Finding Sanity in a World Gone Mad

“There exists today a widening consensus by many in our country that the Bible does not belong in the public square or in public education. Of course, this is nonsense. The Bible is the greatest Book ever written and the best textbook any serious student could ever encounter. This is not only a sentiment held by theologians throughout history; it was the dominant opinion of our Founding Fathers.

In the article below, Dr. Sam Thomas continues his argument for why the Bible is the greatest textbook ever written. This time, Dr. Thomas perspicaciously concentrates on the field of psychology, powerfully supplying the Church with an antidote for insanity.”

-Dr. Jason J. Nelson (Editor-in-Chief)

Today, we look at how and why the Bible is the best textbook on psychology.

The American Public University defines psychology as the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. Psychology studies how mental processes shape our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions.

Why is the Bible the best textbook on psychology? Given below are three reasons:

First of all, the Bible reveals to us the source of the human mind. Genesis chapter 1 tells us that God has created human beings in the image and likeness of God. In other words, you and I have a mind because God has very intentionally created us to resemble Him.

Second, the Bible tells us the cause of the problems of the human mind. Genesis chapter 3 teaches us that because of the Fall the image and likeness of God in us has been distorted. It is not completely lost, but it is distorted.

Therefore, on the one hand, the human mind is able to accomplish great things like building computers and constructing skyscrapers and going to the moon, and so on, and at the same time, is capable of great evil as well.

Jesus tells us in Mark 7:20-23 – 'What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart (or mind), that evil thoughts come. Sexual immorality, theft and murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.'

The human mind influences human behavior. The human mind is sinful and therefore the human behaviors tend to be sinful as well. The Bible highlights the major problem of the human mind as sinfulness.

Third, the Bible also provides us with the solution to the problems of the human mind. Step one is repentance. We recognize and acknowledge that we are sinful and we turn towards God.

Step two is sanctification. We are called by God to come back to the image and likeness of God in which he created us. Philippians 2:5 says 'have the same mindset as was in Christ Jesus.' In Romans 12:2, we read, 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' Romans 8:6 tells us 'the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace.' Finally, Colossians 3:2 says, 'set your mind on things above.'

So why is the Bible the best textbook on psychology?

It is because: (1) it reveals to us the source of the mind, (2) it provides us the ground for the major problems of the mind, and (3) it also provides us with the solutions to the problems of the mind.

Whoever embraces these Scriptural realities will be far more psychologically advanced than most and be on their way to discovering, or rediscovering, sanity in a world gone mad.