Conformity Reflection Paper

Given the opportunity to plan a seminar for a local church, based on “Psychology and Christian Life”, I would first look at the concept of stereotyping, as it has deep roots in my upbringing. Secondly, addressing the issue of helping others would be a blessing for me, as I feel this is an area that needs growth amongst the body of Christ. Lastly, I would focus on the topic of conformity, as it is something I observe on a daily basis, which I myself struggle with at times. Unfortunately, I have grown up around an extended family who maintains a “tendency to characterize all members of a particular group as having certain characteristics in common” (Nevid, 2015, p. 447). Nonetheless, as the years have passed my parents have begun leaving

Sadly, conformity may cause one to attempt to fit into actual or perceived pressures of society, in order to avoid the disapproval of peers (Nevid, 2015, p. 471). Although the text appears to assume that, we are not necessarily free to avoid the pressures of the world when it comes to various viewpoints, scripture would encourage us to believe differently (Nevid, 2015, p. 471). According to the world the lust and desires of one’s heart, which are often encouraged through social atmospheres, are a base upon which an individual should build his or her life. Nevertheless, according to 1 Peter 1:14, children of God are not to be conformed by the passions of their past ignorance’s (KJV). Furthermore, Romans 12:1-2 states that believers should be transformed by the rebirth of the mind, while seeking the perfect will of God (KJV). Thus, Christians are not to walk in the statues of the world, according to Leviticus 18:3, but are to walk in the counsel of the Lord as is taught in Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV). Therefore, in regards to the results of the study completed by Solomon Asch, I would question how the responses might have varied if done amongst a group of Christians (Nevid, 2015, p. 471). Would they have felt a need to conform to the majority thus taking the easier route by complying in order to be accepted (Nevid, 2015,