A closer reading of scripture uncovers a significant similarity between Harvard’s study and God’s foundational design for relationships. From God’s declaration that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone (Genesis 2:18) to the establishment of the church by Jesus, relationships are shown as fundamental to a believer’s fulfillment and happiness.
The science is clear: “More” and “better” don’t make us happier, and it makes us more individualistic, which is not a recipe for flourishing for a species designed to be in community. Instead science suggests how we can counter the pressure to achieve.
There’s a certain kind of grief when you are the messenger, and it feels like no one is listening. Or maybe people are listening, but they don’t care as much, or at least their actions don’t indicate they do. That is the feeling I experience in ebbs and flows as a science journalist whose love for God has led me to care deeply for his creation.
C.S. Lewis talked about how some of us are more prone to particular ways of being in the world. It could be easier or harder depending on how we are prone, but we’re still called to live a holier life.
Today, we’re launching our psychology for ministry series in partnership with Blueprint 1543. We start with a conversation with a psychologist who has spent nearly four decades building bridges between science and the church. Mark McMinn, recently retired from George Fox University, has worked assessing ministry practices and spiritual formation.
Most seminary-trained clergy are required to take courses dealing with psychology and counseling. However, in some traditions, these requirements are perfunctory at best. Therefore, a significant number of pastors are ill-prepared to deal with these issues unless they’ve had previous training or seek further training in this area.