The Noetic Effect of Sin and Psychology
by Bryan Carlson
The doctrine of the noetic effects of sin refers to the impact that sin has on the human mind and its ability to understand truth. Merriam-Webster defines noetic as “of, relating to, or based on the intellect; a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of mind as well as intellect” (Merriam-Webster.com). This was one of the effects of the fall and is one piece of the total depravity pie. According to this doctrine, sin has a profound and negative effect on the human mind, clouding our judgment and causing us to view the world and ourselves in a distorted and inaccurate way. “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9-10). As a result of this noetic effect, people are unable to understand the truth about God, themselves, and the world in the way that God intended. “There is no righteous person, not even one; there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks out God (Romans 3:10). This leads to “hearts that are darkened, hearts that are veiled, minds that are blinded, and people who are ensnared by the Devil” (Faith notes 94). Romans 1:20-21 says “they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish heart were darkened.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 tell us that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” Man needs to repent, leading us to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
In the context of secular psychology, the noetic effects of sin can limit the ability of secular psychologists, and the counselees themselves, to understand true information about the human condition. “Every part of our being is affected by sin – our intellects, our emotions and desires, our hearts (the center of our desires and decision-making processes), our goals and motives, and even our physical bodies” (Grudem 497). Without an accurate understanding of the nature of sin and its effects, secular psychologists may misinterpret or misunderstand certain aspects of human behavior and experience. For example, they will likely attribute certain negative behaviors and experiences to purely psychological or social factors, without recognizing the spiritual or supernatural components that are often at play. “This is not surprising because their hearts veiled and darkened; their minds are blinded, and they are ensnared by the Devil” (Faith notes 94). “Their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed” (Titus 1:15-16).
Furthermore, the noetic effects of sin will also limit the ability of secular psychologists to develop a truly holistic and comprehensive understanding of the human condition. Without an accurate understanding of the role that sin plays in shaping human behavior and experience, they are unable to provide a complete and accurate diagnosis of the root causes of human problems and are limited in their ability to offer truly effective solutions.
Ultimately, a complete and accurate understanding of the human condition requires a Biblical and Christian worldview, which recognizes the role that sin plays in shaping human behavior and experience. Ephesians 4:17-19 warns us “to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them.”
Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 94.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Zondervan, 1994), 657-665.
