> > Mark McMinn, a Christian psychologist, argues that sin - and living in a > > fallen world - is useful to the teaching of psychology. > > > > He notes that the average general psych textbook will probably not > > include the word "sin," and yet evidence for the consequences of sin are > > can be found throughout the pages: > > > > -in the chapter on the human nervous system you are likely to encounter > > descriptions of how serotonin deficits contribute to clinical depression, > > and how dopamine excesses are attributed to schizophrenia
> Mike Scoles wrote: > How are these consequences of sin? The depression/Sz examples would be used to argue that the presence of sin in the world has corrupted the biological system, a system that would otherwise run perfectly. I know you don't agree, but I'm just trying to respond to your question. > > -in human development we see sin passed from one generation to another: > > the demanding, authoritative parent raises a child who is timid, > > unconfident, and secretive. The permissive uninvolved parent raises > > irresponsible children who show little regard for others > > Unless these errors are intentional, I don't see how they count as sin. > Parenting can be taught. Dismissing poor parenting as sin does not help solve > the problem. Perhaps these errors are not intentional. Again, the "consequences of sin" are argued from religion as a product of personal sin, another's sin, or just sin being in the world. For those in the religious community who subscribe to the concept of sin it can certainly be over-applied and often has been. (e.g., I let me kids watch tv instead of letting them play outside. Some might call that sinning. That's clearly debatable, even for the religious folks). > The remaining examples are instances of cognitive biases that ARE part of > "human nature," but what understanding is added by characterizing them as > sinful? Nothing if you don't see the world in that way. That is part of what prompted me to ask questions -- what alternative explanation can we provide for such problems. And you are doing a nice job of offering viable alternatives. > > -the chapter on cognition describes how we tend to be overconfident in > > our opinions, how we seek information for what we already believe > > > > -studies in social psychology demonstrate we blame others for their > > problems, as well as our problems; other studies demonstrate us > > overestimating our abilities. Classic studies like Milgram�s teach us how > > prone we are to follow authority, even when it is corrupt, and Zimbardo�s > > prison studies, demonstrating our human capacity to oppress others > > > In sum, each page reminds us of the stained and tattered state of > > human nature. Things are not as they are supposed to be. > > Reality isn't always what it is supposed to be, but calling it sin doesn't make > it what it should be. True. Again, if you don't attribute the presence of sin as a causal agent in the imperfect world, then what does work as an explanation? > > If not, and sin cannot or does not explain the fallen, imperfect world and > > its systems, what does? > > Ignorance rather than knowledge. Ok. That's a good explanation. But a simplistic one, in my view. Many have had knowledge but disregarded it and acted wrongfully. ************************************************************************ Jim Guinee, Ph.D. Director of Training & Adjunct Professor President, Arkansas College Counselor Association University of Central Arkansas Counseling Center 313 Bernard Hall Conway, AR 72035 USA (501) 450-3138 (office) (501) 450-3248 (fax) "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it" -Martin Luther King, Jr. ************************************************************************** --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
