Is it immoral to study psychology?
I’m about to become a college sophomore, and I have already declared myself a psychology major because I am very much intrigued by why we think and act the way we do. Ultimately, I would like to become a marriage/family therapist based on my studies, though I am open for any relevant field. However, as a Christian, I have looked up "Christian" & "psychology" together on the internet recently to near-unanimous negativity. One site, in particular, has been giving me fits because the content (albeit opinionated w/ Scriptural evidence to support his POV) does all but condemn me to the pits of Hell for wanting to study psychology. I’ve included 2 links from said site below for your (dis)pleasure. Yes, I’m aware that this field was founded by less-than-perfect individuals, but what occupation hasn’t? And since God gave us (sane people) minds, shouldn’t it be necessary to explore this realm and uncover why individuals put themselves in their own predicaments? I want to use my talents to help explain the depravity of mankind, not make excuses. Serious answers only, please. Thank you. God bless.
*http://remnantradio.org/Mirror/www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Humanism/psychology_vs_%20bible.htm
*http://remnantradio.org/Mirror/www.jesus-is-savior.com/Health_Concerns/psychiatry_is_bad.htm
I believe the main reason why the author of the above site is so anti-therapy is because his daughter was "forced" by his state’s child services department to ingest a drug he & his wife refused when she fell ill one time. He claims his daughter felt worse than before, and he unsuccessfully sued his state for going beyond their means, or something to that extent. Please don’t make me search the archives for that story. I may have stumbled upon an extremist site that I dare not venture in any time soon. … And of course psychology is not mentioned in the Bible. It wasn’t discovered until the 19th century. No offense. Thanks again for your understanding.
Don’t worry about it.
If psychology is your interest, then proceed, full speed ahead.
Maybe after you get your degree and a few years of experience, you can analyze some of your fellow Christians and find out why they have such an irrational dislike for your profession.
Don’t worry about it.
If psychology is your interest, then proceed, full speed ahead.
Maybe after you get your degree and a few years of experience, you can analyze some of your fellow Christians and find out why they have such an irrational dislike for your profession.
References :
I think as long as you’re interested in psychology, you should do it. I’m not hardcore Christian myself, so I’ve never heard of this. But if we were given minds with which to wonder, why can’t we do so? I guess the answer is go with what you feel is right. As long as you’re a good person, I don’t think it’s that big of a crime to learn how people think…
References :
no, it is not immoral. how can it be bad to help people sift through their problems and find a solution? these people might be afraid of what’s in their own minds, so they feel the need to out down the profession that is directly attached to.
References :
a important lesson i learned is. you don’t have to understand why to do the right thing. to me its all about motives if your all about helping healing and protecting then i say yea not na good luck and god bless
References :
Note that the author of the first article does not condemn studying psychology, he is against mixing biblical counseling with secular therapy of psychologists. I do not agree with his reasons for saying that but apparently his main point is correct. The bible has all the tools for fighting sin.
Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction, for training in righteousness, in order that the man of God might be complete, fully equipped for every good work."
Is studying psychology the best way to become a marriage/family therapist? Perhaps you should go to a seminary?
I find psychology very interesting, useful and fun. However please keep in mind that psychology is a science. All real science is based on the scientific method. The scientific method is a logical fallacy. So, if you study psychology make sure you study it in the light of the bible.
If you have any questions about what I have said contact me
References :
Studied the bible, psychology, and philosophy of science, but I am an very ignorant about those subjects.