Marjorie Gunnoe is a psychology professor at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. Her book The Person in Psychology and Christianity, is soon to be released. Today, Marjorie shares the story of how her fundamentalist background shaped her, the moment that allowed her to ask more questions, and why she was so interested in psychology. We also talk about the concept of original sin and why it’s time to rethink it. Marjorie’s story reminds us that Christian faith and sciences like psychology are not inherently locked in conflict.
Listen to Marjorie’s story now!
Stories Marjorie shared:
- Growing up in Michigan into a conservative, fundamentalist family
- Going to a Christian Reformed school
- Making a comment about the rapture in 9th grade and the results
- Her mother’s faithfulness to her understanding of Scripture
- The moment her husband gave her permission to ask questions
- Driving on the DC Beltway that shifted her perspective
- Allowing her hermeneutic to change
- How the last couple of election cycles rattled her
- Doing divorce research in graduate school
- Coming back to the two greatest commandments
- Studying the idea of original sin and how the doctrine affects us
- How our early experiences shape our views of God
Great quotes from Marjorie:
In some ways, the God that I knew growing up was always far away.
Every Christian prioritizes different Scriptures
I need the central orientating theme of love.
You don’t need to compartmentalize your faith and science.
Resources we mentioned:
- The Person in Psychology and Christianity: A Faith-Based Critique of Five Theories of Social Development by Marjorie Gunnoe
Related episodes:
- Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw and the God Who Likes You
- Alexander Lowry’s Journey in Faith and Finance
- Laura Flanders and Jesus and Her Bleeding Heart
Oh my, Margorie, your journey is so much like my history. Thank you for sharing. You helped me put my phases of growth through conservatism in sensible terms.
As a Baptist preacher’s kid during the Civil Rights era with a favorite uncle working for the Civil Rights Commission of Virginia, LIVING in Prince Edward County…
I had the same kind of “I won’t have anything to do with this church that locked its doors to protests.” I had deep southern family members who were very prejudiced and devout fundamentalists. And I LOVED them.
The fight for women’s acceptance into the ministry and a Christian voice in community life in general were also keys.
Thanks for sharing Melody!