In at least two prestigious Tier 1 Universities, Intro Psych is taught from a thoroughgoingly evolutionary perspective. The professors are excellent. They give fascinating descriptions of psychological phenomenon, but they explicitly interpret the phenomenon in the context of human evolution.
Dr. Bloom at Yale University described two foundational ideas of modern psychology.
#1 All mental life is the product of a material physical brain.
I can accept that from a scientist. After all, local imaging techniques have allowed scientists “see” the parts of the brain at work. Scientists have even been able to simulate feelings of closeness with God by stimulating precise brain areas. But Dr. Bloom takes a metaphysical next step by suggesting that therefore, there is no Mind, Soul, or Spirit separate from our physical brain.
I am unaware of one shred of scientific evidence to support his theory. I believe that I have a Mind that is separate from and inexorably (in this life) connected to my brain. I am unaware of one shred of scientific evidence to support my theory either.
#2 The second foundational idea of modern psychology, according to Dr. Bloom, is that our mental life has its origins in the (ever increasingly) less complex mental lives of our ancestors. Even our “highest” mental capacities are the result of variation and natural selection.
Suffice it to say, I intelligently disagree.
It disturbs me so much that theory is taught as fact. And speaking of facts, I understand that the discovery of DNA actually, factually, proves that evolution is a crock. So, why, Dr. Rice, is that not being taught? How do we as Christians move this to the forefront of teaching?
ReplyDeleteI am not a mental health professional, so this might appear to be a dumb question. I am interpreting by your comment that you do not believe that "mental life" is inherited. Is that correct? If so, how would you explain personality disorders? I was under the impression that they were genetic.
ReplyDeleteThanks.