Reference no: EM133581738

Discussion Post: History/Systems of Psychology- The Whole Shebang

Getting Started

In this workshop, you will be introduced to the history of psychology as it has unfolded through time. The theorists you are about to meet did not develop their ideas and theories in a vacuum; some of the most well recognized and regarded theories in psychology were developed in reaction to the now historical events that were taking place. You will come to understand how the course of history shapes humanity and how humanity indeed shapes the course of history. Still, the larger question remains: Does God govern and rule over it all? Does God have control over all things? What holds the whole shebang together?

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

1. Discuss your views of God and creation.
2. Articulate how God influences the creation of history.

Background Information

1. In a book written by Timothy Ferris (1998), several of life's most profound questions were addressed: Is our universe expanding? If it is expanding, will it eventually collapse under gravity's influence? Are there multiple universes and types of existence?

2. We can also ask, What or who created the universe or even gravity in the first place? What holds the whole shebang together? What exists outside our known space and time? Did anything exist before time?

3. Believers not only look to our senses and to research in astrophysics to tackle these questions, but to God's Holy Word. For example, John's gospel speaks of an earlier state of existence, a state of existence before time, before creation itself: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made" John 1:1-3.

4. Perhaps, then, there is a God who rules over time and space as well as over no-time and no-space. Perhaps God is what holds the entire shebang together. Not only is he the creator, he is director of time. Thus, he can be considered the author of creation and the living director of history. Simply stated, perhaps our living God not only created all things, but he set all created things into motion.

5. Thus, He orchestrates our very existence and the very unfolding of our story. God not only directs our individual paths, but guides the very footsteps of humanity. Yes, it is truly a living God who intricately weaves together a brilliant story of how our individual lives influence the course of history and in turn how history influences the course of our lives.

Instructions

I. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

II. Read John 1:1-3 and reflect on his words.

III. Listen to and watch the video "His Story." (Closed captioning is provided.)

IV. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

1. What does it mean that God existed before creation?

2. What is the difference between "creating existence" and "setting existence into motion"?

V. Your postings should also:

1. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

2. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

3. Provide clarification to classmates' questions and provide insight into the discussion.