Third Force Psychology
Third Force psychology is based on the premise that all people are inherently good. It establishes that fact that through a conscious evolution of attitudes, values, and beliefs, a person becomes a self actualized individual with the inner wisdom and confidence to guide their own life in a manner that is personally satisfying and socially constructive. Psychologist Abraham Maslow was one of the primary contributors to this theory and also contributed to humanistic psychology with his famous hierarchy of needs theory of human motivation. One of the trends that I have noticed in this respect comes from the old Missionary goal. Missionary’s ethnocentric goals were based largely on converting people and ‘saving’ as many people as possible through the faith based and sometimes even forceful means. As history has told, missions has been scrutinized for the effect and long term changes made to a population. None the less, missions remains an important role in the American church. Why? Many missionaries go with the ‘save as many people as possible’ approach. They go with a bible thumping approach many times where they don’t necessarily take into account where they people they meet are at in life. What do I mean by this? Normally, missionaries come with the intention to help people self actualize or to help with esteem needs. However, those people aren’t even at that level on the hierarchy of needs. They are preoccupied with getting shelter and having clean water to drink. Needs at the bottom of the pyramid are basic physical requirements including the need for food, water, sleep, and warmth. Once these lower-level needs have been met, people can move on to the next level of needs, which are for safety and security. However, based on the theory, if these needs aren’t met they cannot move up. Based on this theory, how should mission approaches change?
Ana Rodriguez on Blog One: The Good Life
1:34 pm, 01.21.13
Katie, the word “quality” was well written. I completely agree. I think that one thing that bring a lot of people together in their own definitions of the good life revolves around if their life had quality things/moments/experiences. To some it might be possessions and to others it might be experiences. However I think all of us would want quality in whatever it is we choose to make important.
Ana Rodriguez on Blog 1: The Good Life
1:30 pm, 01.21.13
Jason, I agree with the fact that you think all individuals have a different view of what the good life is. I had the opportunity to sit down with a Buddhist monk this past weekend and ask any questions we wanted (something that rarely ever happens). He started comparing Christianity and Buddhism and was answering questions as to why he chose to be a monk. He seemed so sure of his way of life, and after 40 years of being a monk, he was still certain in his decision and was completely at peace with the world. He was yet another person who opened my eyes to how “the good life” to him is completely different than another. Thanks for talking about that! You worded it so well!