Question

Is the Christian worldview compatible with research ethics in the field of psychology? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Secularized psychology has often argued that the scientific studies involved in psychology cannot be evaluated in its entirety from a Christian worldview as the spirituality of a human being does not impact behaviour. However, the Christian practitioners oppose and in fact suggest the contrary, saying that the effects of spirituality, faith and belief systems play a profound role in shaping the behaviour, thoughts and emotional well-being of people. In fact, they have been operating under the integration of their faith and their practice for many years. In order to accomplish this, Christian psychologists have a scripture-based practice, consider a middle-ground approach to humanity that includes spirituality in the human condition, utilizes ethically-sound secular techniques, and appreciates research. In that sense the Christian world view is not compatible with the research ethics in the field of psychology as they attempt to negate the importance of this potent factor that influences behaviour. This in turn impacts the way practitioners conduct research and formulate their findings. Secular psychology and their research methods are highly operating from a western world view and philosophy, which is completely different from a Christian outlook. This makes them incompatible in very many ways. The strong belief systems of Christians such as the human attempt should be directed towards repenting sins and the same can help cure diseases or disabilities is radically different in orientation form what psychologists have to offer. All these factors make such a worldview incompatible from psychology and its research methodologies.