Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2017

PSYCHOLOGY Most of the underlying assumptions in the field of history, though naturalistic, do not directly oppose biblical truth. The underlying assumptions and prevailing theories about mankind within the field of psychology, however, are often antithetical to biblical teaching. Nonetheless, given the field’s intent — to understand human thinking and behavior —Christians can find a meaningful vocation, while bringing biblical truth to bear. Similar to biology, Cedarville psychology professors teach the theoretical foundations for psychological practice to their students, while analyzing those assumptions from a rigorous biblical perspective. The psychology profession contains both blatantly humanistic theories, which Cedarville psychology faculty members critique biblically, as well as scientific endeavors with control/experimental groups, in which Cedarville psychology faculty members actively participate with their students. Secular psychology can fall prey to sheer political forces. For instance, in 1973, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders included homosexuality until cultural pressure forced its removal. In such instances, Cedarville’s faculty members help students to “think biblically,” since a biblical understanding of creation provides the only proper foundation for the marriage relationship. Cedarville’s faculty members use God’s Word to frame all life dimensions, and the Genesis creation account is a key touch point for rightly understanding human behavior and cognition. BUSINESS In Genesis 1:28, God gave man dominion over the earth. Genesis 2:15 notes that God told Adam to work the garden and “keep it.” He then placed boundaries on what man should do. The ethical principles that apply to the business world from these brief passages are seemingly endless. Business professors at Cedarville have the joy of teaching students that as created beings, in the image of God, they are His representatives in this world to reflect Him. Our students learn that God gave work as a gift to man. It was not part of the fall. Yes, work became more difficult because of the fall, but man was created to work. Work allows mankind to reflect God through obedience to Him. Business is sometimes viewed by Christians negatively because of the human potential to make an idol of money, allowing greed to drive work. Some say capitalism makes people greedier. These are worthy cautions, but Cedarville’s economics and business professors help students sort through these issues. Capitalism, and business as we know it in America, provides an environment for humans to thrive: the opportunity to create wealth, provide for families, support the church, interact with others for mutual benefit, and fulfill our calling — in short, flourish (1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Cor. 9:7). Just as in the Garden of Eden, laborers in America’s economic systemmust be limited by the dictates of God. Adam and Eve were forbidden from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In the same way, Christians must recognize that work is good, but it must be limited by moral boundaries such as acting ethically, trusting God not money, and rejecting greed as a motivation. These biblical emphases mean that Cedarville teaches students how to evaluate the underlying assumptions of any economic system, exhorts them to reflect God in the work He has called them to through ethical conduct, and encourages them to steward their tasks responsibly. FOUNDATION FOR ALL FIELDS At Cedarville, we teach that all knowledge starts within the framework of truth found in the Creator God. In science, we can study God’s created order recognizing that He holds it all together and has provided a method of discovery for humans. At Cedarville, when science and faith collide, we rely on Scripture. In history, the study of the past is valuable because we can discern how humans have done good or evil in their actions and learn from them. In psychology, we can know the surest basis for mental health and healthy functioning is man and woman’s proper understanding of themselves in relation to a Creator, not as independent agents attempting to create meaning in a moral vacuum. Finally, the creation story provides the basis for work, not only that it is a God-ordained positive good, but also how it should be undertaken. Cedarville’s commitment to the Genesis account of creation results in a distinctive integration of biblical truth and learning in every classroom across campus, producing students who have a complete understanding of who they are and the vital role of being on mission to a broken, sinful world, wherever they work and live. Thomas Mach ’88 is Assistant Vice President for Academics and Professor of History at Cedarville. He has been at Cedarville since 2000. He earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Akron. 18 | Cedarville Magazine