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.
c c c c c c c c c c 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
