The Christian should view the scientific process in a much different way than those who adhere to naturalistic philosophies. That view begins with the origin of man. Christians believe that God created the universe in a systematically ordered way with certain processes that work outside of the natural realm in a supernatural or miraculous way. God created us in His image. Therefore, He created us as rational beings. That means we can design experiments concerning the physical world and of human behavior in order to discover some of the depths of God’s creation, extend our understanding of the world around us, and maybe help ease human suffering.
The Bible teaches that human beings are created in the image of God, and He, through the work of Jesus Christ, has redeemed us. The secular view is often to exploit others for personal gain. However, the scriptural declaration of the dignity of human beings should be our guide in how we, as Christians, should frame our experimentation.
The Bible offers a complete guide to help us frame our decisions concerning psychology in general, and conducting experiments in particular. Here is a listing of passages and how they can apply to our given field.
Romans 3:23 (Amplified Bible)
23Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
As human beings, we are all prone to stumble.
John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)
33I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
We should never be surprised by conflict and struggles. They are the norm, and not the exception.
James 1:2-4 (Amplified Bible)
2Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
3Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
4But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
Conflicts, struggles, problems, and discipline should help us to grow into the people God wants us to be.
Ephesians 4:32 (Amplified Bible)
32And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.
We are to help each other, support each other, and give confidence to each other.
Matthew 18:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
16But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
17If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector.
We should be willing to confront others when necessary in a constructive, and not a judgmental way. We do this while keeping in mind that we are vulnerable to the same problems.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (Amplified Bible)
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),
4Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.
5For just as Christ's [own] sufferings fall to our lot[as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us.
6But if we are troubled (afflicted and distressed), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement) and [for your] salvation; and if we are comforted (consoled and encouraged), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement), which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same evils (misfortunes and calamities) that we also suffer and undergo.
7And our hope for you [our joyful and confident expectation of good for you] is ever unwavering (assured and unshaken); for we know that just as you share and are partners in [our] sufferings and calamities, you also share and are partners in [our] comfort (consolation and encouragement).
We are to live a Christ-like life. In doing so we are to follow the Biblical example the Apostle Paul sent to the believers in Corinth. We should be willing to reach out to others with love and concern.
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