The Scientific Method and Psychology”
Donna McCullough
ADC303: Introduction to Psychology & Counseling
June 5, 2023
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The relationship between Christianity and the scientific method if I’m understanding it correctly is slowing moving in the same direction, but with a strained relationship. The scientific method is based on facts and Christianity is based on faith, which are two very different ends of the spectrum. The scientific methods follow a very clear process, which is a question, hypothesis, experiment data and ends with a conclusion. Christianity starts and ends with faith.
With that being said, “psychology is presently in the midst of a paradigm change.
Christians consequently have a valuable opportunity to influences the paradigm change.”
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According to Eric Johnson Ph.D., there needs to be a considerable amount of light shed on psychology science and biblical assumptions method. There needs to be trust built on both sides of the table, with the intent to help each side to learn about the other. It’s going to take a community of theology and psychology coming together and then determine how they can work together to best serve humanity.
The four possible ways of relating psychology and theology. The first position is the
Christianity against psychology positions, the second position is the psychology against
Christianity positions, the third perspective may be described as the Christianity and psychology viewpoint, which affirms the two disciplines as separate but equal ways of finding truth and the final position is psychology integrates Christianity view. Here the person is seen fundamentally as a unity. The Scientific Method Profmann. (n.d.).
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“The first underscores the important of the Bible and God. The second model emphasizes the important of being open to psychology investigation to avoid rationalizing less than Christian behavior. The separation model also has value. The difference is the
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These principles must also be congruent with general biblical principles. Theology conclusions must be tested using both biblical and valid psychological insights. The Scientific Method Profmann. (n.d.).
For psychology and theology to bridge the gap, I agree with Eric Johnson, that building relationships is the only way it’s going to be possible. There needs to be trust-built, relationships that have been fostered and with the goal of coming together to learn, understand and move forward together.
We need to keep in mind that our world view shapes what we think and what we find to be true. Every one of us has experienced so many things in our lifetime and each one of those experiences add to our world view and some of those experiences have also wounded us, so healing may need to take place before our world views can be changed. We as Christians have an opportunity to help change the world view of those who do not believe in God, how we approach this privilege needs to be done with prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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References
Meier, P. D., Minirth, F. B., Wichern, F. B., & Ratcliff, D. (2010). Introduction to psychology and counseling: Christian perspectives and applications. Baker