With All Thy Mind: An Interview with Dr. Robert Elsner
Please tell a little about your experience as a researcher in the field of psychology. As a gerontologist, I began researching Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for many years, demonstrating how to differentially di-
agnose AD from other dementias. Working with patients and their families, I learned that any help given was a form of para- celebrations of faith in treatment.
In what ways does your Christian faith influence your studies in psychology? There is no separation in my mind between my faith and my work. All I do is through a Christian worldview. I see the hu- man mind as something made in God’s image. Proverbs 2:6 tells us that all knowledge comes from God. It is up to us to use things so that they can do the work they are called to do and love God all the more for it.
How do you integrate the Christian faith into your classes? Living a real Christian life always takes effort. In my classes, I challenge students to strengthen their faith. I want them to be able to argue from either side, and see elements of truth in each, but to seek out Christ in all. A class is not Christian because we pray beforehand, but because we seek out the integration of faith in all of the material studied and ensure that we are Gospel focused and consistent, not hypocrites. We learn secular techniques, but then we see how they can be made better by addressing the whole God-made person.
What challenges and opportunities do you encounter while participating in both scientific and Christian circles?
- tian and a scientist should always mean that we are held to higher standards, as our work should glorify God. Unfortunately, science is sometimes uncomfortable, and if you are intellectually lazy it can crush your faith. However, if you work hard and have faith in God, there are no limits. I encourage Christians pursuing psychology to remember that we are fallen people and will make mistakes. We try to help, but it is through the Holy Spirit, not depending on our own abilities alone, that we do the best work.
What motivated you to become involved with the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program at Erskine Seminary? Years ago, like every year, I taught students in my Experimental Methodologies class how to do a “needs assessment.” I decided to fo- cus on Erskine’s needs, so we looked at the Seminary and its offerings. After students read the literature, interviewed seminary students, pas- tors, and people in congregations, it became clear that there was a need for more counseling training. And overall societal needs show that counseling is one of the most cost-effective ways of helping people. So, I developed a new program to focus on healing a broken world. I want us to serve God’s people using the best science and techniques through a Reformed theological lens.
Dr. Robert J. F. Elsner is Professor of Psychology at Erskine College and Theological Seminary and Director of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Program. Formerly Assistant Professor of Family and Commu- nity Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, he has done extensive research on Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Elsner and his wife, Betsy, have two adult children and live in Due West, S.C.
Erskine Theological Seminary 12 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Erskine Seminary
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