and the church. First, he explains that
psychology often employs negative psychology and has little
consideration for positive psychology. Dr. McMinn argues that it is
essential to integrate positive psychology into mainstream psychology,
not only in the church, to promote better health outcomes and results
(Westmont College, 2019). He mentions that the use of positive
psychology is equal to the reclamation of positivism and Christianity in
society.
-Also, he states that integrating positive psychology into the church and
psychology improves the relationship between the two fields and,
consequently, the understanding of human beings (Westmont College,
2019). Further, he describes that psychology and Christianity are
incomplete on its own, and there is a need to integrate the fragments of
each discipline to achieve a superior understanding of human beings.
Hence, accepting the argument that neither Christianity nor psychology is
complete, it is vital to collaborate helpful information from both disciplines
to increase its completeness.
References
Johnson, E. (2010).-Psychology and Christianity: Five Views-(2nd ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830828487.
The Table | Biola CCT (2014).-Why you should forgive and how to do it
[Everett Worthington, Jr. on Forgiveness]-[Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/5Or9OuxuYKw
Westmont College (2019).-Mark McMinn, Jan 22, 2019-[Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/I3gFPgcVAEw
