What do they mean by scientific research?
For M-S-W, psychology (as over and against biblical counseling) is necessary and beneficial in giving us insight into forgiveness, and they believe this is due primarily to psychological knowledge being based on scientific research. They enunciate this throughout their book. The use of psychological theory and research… are the qualities that make this book unique. Our approach is based on science… and is immensely practical… Scientists have been studying the practical side of forgiving… We have tried to rely on scientific research… We have focused on scientific research because its methods and conclusions are open to public scrutiny. Throughout our exploration we will rely heavily on empirical research as one trustworthy source of guidance for how we can build forgiveness.13 The last citation is significant. M-S-W tell us they are aware that other sources of knowledge besides that gained by empirical research are trustworthy. What then is the advantage of “psychological empi
