Discussion: LOE and Integration in Action
In his talk on forgiveness, Dr. Worthington demonstrates a level of
explanation approach by arguing that the Bible and psychology are
separate on forgiveness (Worthington, 2014). First, the author argues that
the Bible instructs Christians to forgive, but it does not give them a
method. Therefore, the author adds that psychology takes the reigns in
answering how individuals should forgive, the definition of forgiveness,
and the need to forgive. Similarly, the author argues that there are two
types of forgiveness, the first being a decision to forgive and the other the
emotional part of forgiveness.
Worthington (2014) says that forgiveness can be initiated as a decision
but must also be linked to a person's emotions. Therefore, due to the vast
differences on the issue of forgiveness, the author's talk relates perfectly
with the levels of explanations approach, which argues that no one
discipline is sufficient in providing knowledge about a given topic
(Johnson, 2010). For instance, Worthington (2014) mentions that
forgiveness can be achieved in psychology by using the R-E-A-C-H
abbreviation, which stands for recall the hurt, empathize with the person
wronged, provide an altruistic gift, commit to the forgiveness, and hold on
to forgiveness. Hence, the topic of forgiveness can be approached using
the levels of explanations view, which considers scriptural arguments and
scientific-based empirical evidence, for example, from randomized control
trials to make arguments (Johnson, 2010). Thus, neither discipline is
discredited as it is accepted to be vital in its own right in explaining issues
that intersect with the church and psychology.
Dr. McMinn approaches the integration view of psychology and
Christianity using positive psychology and its relationship to the church
(McMinn, 2019). His lecture emphasizes that despite psychology being
predominantly science-driven, its integration with the church is vital.
McMinn (2019) argues that most often, psychology focuses on the
negative aspects of life as it is used as a treatment tool for mental illness
and abnormal or negative behaviors. Conversely, the author argues that
approaching psychology using positivism in positive psychology is
essential as it addresses the positive aspects of life and focuses on them.
Thus, positive psychology can be described as studying what makes life
positive and worth living.
Similarly, McMinn (2019) mentions that there is a need to integrate
psychology and Christianity because psychology on its own is driven to
meet selfish ends. The author notes that psychology, when dealing with
forgiveness and reconciliation, often separates the two and helps
individuals improve and forgive themselves without mentioning
reconciliation with the other party. That is contrary to the biblical practice
and scriptural teachings. In Romans 12: 18, the scripture states that
individuals should live in peace with everyone if it is possible (King James
Bible, 2008). Similarly, the scripture in Psalms 133: 1 argues that it is
pleasant and good if brothers unite and live together in harmony (King
James Bible, 2008). The Bible verses emphasize the importance and
significance of reconciliation and living in unity. However, such
experiences are rarely practiced in the field of psychology. Therefore,
their integration into psychology ties the Christian teachings and guidance
together with psychology to increase the integration of the two
disciplines.
I learned that there is a significant distinction between levels of
explanation and integration approach to psychology and the church. On
the one hand, the LOE approach allows for versatile explanations from
diverse disciplines on the same topic. On the other hand, the integration
approach allows only for positive aspects of one discipline to be
assimilated into another discipline (Johnson, 2010). For instance, the topic
of forgiveness and reconciliation is used in the LOE approach to show that
scholars use the scripture and psychology collaboratively without
changing anything about the two different disciplines to make important
points. On the other hand, the integration approach promotes the
reclamation of virtues and positive values that can help promote better
health and spiritual outcomes (Johnson, 2010).
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References
Johnson, E. (2010).<Psychology and Christianity: Five Views<(2nd ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830828487.
King James Bible. (2008). Oxford University Press. (Original work published
1769)
McMinn, M. (2019).<The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology
Matters to the Church. YouTube. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3gFPgcVAEw&t=2s
Worthington, E. (2014).<Why you should forgive and how to do it [Everett
Worthington, Jr. on forgiveness]. YouTube. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Or9OuxuYKw&t=15s
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