In his Grand Narrative, Wolters discusses the Biblical worldview and attributes it
to elements of structure and direction that define our structural norms and
values, leading to our understanding of the world through a conglomeration of
experiences and innate understanding. Through the Biblical worldview, we could
apply the knowledge presented by Wolters to the research area of psychology
and discover an approach to conducting research in the area. As Wolters points
out, structure is related to the essence of creation, while direction is the force
that consistently pulls away from that order to approach sin. Through the
reformational worldview, sanctification and consecration can be applied to
remedy the situation both internally and externally, respectively, allowing
someone or a society at large to reform themselves and once again return to a
graceful state in line with creation law (Wolters, 2005). Psychologists can use
this knowledge to help treat their patients and conduct research that would
allow them to devise courses of action to identify a problem and come up with
a solution. If an individual is diagnosed with an illness, through a Biblical
worldview and understanding, the psychologist can assess the core elements of
that person’s psyche and work toward peeling back the layers that have
masked the purity of the originally created state of mind; through this means,
they can implement a remedy through the assistance of Scriptural teachings,
providing the diagnosed individual with an opportunity to redeem themselves by
switching their framework for processing information to embrace one that is in
line with Christian morals and values. c
The Grand Narrative describes societal institutions and personal constructs as
elements that consistently seek renewal in order to get back on track to the
essence of creativity, counteracting the tendency to deviate from the path
(Wolters, 2005). This is tied to nature as defined by biology, moral compass,
emotional elements; etc. (Wolters, 2005). Societal institutions include familial ties
and the church, all which have a standard set of rules that must be adhered to
(Wolters, 2005). Embracing this lens to process information, psychologists can
work to analyze and assess a situation accordingly and determine any potential
for deviation (whether it is in someone’s mindset, their daily activities, or their
approach to their environmental settings, habits, actions; etc.), then come up
with methods by which to remedy the issues. Society at large and its institutions
are all comprised of the human element, and thus, the relationship between
people and these institutions can be evaluated through a psychological
standpoint in finding ways to heal and maintain structure through the utilization
of Scripture (Wolters, 2005). In line with these ideas, John 10:9 states “I am the
door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out,
and find pasture” and John 11:25 states “I am the resurrection and the life”
(KJV). Scriptural verses such as these offer a path toward salvation for
individuals in need of assistance to return to their naturally created form. Thus,
we can apply this knowledge in the field of psychology to conduct research
through the lense of the Grand Narrative rooted in the Biblical Worldview to
explain and support social and personal phenomena.
Resources
The King James Version Cross Reference Study Bible. (2016). Barbour
Publishing, Uhrichsville,
Wolters, A.M. (2005). Creation Regained (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: William
B. Eerdmans Publishing.
