A question we often hear (or some variation of it) is, “What does Reproductive Loss Network think of psychology and science?” It’s a great question, and if you are curious, I’d like to share our answer with you!

First, what do psychology and science aim to contribute to our understanding of human life? According to the American Psychological Association, “psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.” Although the science of psychology is relatively new, the study of behavior, existence, reasoning, and related topics has its roots in the early philosophical minds such as Thales, Socrates, and Plato, among others. The human fascination with the mind is so vast that this area of study is continuously expanding, with its current estimate exceeding 4,700 books. This isn’t counting the comprehensive psychology reference sets available, which are typically multi-volume and very extensive, covering thousands of entries and topics. Additionally, consider the multitude of research studies and statistical articles! ScienceDirect reports that between 1950 and 1999, at least 676,393 studies were published, with the volume of publications steadily increasing to over one million by 2021.[1] One can only guess what these estimates are now, in 2025.

As I write this post, I feel overwhelmed typing these numbers. One reason is that RLN strives to stay informed of new scientific findings and provide our learners with accurate statistics and data, recognizing the value of studies and research. A second reason is how, then, from these vast volumes of work, do we decide which articles and findings lend authority to our understanding of the human mind and behavior? What data or models should inform us of the trauma, suffering, and pain of those we serve who are in seasons of reproductive grief?

Our answer comes out of our identity in Christ. As believers, we must seek the answers that are easily found. Our Creator has given us such wisdom and is our Wonderful Counselor (we can find over 100 verses reminding us of His perfect counsel and care). He breathed out His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), the absolute Truth about humanity, a truth that remains constant and unchanging over time. He is the author of our lives, who knows us completely and holds our past, present, and future in His hands. This wisdom is not hidden; it is for all to learn and understand the biblical categories of the human heart, which lead the mind and body.

As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 18:30

So, back to the question, “What do we think about psychology and science?“

We think about it a lot! We agree that the discoveries psychology and science offer can add value and insight to our world. Even God used numbers and related descriptors of behavior throughout His Word for specific purposes and to have a profound impact. As for how to interpret the world’s findings, we turn to God, our ultimate authority (Isaiah 28:29, Psalm 32:8), who gives us the ability to articulate observations from a biblical perspective.

So, when it comes to helping those with reproductive grief, we hope biblical helpers will pause with us and consider the methods of care given. Are we trusting in man’s models, or seeking to understand life’s perplexities and pain through the lens of Christ? We must remember what God reveals to us in Jeremiah 17:9 that the “heart [of man] is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” This is a humbling declaration (and hard to accept at times). The world cannot be our counselor. However, as biblical educators, we strive to offer you the biblical standard of care from the Word of God, which equips, educates, and encourages us—all for His glory and the purposes of our ministries. As the body of Christ, may we continue to learn together as we are lifted by humbling ourselves before the Lord (James 4:10), who enables us to comfort others as we have been comforted by Him (2 Corinthians 1:4).

– Tanya Flores

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0732118X20302233