Psychology or God’s Word?
When approaching the study of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), you must determine through what lens you will view the subject. Shall we view ACEs through the lens of personality theories from the likes of Freud, Adler, Jung, or Skinner, or, is there a superior approach to understanding the effects of childhood abuse, neglect, and growing up in a dysfunction household?
The study of human development allows rich insight into the progressive steps of brain maturation and understanding and what are appropriate expectations for individuals exposed to stressful childhoods. Additionally, we now have the ability to study, track, and collate information obtained from large numbers of subjects over a long period of time thus enabling us to see the relationships of environment to later behavior. There is value in studying true science; however, there is danger in many of the speculative philosophies in the field of psychology. To be fair, there are as many, if not more heretics in the field of theology as there are in the field of psychology. Yet we do not suggest ceasing the studying of theology. In understanding those who have suffered adverse childhood experiences, I have found the material of Dr. Vincent Felitti and Dr. Bruce Perry extremely valuable. I recommend their scientific material and personal insight when they are in agreement with scripture.
Additionally, there is value in the study and application of scripture for, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16. The scriptures give insight and discernment into the “thoughts and intents of the heart” Hebrews 4:12. Scripture alone is the measuring rod for what is right. One day, all will stand before the Word and be judged.
May you, dear reader, be found in Him on that day.
Dave Lockridge
December, 2010
When approaching the study of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), you must determine through what lens you will view the subject. Shall we view ACEs through the lens of personality theories from the likes of Freud, Adler, Jung, or Skinner, or, is there a superior approach to understanding the effects of childhood abuse, neglect, and growing up in a dysfunction household?
The study of human development allows rich insight into the progressive steps of brain maturation and understanding and what are appropriate expectations for individuals exposed to stressful childhoods. Additionally, we now have the ability to study, track, and collate information obtained from large numbers of subjects over a long period of time thus enabling us to see the relationships of environment to later behavior. There is value in studying true science; however, there is danger in many of the speculative philosophies in the field of psychology. To be fair, there are as many, if not more heretics in the field of theology as there are in the field of psychology. Yet we do not suggest ceasing the studying of theology. In understanding those who have suffered adverse childhood experiences, I have found the material of Dr. Vincent Felitti and Dr. Bruce Perry extremely valuable. I recommend their scientific material and personal insight when they are in agreement with scripture.
Additionally, there is value in the study and application of scripture for, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16. The scriptures give insight and discernment into the “thoughts and intents of the heart” Hebrews 4:12. Scripture alone is the measuring rod for what is right. One day, all will stand before the Word and be judged.
May you, dear reader, be found in Him on that day.
Dave Lockridge
December, 2010
