InWhy You Should Forgive and How to Do It,Evertt Worthington (n.d.)
talks about the concept of forgiveness. Worthington applies a Levels of
Explanation view to the analysis of forgiveness. Myers (2010) states that
the Levels of Explanation view uses a concept of multi-layered reality to
separate the different levels of analysis or explanations, so "each
academic discipline provides a perspective from which we can view nature
and our place in it" (p. 51). The different levels range from the basic
building blocks of physics and chemistry to higher-level assents of
theology and philosophy. The social sciences, such as psychology, fall in
the middle of the spectrum. Each level provides a different perspective on
the subject being examined and is complementary, fitting together
coherently but separately (Myers, 2010). This approach allows different
viewpoints to co-exist because an either-or scenario is unnecessary since
each examination operates separately.
Dr. Worthington clearly articulated the distinctions between a
Christian and psychological perspective when speaking on forgiveness.
Worthington looks to the Bible to understand the concept of forgiveness
and the reasons forgiveness is essential to all humans. However, when
discovering how to apply forgiveness, Worthington seeks answers from
psychology instead of Christianity. Worthington states that the Bible
provides information about forgiveness but does not provide solutions on
how to forgive (Worthington, n.d.). Thus, the separation between Biblical
and psychological areas is evident. Theology and psychology are
relegated to distinct levels of analysis, and each provides information that
is separate from the other explanations. Similarly, psychology, apart from
Scripture, offers the methods needed to help individuals forgive.
In The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church,
Dr. McMinn demonstrates an integrated view of psychology and
Christianity. Jones (2010) defines the integration of Christianity and
psychology as "living out—in this particular area—of the lordship of Christ
over all of existence by our giving his special revelation—God's true Word
—its appropriate place of authority in determining our fundamental beliefs
about and practices toward all of reality and toward our academic subject
matter in particular" (p. 102). While describing the roots of positive
psychology, McMinn explains that positive psychology began by
investigating Christian virtues. Religion was then removed from the
constructs to enable scientific study to occur. The integration that McMinn
proposes brings Christianity back to be the starting point of the research.
Through a Christian understanding of the topic, concepts are enriched,
and psychology can be brought back into the church (McMinn, n.d.).
The Levels of Explanation and Integration approaches study
psychological phenomena through different approaches. The differences
are seen in how the constructs of forgiveness and gratitude are examined
through both methods. Both views believe that although numerous
studies show that forgiveness improves health, relationships, spiritual life,
and many other areas of well-being, the benefits cannot be the motivation
for genuine forgiveness. The reason individuals need to forgive is because
God first forgives us. However, how do psychologists help individuals
forgive for the right reasons and not pursue selfish desires?
Distinctions appear in each view's methods to help individuals forgive,
with each path leading in different directions. Levels of Explanation turn
first to psychology to find solutions while eliminating Scripture from
providing a way to forgiveness. Worthington believes that psychologists
can teach people how to forgive using methods such as REACH or other
psychological interventions (Worthington, n.d.). The Levels of Explanation
view thinks that answers can be found through psychology alone while
maintaining the separation of the disciplines.
Conversely, McMinn (n.d.) encompasses a distinctly Christian worldview
throughout all research. While examining constructs, such as forgiveness
and gratitude, the goal is to enhance the constructs by integrating
Christianity into the investigation with psychology. The disciplines are not
separated into different levels but integrated to work together. Instead of
claiming that the Bible does not provide answers on how to forgive, an
Integration approach believes both the Church and Scripture significantly
contribute to the enhancement of constructs. Reconciliation is seen as a
necessary part of forgiveness because of the Biblical mandates of
Scripture (McMinn, n.d.).
On the contrary, Worthington views reconciliation as a wholly separate
and nonessential aspect of forgiveness in the Levels of Explanation view.
An Integration approach understands that reconciliation is not always
possible, but the pursuit or longing should be pursued. Similarly, a Biblical
perspective is evident in the pursuit of truth in all areas, and Scripture is
not viewed as unhelpful in offering guidance.
References
Johnson, E. L. (Ed). (2010).Psychology and Christianity, five
views.Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
McMinn, M. (n.d.). The science of virtue: Why positive psychology matters
to the church. Retrieved from
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/268499/pages/watch-the-science-of-
virtue-why-positive-psychology-matters-to-the-church?
module_item_id=29352707
Worthington, E. (n.d.). Why you should forgive and how to do it. The Table
Conference. Retrieved from
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/268499/pages/watch-why-you-should-
forgive-and-how-to-do-it?module_item_id=29352697
