Psychology and Christian Life seminar
The discussion below focuses on three topics from the readings as instructed the reading are; impression formation, attitudes and persuasion. Impression formation is the process of developing an opinion or forming an impression of another person. Impressions are formed from the moment an individual lay their eyes on another individual. First impression is everything, it is the impression that counts and is long lasting since it is difficult to change. An impression is formed from the first few moments of interaction. Once an impression is formed it is hard to dislodge it (Nevid, 2019). Proverb 10:23 states that “A fool’s fun is being bad; a wise man’s fun is being wise!”, this can be interpreted that an individual is supposed to have fun, live the way God has intended and this way they will be able to create a good first impression. Psalms 67:1 state that, “May God be merciful and bless us, may his face smile with favor upon us.” Smiling is a way of creating a good first impression. Lastly, Timothy 2:9-10 “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” Keeping time helps an individual make a good first impression, time keeping conveys a good first impression. One’s actions help them make a good and lasting first impression.
Attitudes are as a result of cognitive, emotional and behavioral components of an individual. Attitudes of individual towards various subjects differ and are as a result of their personal relevance. Attitudes are acquired from various sources in an individual’s life (Nevid, 2019). The environment of an individual is responsible for shaping the attitudes of an individual. Attitudes don’t necessarily influence the behavior of individuals. With reference to the bible, it can be said that Jesus’ attitude was perfect as evidenced by 1Peter 2:23, “In the midst of trials, He was patient. In the midst of suffering, He was hopeful. In the midst of blessing, He was humble. Even in the midst of ridicule, abuse, and hostility, He “made no threats . . . and did not retaliate. Instead He entrusted Himself to Him who judges Justly.” In Paul writings he urges the believers to adopt an attitude similar to that of Jesus. According to Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” means that the attitudes of Christians should be based on the needs of others. Attitude is important for every Christian to have; attitudes define how Christians view certain subjects.
Persuasion can be regarded as the art of changing people’s minds (Nevid, 2019). Christians are constantly spreading the gospel in an attempt to persuade others to change their beliefs. Messages such as Tv commercials are often used to persuade people to purchase certain commodities. The goal and purpose of true evangelism is to persuade people. Bible verses on persuasion include 2 Corinthians 5:11 “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience” and 1 John 4:6 “We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” Persuasion is an art every Christian should pose to effectively spread the gospel.
Inconclusion, impressions are formed from the moment an individual set their eyes on another, first impression lasts longer than any other impression therefore, it is important to make a good first impression. Attitudes are as a result of the cognitive and behavioral concepts of an individual. Persuasion can be regarded as an act of convincing others. These three psychology topics have been discussed in various verses in the Bible. These three are most important, impressions define who we are, attitudes shape our view on matters and subject and persuasion is important when convincing others.
References
Nevid, S, J., (2019) “Essentials of Psychology; Concepts and Application”
