Discussion Thread: Going Forward
b b b Since the beginning of the times, men have been intrigued by the nature
of things and searched to understand humanity and their surroundings by
discussing ideas and connecting knowledge and wisdom (Sproul, 2000).
Philosophy originated from this quest for understanding the ultimate reality over
the metaphysical reasoning of the physical world (Sproul, 2000). The
consequences of these ideas can be seen through the manifestation in different
philosophical works (Sproul, 2000). For example, Thales of Miletus understood
water as the unifying substance in the world and ignited a scientific search for
answers about the nature of things (Sproul, 2000). Despite his wrongful
assumption, the contribution (directly or indirectly) thinkers such as Thales have
made to the philosophical, theological, and psychological realms is undeniable.
Centuries later, Sproul (2000) debated that a theoretical thought crisis has
originated and remained throughout the transitions into the 21st century. In the
1970s, an intellectual crisis began concerning the downsides of incorporating
modern psychological sciences into the Christian tradition (Johnson, 2010). This
crisis makes it necessary for new intellectual thinkers to contribute to and
connect current societal issues with the lessons learned from the past from
philosophy, theology, and psychology.
b b b Self-control as my research topic has impacted humanity’s beginning far
beyond my initial expectation. Wolters’ (2005) Grand Narrative helped me
understand the importance of my research not just in the current times but
through the Fall. Traced back to Adam and Eve’s original sin, self-control is a
timeless matter (Wolters, 2005). Just as essential as it was thousands of years
ago, modern society is impregnated with illustrations of a lack of self-restraint
manifested in all-time highs in addiction, criminality, and overall sins.
b b b Since modifying our nature and genetics seems unviable and perhaps
undesirable, a better understanding of the origin of self-control challenges and
their mechanisms can assist researchers and practitioners in creating “protective
shields” against serpent-like influences in modern society. These “protective
shields” against environmental influences can be researched by modern
psychology standards and highly assist Christians in avoiding immoral and sinful
actions as described in the Bible. This understanding reflects the belief that
God is the author of all truth, and modern psychology’s findings are mere
reflections of His authorship (Johnson, 2010).
b b b By definition, self-control represents the suppression of an immediate
gratification impulse and its replacement with an option that considers the long-
term results of each alternative (Mamayek et al., 2017). In one way or another,
self-control, or the lack of it, is related to most, if not all, actions taken against
God’s will. For Christians, the Bible is the reference guide to determine which
impulses should be suppressed or not.
References
Johnson, E. L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five views (2nd ed.). IVP
Academic.
Mamayek, C., Paternoster, R., & Loughran, T. A. (2017). Self-control as self-
regulation: A return to control theory. Deviant Behavior, 38(8), 895-916.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2016.1206730
Sproul, R.C. (2000). The Consequences of ideas: Understanding the concepts
that shaped our world. Crossway.
Wolters, A.M. (2005). Creation Regained (2nd ed.). William B. Eerdmans
Publishing.
