Please read comment on the following two discussion post and find common ground

Please read comment on the following two discussion post and find common ground within their area of Psychology research and my are of psychology which is Developmental Psychology within the post. One way to approach this is by adding on valuable information to what they have already stated in their post. Each post should be minimum 250 words.
Discussion Reply #1 Kelsey
During his presentation to students at Biola University, on the topic of forgiveness, Dr. Worthington demonstrates a Levels of Explanation approach to the reconciliation of Christianity and psychology (Worthington, 2014). His viewpoint is most clearly evidenced by his assertion that, although scripture presents a clear mandate to forgive, it offers little to no instruction on how to do so in actuality. Dr. Worthington’s postulation that empirical research is necessary to address (or fill in the gaps) of biblical insufficiency as it relates to the concept of forgiveness, is congruent with a Levels of Explanation approach, which promotes the idea of separate, but often complementary disciplines (Johnson, 2010), in this case psychology and theology. Creating an operational definition to examine the virtue of forgiveness, he posits, has allowed for scientific support of the biblical idea of forgiveness. In line with a Levels of Explanation viewpoint, the implication is that the absence of scientific support could have, perhaps, resulted in his revaluation of this biblical command. For Dr. Worthington, and others who adhere to the Levels of Explanation viewpoint, it seems that Christianity, scripture, and theology serve, in some manner, as a glossary of terms—a launch pad from which one can garner ideas about human nature and utilize other methods (e.g., psychology) to explore those ideas more thoroughly.
In contrast, during his presentation to students at Westmont College, on positive psychology and the church, Dr. McMinn demonstrates an Integration approach to the reconciliation of Christianity and psychology (McMinn, 2019). His viewpoint is most clearly evidenced by his assertion that faith and science are not mutually exclusive. He advocates for increased dialogue, collaboration, and open-mindedness, between people of faith and those who practice psychology, challenging individuals to reject the false dichotomy that suggests theology and psychology are antithetical to one another. Like Dr. Worthington, he champions the use of rigorous science and concedes that scripture does not specifically address every aspect of human nature. In accordance with other integrationists, however, he sees Christianity as a necessary balancing force to counteract the self-promoting inclinations of psychology and essential to any meaningful interpretation of scientific data. While he promotes the idea that integration will likely change one’s view of both Christianity and psychology, Dr. McMinn’s primary allegiance is to scripture and this is how he approaches his work as both a researcher and a clinician.
I found both presentations to be informative, challenging, and affirming, delivered by two individuals who have worked tirelessly and passionately to answer the question, “How should Christians engage with psychology?” Their integrity and perseverance, especially during a chapter of history that was particularly unfavorable to any degree of integration, is admirable and undeniably advantageous to those of us following in their footsteps as researchers and practitioners. For that, I am grateful. In terms of gaining a better understanding of the different approaches, two primary distinctions stand out between Levels of Explanation and Integration: 1) the credibility and authority assigned to science and 2) the role of Christianity in psychology. Dr. Worthington seemingly assigned a great deal of weight to empiricism (Worthington, 2014), whereas Dr. McMinn approached psychological science somewhat warily (McMinn, 2019). The former could conceivably bend his theology to the will of good science, while the latter assumes, from the onset, psychology’s need for the redirection, restraint, and regulation of faith. Finally, those who adhere to a Levels of Explanation approach seem to view Christianity and psychology as happily co-existing entities, that could potentially engage in a mutually beneficial partnership—a take-it-or-leave-it business arrangement, of sorts. In contrast, the Integrationist rejects this dualistic view, proposing that all science is viewed through the lens of belief and that, for the Christian, that belief should be anchored in biblical truth.
References
Johnson, E.L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity (2nd Edition). InterVarsity Press.
McMinn, M. (2019). The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church .
Westmont College: https://youtu.be/I3gFPgcVAEw
Worthington, E.J. (2014). Why You Should Forgive and How to do It . Biola University Center for
Christian Thought: https://youtu.be/5Or9OuxuYKw
Discussion Reply #2 Shaqueena
The levels of explanation view heavily focuses on perception. Perception, as many know, if based on many different things, with one being belief systems. However, one must truly understand the way a person’s belief system is formed. Beliefs are a product of a person’s upbringing, religious beliefs, life experiences, and their attitudes. So, in Johnson’s text, when Myers write that “belief guides perception” this is what he is referring to (2010). Myers discusses how a person’s belief system heavily influences their understanding of science, psychology and Christianity. Dr. Worthington’s discussion of forgiveness demonstrates LOE perfectly. He discussed how individuals can have different opinions on the definition of forgiveness as well as what should exist to forgive and to forgive others. Dr. Worthington points out that a person’s perception of situations, specifically have a spirit of gratefulness, can change things for a person tremendously. Choosing to have a spirit of gratefulness is a perception or a belief system.
Dr. McMinn in his discussion on virtues seemed to described the fruits of the spirit and its rewards as it relates to the psychological effect on people. The integration approach tasks individuals to embrace secular psychology but do it in a way to glorify God. Integrationists believe that due to the fact that God is the creator of all things and has sovereignty, there should not be tension or a debate because God see and knows all. God would not allow things to happen because he has dominion over all. So, with this being said, he discussed different ways to approach different life events with this belief system. The way he proposes is positive psychology. Dr. McMinn discussed that positive psychology was originally birthed by first studying religion, then there was a shift to where religion was removed and then psychology was studied resulting in science, but now positive psychology introduces the perspective of integrating religion into psychology. He supports this assertion by stating that positive psychology focuses on humility, gratefulness, and religion.
Johnson, E. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press. ISBN: 9780830828487.
Liberty University (2022). The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church.
Retrieved from: https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/268516/pages/watch-the-science-of-virtue-why-positive-psychology-matters-to-the-church?module_item_id=29352122
Liberty University (2022). Why You Should Forgive and How To Do It. Retrieved from:
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/268516/pages/watch-why-you-should-forgive-and-how-to-do-it?module_item_id=29352116
Please reference the following videos to respond to the discussion post.
WATCH: Why You should Forgive and How To Do it

Watch: The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church
https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2167581/uiconf_id/39959791/entry_id/1_04wl9z5t/embed/dynamic
READ Chapters 2-3: Johnson, E. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830828487

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