What is situationism?

Answer

Situationism is a theory used in psychology that posits a person’s behavior is primarily influenced by their situation rather than their personal attributes. According to situationists, external factors define behavior more than internal motivations. For instance, a situationist would argue that the environment of a violent criminal is mainly responsible; if the criminal had been raised on a farm in Nebraska instead of the inner city, they would not have been inclined to commit crimes.

Situationism has been balanced by other theories such as interactionism, which acknowledge both internal and external factors in shaping a person’s behavior. Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, for example, does not guarantee the absence of criminal tendencies, but rather suggests that the individual may not have the opportunity or drive to act on those impulses as they might in an urban setting. Conversely, a person in rural Mongolia could possess a remarkable aptitude for theoretical physics but may never encounter the subject due to their location.

Situationism is logically flawed as it diminishes the role of human will. In reality, there are numerous instances of individuals who defy the influence of their circumstances on their behavior. Despite being surrounded by negativity, a person can still make positive choices, and vice versa. While our circumstances undoubtedly shape us, we always retain the ability to choose our responses. If situationism were accurate, Ben Carson would not have become a neurosurgeon, and Judas Iscariot would not have betrayed Jesus.

Likewise, situationism contradicts biblical teachings that emphasize human agency and choice. The Bible underscores the importance of decision-making. Job serves as a prime example, described as “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” «There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and oneThat feared God, and eschewed evil.” , (Job 1:1). Then Satan came before God and accused Job of shallowness: “Does Job fear God for nothing? . . . Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:9-11). In attributing Job’s good behavior to the circumstances that surrounded him, Satan was espousing situationism. But, even after God took away all that Job had, “Job did not sin in what he said” «But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. », (Job 2:10). Satan the situationist was proved wrong by Job’s choice.

We know that God is omniscient and omnipotent (1 John 3:20;Psalm 139:4;Matthew 10:29-30;Job 42:2) and that He is present in the life of each person He created «who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. », (1 Timothy 2:4). We must then assume that He allows all the situations that we find ourselves in. In fact, God uses situations to help mold us: “The testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3;see also 1 Peter 1:7). But God’s providence in prompting our spiritual growth is a far cry from situationism with its fatalistic approach.

Every person’s situation contains both the tragedy of living in a fallen world and the grace of God as He offers forgiveness and an eternal home in heaven (John 3:16-19). No person’s situation, external or internal, is too much for God to overcome. He sees our situation and gives us hope for the future: “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” «Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. », (Luke 6:21). First Peter 4:19 is the reverse of situationism: “Those who suffer according to God’s will should . . . continue to do good.” In His mercy, God makes the believer “alive together with Christ” so that He can show him “the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6-7).

There is no situation in the world, however terrible, that will last forever. Those who trust Christ have the assurance of a home with God. That place is beyond the reach of human tragedy, and it is eternal (Revelation 22:1-5).