Joanna Mullins 
Sheridan Forte I have always been fascinated by the question of faith/empiricism that we discussed in class Tuesday. To me, it seems that this question is one that causes much of the tension not only between Christians and non-believers, but between different Christian groups. Anyway, I happen to be of the opinion that part of the reason that Christians feel so threatened by empirical thought and science in general (even though some very prominent Christian thinkers were empirical thinkers and brilliant scientists) is because we have made this questions and “either or” question. Which is to say, “either faith is correct, or empiricism is correct! There can only be one Highlander!” And since empiricism has brought us things like genetics, all we know about gravity, carbon dating, and pizza on a bagel (all of which are true and good) then it seems like empiricism wins. I would suggest that this issue is not a question of either or, but Rob Bell does a much better job at describing this than I do. Watch the part from 3:47 to 6:23
Rob Bell: Everything is Spiritual
Now, what does all this have to do with psychology? I think above almost any other field, reconciling these two ideals and avoiding the trap of either or questions holds utmost importance. “Is depression caused by chemical imbalances and therefore should be treated with drugs, or with support and some cognitive retraining can people with ‘sick minds’ make themselves better?” Well we don’t know the whole story on either of those two positions, but maybe its not an either or question. Or for Christians, “Is all that psychobable mumbo-jumbo really the answer, or should I depend on faith, prayer, Christian love, and the Holy Spirit to help me through the dark times in my life and relationships?” If you asked me, I would have to answer “yep”.
Whitney Bammel
1:55 pm, 02.22.10
I really enjoyed your post and especially the video. I think that instead of always trying to decide whether things are “either/or” it is good to understand that maybe we aren’t here to understand everything. I think science has its place in society and religion has its place in society. Although they sometimes contradict each other, I personally think that sometimes the best treatments for things such as depression or any kind of illness is a combination of both science and faith. As someone who is treated with medication for depression, I have found that not just that alone is enough for treatment for me personally. Combining medicine, support/therapy, and faith has proven to be the best thing I can do for myself.
Page Jones
3:59 pm, 02.22.10
It is annoying how often psychology, or many types of science and philosophy for that matter, constrains itsaelf to “either/or”. It strikes an odd cord when an empiricist suggests that all things that excist must be tangible or when a behaviorist rejects one’s inward thoughts completely in favor of focusing only on their behaviors. If I learned anything in abnormal psychology, it is that sometimes treatments work better when combined with other treatments and medication. It is an unfortunate occurence when a psychologist refuses to apply the best treatment because it doesn’t fit into their certain philosophy or cluster of techniques.
Riane Cochran
4:17 pm, 02.22.10
That was a very good connection between Faith, Empiricism, and Rob Bell’s video. I have seen that video before but never would have made the connection. I also feel that God made it to where we are supposed to use both faith and empiricism. I think that being a Christian and believing in God does not make it to where empiricism is invalid. If God was looking down on us, He would probably be annoyed with how much time people have spent arguing over such things. We need to be not be so afraid of letting empirical thought and faith overlap and embrace the concept of the answer “yep!”
Joanna Mullins
5:32 pm, 02.22.10
As much as your answer to the last question frustrates me, I agree with it so much! God has asked me to put my faith in Him, which is evident through spiritual disciplines, but also through the gifts He’s given certain people on earth for healing purposes. While they may mess up because they are human, if they are using God’s gifts to glorify Him, who am I to deny their offerings to glorify Him by helping heal my ill or broken body?
Elizabeth Kaszynski
3:59 am, 02.23.10
I generally dislike black and white. Not even that statement is black and white. The either/or situation usually seems like a trap. Like Kant’s categorical imperative that I disagree with. And that Rob Bell video is incredible. The connections he makes are so convincing that science and faith really can be friends. Really good friends. Maybe even “besties” (best friends) who just get into fights sometimes.