Grand Narrative and Biblical view
It is important that we, in the discipline of Psychology, take an assessment of our
views, personally, culturally, and societally for the populations we serve. I do believe as
individuals of faith within this field, it is important that we adhere to the ethical principle,
to do no harm (APA, 2020) and use that in alignment with the biblical view Wolters (2005)
mentioned regarding reformation (creation’s structure and direction).
Although we all come from a family unit consisting of immediate and extended
family members, we are each unique. Individuals do not necessarily conform to the same
mindset just because of being related by the same bloodline in an immediate family or
extended family. Often, individuals raised in the same home, under the same parental
guidance and instruction seem to adhere to totally opposite beliefs related to career choice,
religious belief, sexuality, etc. This nonconformity in mindsets also applies to extended
family, whether related to bloodline by or by Spirit, or societal institution. As a result of
opposite beliefs and the line “drawn in the sand” of what is appropriate and what is
inappropriate, many families have not spoken to each other for years. Yet, the bible states
that we are not to divide but, communicate together (MEV, Isa 1: 18). We are to have
transformed biblical mindsets even if the mindset is not in conjunction with our family
(MEV, Rom 12: 12).
As we follow the path of the biblical view, we take the transformed mindset into
every aspect of our lives. It is like the parable in which the woman that used a small
amount of yeast transformed the whole loaf of bread (MEV, Mat 13: 3). The biblical leaven
or the seed planted in our family, church and societal institutions have the potential to bring
renewal to transform individual’s mindsets to a biblical view from a distorted worldview. c
This is vital to help the individuals we assist receive inner revitalization.
By extending grace from the Christian view, the Psychological nature or the mental
health of the client could potentially be restored. I have found this to be evident with the
populations I dealt with at the time they were experiencing homelessness and/or suicidal
ideations. populations. Two individuals specifically come to mind. One was older and was
seeking the direction of redemption after being ostracized from the immediate (estranged)
family who were opposing her direction. Another was younger and had no idea of
redemption, but he was being ostracized in the societal institution (school family) and
reacted aggressively.
I introduced structure and direction and gave the individuals opportunity to share
their perspectives of what was taking place in their lives. Both individuals addressed what
was considered appropriate and inappropriate in the family culture they were a part of. I
provided scripture to their old mindsets (MEV, 2 Cor. 5:17) and I introduced choices or
opportunities for both individuals to approve or disapprove based upon their goals. Both
individuals made concrete choices of the steps that needed to be taken and did their
homework to make advances towards reforming their cognitive and behavioral narratives.
However, I have developed understanding, from Wolters (2005) that my transitional
home, is not a part of my family unit, and must be run differently than my family home.
The scripture makes sense that this is a societal institution (transitional house) that is
created after its own kind. The residents must be treated as residents with rules leading to
Christ’s redemption and reconciliation, but in a different manner than my sons because of
rules and regulations for their safety related to God’s authority and love (MEV, Rom. 13: 1,
2).
Additionally, although individuals come from different cultures and mindsets related
to sexual ethics, dancing, arts and other institutions, scripture has to continue to be
implemented with intervention strategies such as art therapy, music therapy, and play
therapy to help the clients focus on creation reformation and change their mindsets to things
that are pure. (MEV, Phil. 4: 8).
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American
Psychological
Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Modern Evangelism Version. Breakthrough Jubilee Bible, (2014). Military Bible.
Wolters, Albert M. (2005). Creation regained: Biblical basics for a Reformational
worldview
(2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/reader.
