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Conversion provides a heuristic for Christian of two kinds of science: one founded on unbe-
psychologists to consider. What are the psycho- lieving principles and inevitably misshapen by
logical implications of this radical change? In sin, and the other founded upon faith in God
what ways are religious identities qualitatively and submission to Scripture” (Johnson, 1997,
different for those who have been truly trans- 10-11). While Kuyper acknowledged that those
formed through regeneration and those who practicing science in the state of nature may not
hold to a form of godliness while denying its differ in the discovery and application of facts,
power (2 Tim. 3:5, NASB)? To date, we do not data, and language, they are predisposed to “ob-
have the means to directly measure the variable scure the truth at key points, thus resulting in
of genuine conversion; in fact, such a method sciences that are proceeding in a non-theocen-
would require the ability to look at the Lamb’s tric direction” (Johnson, 1997, 11).
book of life (Rev. 21:27).
The final state of consummation and eternity As a construct, religious identity may be charac-
are elements of religious identity that define the terized by specific attributes rooted in the sen-
goals for which we strive, the values by which sus divinitatis that all people share, but religion
we live, and to the ends we hope to achieve. The is not the same as worship of the Triune God.
complexity of human identity is bracketed by The former certainly is characterized by specific
the knowledge of death. Such knowledge is best sociological, axiological, epistemological, and
expressed in Paul’s faith in the resurrection. “For metaphysical attributes that overlap those in the
if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has state of nature and the state of grace. However,
been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, religious identity in the state of grace necessari-
your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. ly begins with identity in Christ.
Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ
have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this References
life only, we are of all men most to be pitied” (1 Boston, T. (1964). Human nature in its fourfold state.
Cor. 15:16-19). Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust.
Dodd, C. H. (1932). The epistle of Paul to the Romans.
Boston’s distinction between the state of na- Harper & Brothers: New York.
ture and state of grace raises a question about Hanson, A. T. (2010). The wrath of the lamb. Eugene, OR:
the science derived from those in these distinct Wipf & Stock Publishing.
states attempting to better understand creati- Johnson, E. L. (1997). Christ, the Lord of psychology.
on. Dutch statesman and theologian Abraham Journal of Psychology and Theology, 25, 1, 11-27.
Kuyper. A. (1898). Sacred theology (J. H. DeVries,
Kuyper (1898, cited in Johnson, 1997) argued Tranns.). New York: Charles Scribner’s & Sons.
that the regeneration that moves people into a Stott, J. (2001). The message of Romans. Downers Grove,
state of grace “leads necessarily to the formation IL: InterVarsity Press.

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