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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.
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Cedarville Magazine