Religion
In reply to the discussion: People Are Born with Religious Belief Argues New Book [View all]LeftishBrit
(41,203 posts)Barrett does have a background in developmental and cognitive psychology. He got his Ph.D. at Cornell, and was for a while on the faculty of the University of Michigan.
I do however have some reservations about the objectivity of any research on related areas at the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. To quote the website: 'Fuller's School of Psychology has been creating a pioneer program integrating evangelical Christian faith and psychology. By placing strong theological study in the heart of psychology, you will become clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and educators who are prepared to serve with integrated professionalism and practice... Every faculty member is a committed Christian who integrates his or her discipline with personal faith and dedication to the teachings of Jesus Christ. These scholars and practitioners bring a wealth of training and experience to the classroom, including ministries beyond the seminary. You will learn the skills to bring the message of restoration, reconciliation, and redemption through your research, teaching, and clinical practice.' While it's perfectly possible to combine scientific psychology with a strong personal religious faith, it is difficult to combine it with being in a Department which 'intergrates evangelical religious faith and psychology'. In other words, only some types of interpretations of results are acceptable in the context; and this hinders objectivity.