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The student must then post 2 replies of at least two hundred and…
The student must then post 2 replies of at least two hundred and fifty words. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 1 scholarly citation in current American psychology format. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation in current American psychology format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, etc.
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Some may say psychology and Christianity are polar opposites of the way to learn about and participate in this world. However, as Johnson’s (2010) text so deeply explains, the two realms can be merged as one study and integrated belief system. As separate studies, psychology and Christianity can be examined to determine how the two may meld. For instance, the source of knowledge for each are generally different. The field of psychology is and empirical science that derives its knowledge from theory, hypothesis testing, and empirical study results based on such studies. In other words, the source of knowledge is substantiated by observable and explainable results. Christianity, on the other hand, relies upon Scripture, values, faith, and revelation to determine knowledge. Another aspect in the two realms of psychology and Christianity that can seem on different ends of a spectrum are the goals of each area of study. The goal of psychology is the acquisition of knowledge and of Christianity is the renovation of humans (Johnson, 2010).
When pondering how these two realms coincide, lets consider what happens when a psychological study suggests a scientific finding that opposes the Bible. Jesus if the first and final source of all truth. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (New International Version Bible, 2019, John 14:6). The Bible is the word of God and numerous versus state that “Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160; 2 Samuel 7:28; John 17:17; 1 Kings 17:24). Therefore, if a statement opposes the Bible, it is rejected as not being true, or at the very least needing further investigation to examine the supposed evidence.
There is such a wide spectrum of churches in today’s society; so to discuss how psychology fits in the church or church fit in modern psychology is a muddy proposal. To simplify, more traditional churches tend to shy away from most things modern, including psychology. In more modern and more broadly educated churches, however, scientific principles incuding those of modern psychology are embraced to be examined in the light of the Truth and the Light. If they pass this test, they are assimilated and utilized in teachings and ways of interacitng with people.
With all of the above being said, I believe that today’s psychology as a science and Christianty melds together perfectly. Ultimately, I believe the goals of each work together in harmony. The acquisition of knowledge that psychology pursues is for th purpose of furthering understanding and helping humankind. Likewise, the renovation of humans that Christianity is in the pursuit of is for the purpose of bringing more souls to the Lord and spreading His love. For both realms, the betterment of mankind is the ultimate goalthe goodness and ultimate happiness of our species. I believe the study of psychology has always intrigued me as I wanted to know what makes people “tick” or what motivates them to do the things they do. The more I learn about how to help others through psychology, and the more I study the Bible and how to be a faithful servant and follower of Christ, the more I see similarities between the two pursuits. In both, I seek to learn how to best love and help my fellow humansas I believe God has designed me and commanded me to do.
