Viewing my research as a calling to share God’s word feels like a bridge between
the tension of psychology and religion. Everything that I do in my research will be
like uncovering God’s mysteries little by little. And by uncovering that information I
will be able to teach and share with others what I have discovered and what I
have gleaned from these discoveries. I will also be able to do this both
scientifically and religiously, and be able to help bridge the gap between the two.
This will help convince others to hopefully challenge and change some of their
previously held beliefs. I do understand where a lot of the tension originates, and
while we cannot all agree on exactly the same thing, I hope that people will be
able to connect with God spirituality and grow to be more open minded than they
were. We have a mission to help guide and uplift others, and if we can make the
world make more sense then more people will be inclined to join in this mission.
The message of restoration of humankind matters deeply to my research area of
developmental psychology. This area of study is used for so many things, such as
psychological treatment, education, childcare, elder care, parenting, everything we
do across the lifespan. As a school counselor working with adolescents, there is
so much turmoil and propensity to sway toward sin that developing that knowledge
deeper will help to keep them safe and sanctified. Guiding our youth in the right
direction not only helps them, but helps future generations for years to come. They
are our future “everythings” - spiritual leaders, environmentalists, engineers,
laborers, you name it. They are the same people who will care for us one day
when our duties have been fulfilled. We are here to learn and care for others and
the world around us, so that we may continue to live in God’s light both on Earth
and in heaven.
Johnson, E. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2nd ed.). Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830828487.
