Hi everyone:
As usual, it's an interesting conversation whenever we discuss religion on this
list. To play "devil's advocate" (pun intended), although I wouldn't use
Scripture to date the age of the universe, the principles of the Bible are
actually very consistent with modern psychological knowledge and human nature.
I make this assertion as a Christian and a psychologist.
However, is the Bible appropriate to use in a classroom at a secular university?
The answer to that question is obviously (to me) no. On the other hand, if
students come to you during office hours and want help in understanding the
science of psychology from a Christian perspective, can we talk with them and
help them in this endeavor? If discussing Christian theology falls within your
area of competence, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, to be in adherence
to the principles of the Ethical Guidelines of the APA, I would argue that we
need to be sensitive to the religious and spiritual worldviews of our students
and act in a way that affirms and does not diminish their faith worldviews.
Note that this does not mean that we can not challenge our students to continue
to develop their worldviews, but I'm afraid too many of my colleagues in
psychology push their own scientific worldview in a manner that offends and
excludes those with faith-based worldviews. The problem is that many people
(including, and perhaps especially, psychologists) have only a cursory
understanding of Scripture and Christian principles. That leads them to the
conclusion that what is in the Bible can not possibly be consistent with our
"enlightened" contemporary perspectives. So, I would suggest that we attempt to
broaden our own perspectives by considering the possibility that Christian
theology and scholarly inquiry in psychology may be complementary rather than
contradictory.
Eagerly awaiting your angry responses, :)
Rod
--
Roderick D. Hetzel, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts
Rochester Institute of Technology
92 Lomb Memorial Drive, Building 06
Rochester, New York 14623-5604
716-475-5366 (phone)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (email)
