Philosophical Antropology Essay
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Liberty University *
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Course
420
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
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4
Uploaded by kritzia85
Philosophical Anthropology
Student
School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
PSYC420: Psychology and Christianity
Professor Phillip H. Waugh
February 5, 2024
Philosophical Anthropology
Entwistle defines Philosophical Anthropology as “the study of the character, disposition, qualities and inclinations of human being” (2015). Both psychology and theology are concerned with philosophical anthropology. Phycologists and theologians investigate the philosophical anthropology in an attempt to understand human behavior, since their previously held assumptions about human nature affect their insight (Entwistle, 2015). Below we will identify the different contributions offered by both psychology and theology as well as well as define their characteristics. Psychology primary concern, both in clinical as well as its experimental expression is the nature and functioning of human beings. This perspective assumes that the world is in order, it is knowable and that there is some sense of predictability. Psychology utilizes methodological naturalism, which seeks natural explanations for what it investigates, it does not rely solely in the
scientific method, it primarily utilizes empiricism as well as rational inquiry to develop theories and analyze data. To organize their findings, or theories, psychologists utilize their personal experiences, their world views, and their education. The psychology perspective has two main goals. The first one, motivated by curiosity and the desire to have a better understanding of the world, seeks to increase knowledge and understanding. The second goals main motivation is compassion and the desire to optimize the individual’s potential and quality of life (Entwistle. 2015).
Theology is primarily concerned with God and His relationship to the world. Theology sees the Word of God as discernable and it uses it as a guide for their faith and practice. Christian
theologians see the benefit of both the natural and the supernatural to understanding phenomena. They assume that humans were created in the image of God, and their system is built and
organized based off of notions of creation, sin, grace, redemption and revelation utilizing the hermeneutical method of knowing, through interpretation and application of sources such as the Bible. Similarly to psychology, theology is motivated by the desire to understanding and compassion, though its main motivation should be worship and stewardship. Christian theology goes beyond the temporary, it has eternity in mind while seeking for spiritual wholeness and searching for ways in which humans can be reconciled with God, deal with sin and find meaning to life (Entwistle, 2015). Ultimately, though their perspectives and motivations are quite different, both perspectives of the philosophical anthropology, psychology and theology, have the same goal of understanding of human behavior. Rather than opposing or contradicting each other, these two perspectives can be used complementary of each other, to obtain a better, fuller picture of humanity and the things that affect human behavior. Theology offers the aspects of humanity such as creation separated from its creator by sin, and psychology tells us how these events affect
humans’ relationships and how its expressed in their behavior patterns (Entwistle, 2015). Entwistle explains this beautifully when he says that “psychology may be able to describe human
beings as they are, but only Christian theology can describe them as they were intended to be” (2015). Psychology and theology can coexist perfectly as long as things such as arrogance, pride,
and desire for recognition get in the way of the pursue of understanding human behavior.
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References
Entwistle, D. (2015).
Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration
(3rd ed.). Eugene,
OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers.