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Psychology in christian perspective an analysis of key issues notes
Integration of Christianity and psychology
Psychology in christian perspective an analysis of key issues notes
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Integration: The Allies Model The integration of psychology and Christianity is a very complicated subject that has sprung a heated debate over how best to integrate the two disciplines. Integration is a simple subject with many different definitions. However, according to Entwistle (2015), “The integration of psychology and Christianity is a multifaceted attempt to discern the underlying truths about the nature and functioning of human beings from the unique vantage points of psychology (in its various sub-disciplines, utilizing diverse methodologies) and Christianity (in theology, faith, and practice)” (p. 260). The integration of psychology and Christianity is important because both psychology and Christianity are interested in human nature …show more content…
The models of integration include the enemies model, spies model, colonialist model, rebuilders model, neutral parties model, and the allies model (Entwistle, 2010). The enemies model of integration approaches the integration of psychology and Christianity as incompatible with each other and something that should be avoided. This model asserts that due to the incompatibility of the two disciplines, a choice must be made to either apply Christian or psychological principles. The spies model of integration takes elements from both the psychological and Christian disciplines to enhance the current position. The Colonialist model attempts to maintain Christian principles, while also borrowing from psychological principles. The Neutral Parties model views that psychology and Christianity are independent from each other and there is no need for integration of the two disciplines. Finally, the Allies model views that there is a “unity of truth” and that all truth comes from God’s therefore both psychology and Christianity are legitimate, but under God’s sovereignty (Entwistle, 2010, p. 182). After considering the evidence from all of the various models of integrations discussed above, it seems that the allies model of integration best presents the relationship of psychology and Christianity and is a preferred approach for the integration of …show more content…
According to Entwistle (2015) the Allies model is the most appropriate integrative solution since God’s truth exists in a two-book concept, which is “God’s Word (Scripture) and…God’s Works (creation)” (p. 205) and this model allows for this dual truth to occur. Those that adhere to the Allies Model of integration do not believe all truth is found in God’s word alone, but that truth can also be found in God’s Works, or nature, as well. Furthermore, since psychology and Christianity are two different ways of looking at God’s world, and both are focused on understanding human behavior, it appears they are two halves to a truly complex relationship. More specifically, the Allies Model “recognizes the underlying unity of human nature and the legitimacy of both theology and psychological investigation . . . and that all truth is known by God, who is sovereign over all things” (Entwistle, 2015. p. 147). Furthermore, the Allies Model affirms that neither psychology nor Christianity should be subject to the other and both disciplines provide value to the subject of human nature. The Allies Model is not “content to reject either of God’s books, and they desire to read both competently. Those who embrace the Allies model are convinced that we will read more accurately when our reading is informed by a biblical worldview” (Entwistle, 2015, p.
David Entwistle’s (2010) is the author of the Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity. In the book Entwistle embarks on a journey to explore Psychology and Christianity. As the title suggests several approaches that are used to define the relationship of Phycology and Christianity. In the book Entwistle begins to takes us on shows that psychology and Christianity go in two different directions and meet up someplace in the middle. This allows them to provide different approaches to understanding and studying the human behavior. Entwistle, (2010) took a new approach that has rarely been used in other books that discussed the topic of integration. Entwistle, (2010) began to talk about the relationship of psychology and Christianity
This paper will be reviewing the book “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: an introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations and models of integration, by David N. Entwistle. As the title states, this book discusses how to integrate psychology and theology. It also dives into to why it is so important to be able to integrate the two. Entwistle explains that just because the two are different does not mean they should be separated and that we have to use both our worldviews. “Weaving together perspectives from psychology and Christian theology can help us understand and appreciate humanity more fully than we could either perspective alone.” (p.3)
One focal point in this book is to discuss “integrative approaches in a well-conceived Christian world view” (p.63), with concentration on the history of psychology, the relationship of faith and science, and controversial matters in science and psychology. He states “in many ways the foundations of science were paved in part by a Christian world view that allowed for the universe to be seen as an orderly place in which laws could describe the regularities found within it, based on the premise that the world was created by a powerful, rational, and personal Being” (p. 33). The book introduces the assorted integration models, the five paradigms, and ways of relating psychology to Christianity. The first one being the enemy paradigm, meaning psychology and Christianity cannot be integrated in any way, “the belief that psychology and theology are mutually exclusive” (p. 137).
The main topic of this topic is to tackle whether Christian lordship should take a place within the field of psychology. In the modern day counseling, most psychologist influence both Christian and science belief. Otherwise many believe that psychology is based on science and theories (cm. Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith, and Ben, 1990; Kalat, 1993; Wade and Travis, 1993) therefore, Christian belief should not have a place in psychology. In my option I believe the counselor should not take the first step in approaching a Christian method unless the clients request it or ignite it first.
Abstract: In today’s society the field of psychology and the study of religion have hardly ever set will with one another. New information is being composed about the two fields working together, this paper is a brief description of those ideas and thoughts.
249). All things, all life, and all truth fall under the authority of God. If we believe in God, who possesses all the characteristic and traits he does, how then could we separate the subjects of theology and psychology as one being of God and the other being not. Or having the perspective that the book of God's work has no significance unless filtered through our interpretation of God's word. I love how the text sums it up with, "theology, psychology, and all other areas of inquiry are subjects of One Sovereign" (Entwistle, 2015, p. 249). The Allies model takes out the hierarchy from within the subject and replaces it the Higher One. The model does have a pause and says, "that we must be vigilant about ways that secular assumptions often shape the discipline of psychology in ways that may require critique from a Christian perspective" (Entwistle, 2015, p.
Mark McMinn published a revised edition of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling in 2011, to serve as an exploration of the integration of psychology and theology. The book explores the necessity and importance of integrating Christian theology into the life of the client. McMinn (2011) states that integrating Christianity into all aspects of a client’s life will help the client move closer to God, strengthen relationships, develop a stronger sense of self, understand their personal limitations, and realize
After reading a few of the chapters in "Psychology Through the Eyes of Faith", I feel as if I have learned more in one sitting than many in years of my life. The chapters were not life altering, but simply stated things that I have overlooked. The topics that affected me most were on living with the mysteries of faith, benefits of true rest, and the emotion of happiness. Yes, they are really in no way related, but each of these topics impacted me in a different way, and made me think about what was being presented.
The subject of intersection between psychology and faith seems to have a special significance for those seeking to revise the integrity of learning in their own lives. We have two highly conflicting ways of learning: the first is religion and the second is science. These two are constantly in conflict: the average scientist lives in a world that is nominally religious while the average Christian lives in a world that is nominally administered by science.
“Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity” (2010) is about the purposeful integration of psychology and Christianity. Entwistle, discusses the integration of scripture and nature, holding to historic orthodox Christianity that “Scripture and the natural world have their origins in God’s creativity and revelation” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 136). Theology clarifies the Word of God (Bible), and Psychology corresponds with the works of God. A working definition of integration is offered,
Instead of supplant lies with truth, psychological conduct treatment just replaces unhelpful musings with accommodating ones. This opens wide the way to relativism. The cognitive behavioral perspective of human instinct is inaccurate. The theory is established in naturalism and hence is not discerning of the otherworldly and does not acknowledge the idea of God. All things being equal, in some ways the social cognitive view suggests the way that individuals have a wicked nature. In any case, it likewise recommends that people are equipped for self-salvation. We are most certainly not. Reconsidering our contemplations won 't spare
Biblical and psychological integration is the practice of applying Biblical Principles to psychological theories and practices. Integration of biblical and psychological techniques are influenced by how we personally integrate our faith with life experiences. Attending Jessup, we discover the tools required to integrate our faith and studies and we learn to reflect on our journey thus far to see where God is leading us with our future endeavors. Jessup assists students in understanding not only the secular psychology theories and practices, but also the integration with our personal faith, life experiences, and biblical principles. Foundations of Biblical and Psychological Integration requires students to examine our lives and determine
Watts, F., Dutton, K., & Gulliford, L. (2006). Human spiritual qualities: Integrating psychology and religion. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 9(3), 277-289. doi:10.1080/13694670600615524
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (ESV).” The Bible is extremely powerful text, both for its redemptive message and its abounding insight and wisdom. Within its pages are written counsel and knowledge pertinent to every area of life. This remains true in the case of psychology: the study of the human mind. The verse above from the book of Genesis reveals that we as humans are made in the image of God, the most perfect and yet most imperfect manifestations of his existence. Therefore it stands to reason that perhaps the most accurate information we can gather concerning our minds can be found in God’s revelation to us through scripture. Though not a psychology textbook, the Bible has much to say about broader behavioral concepts, answering questions pivotal to the human condition. Amongst the discord and speculation comes a distinctly psychological aspect to these problems, and not only does the Bible give us a better understanding of our world, but also a better understanding of ourselves.
THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION. (2009). Journal of Psychology and Theology, 37(1), 72. Retrieved April 21, 2009, from ProQuest Religion database. (Document ID: 1675034711).