Thank you for your thoughts on the subject matter. I agree with your thoughts on
the differences between the two approaches to studying psychological
phenomena. You state that Dr. McMinn clearly presented the facts regarding
forgiveness and that Dr. Worthington's views about positive psychology contrasted
with Dr. McMinn's. However, Dr. McMinn is the one who spoke about positive
psychology in the talk on In The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters
to the Church (McMinn, n.d.). I believe that he clearly shows how the integration
approach could enhance the examination of the study of psychological
phenomena.
Positive psychology is an example of how scientists can apply the integration of
psychology and Christianity. An integration approach can enhance current
research in positive psychology on constructs such as forgiveness, gratitude, and
flourishing. The Levels of Explanation approach allows Scripture to inform the
topics but disregards its usefulness in finding solutions to unforgiveness
(Worthington, n.d.).
Additionally, while the Levels of Explanation approach claims to rely on facts, it
fails to consider the reality of bias. Jones (2010) states, "The picture that emerges
is that science draws not just on facts but on the entire complex array of human
experience. Indeed, science is the study of the natural world (including humans),
and science is a unique human endeavor that proposes theories and seeks to
evaluate the evidence for and against them in a way that is challenging, self-
critical, progressive and objective" (p. 114). By acknowledging that bias is
unavoidable, Christians can allow our worldview to shape how we interact with
science (Jones, 2010). If researchers could examine positive psychology without
removing religion from the investigation, the study of the constructs would be
enriched.
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c 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
