Summary
“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,
“A multi-faceted 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)” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 218).
A framework of five models is shared: Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Neutral Parties, and Allies. The Enemies model either associates no relationship between Christianity and psychology. The Spies model focuses on what works best for them from both Christianity and psychology. Colonialists use psychology only to the degree that it fits theology. Neutral Parties model holds that psychology and theology are independent with possible correlation between findings of the two, however that is about as far as one discipline may encroach on the other. Allies, the model considered by Entwistle, acknowledges that while psychology and theology are separate, they are still dependent, based upon the underlying unity of truth of God’s written word and His Works (Entwistle, 2010). The underpinning of the integrative approach to psychology and Christianity appears to be that of anthropology; this may be seen in the two books, God g...
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...ake myself accountable to seeking wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5, 11:14, 15:22), recognizing 1Thessalonians 5:21, “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good;” thus, earnestly applying pertinent scientific methods and submitting to peer review (Entwistle 2010). I will continue to seek education in the disciplines of psychology and theology. I will progress to build upon the biblical foundation established, through my bachelors’ degree (a double major in Education and Bible), by means of continued reading in the disciplines, scripture, and through observation of the world around me. Ultimately, may all I do reflect my love for God with all my heart, soul, and mind and may I love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:37-39).
Reference
Entwistle, D.N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and christianity. (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.
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 integration of psychology and Christianity is a rarely touched subject that Entwistle opened the door wide open with this complex and informative book. Entwistle uses is own worldview and research to supply the information for this book with a spiritual twist. Entwistle did accomplish to gather concise information and while also remaining objective. I do think that in the information that was provided I took it as him putting psychology and Christianity on the same pedestal. God is the creator and the maker of all and there is no equal or greater than him. I do feel like integrating psychology and Christianity can open the minds of individuals and show them another way to look at individual
Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity: A Revised and Amplified Edition, with a New Introduction, of the Three Books, Broadcast Talks, Christian Behaviour, and Beyond Personality. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001. Print.
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 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.”
... correctly. Thirdly is to further my education in Christian counseling and to use what God has installed in me. I believe when you apply your faith into Christianity and psychology it will be beneficial to you as well as your client by allowing the Holy Spirit to use you and guide you while you counsel. It’s also important to know that both Christianity and psychology is a part of Gods truth to help others as well as ourselves. We are all put on this earth to serve and minister to those who need to be ministered too. When the two books are integrated, we must know that we must not use them separately because they both complement each other and they can help reach those people who are believers as well as those who are unbelievers.
The automatic and first context of an assessment of the New Age, as a ministerial student, is religious. For the purpose of this paper, however, I shall endeavour to limit the assessment of the New Age to the primary context of social psychology.
Vieten, C., Scammell, S., Pilato, R., Ammondson, I., Pargament, K. I., & Lukoff, D. (2013). Spiritual and religious competencies for psychologists. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 5(3), 129-144.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
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
of each other. Regardless, there are still Christian counselors or therapists that use (or in a
Village, Andrew “Biblical literalism among Anglican clergy: what is the role of psychological type? Mental Health, Religion & Culture. 2012. Web.
The article that I chose to review is one written by author Edwin. M. Poteat titled The Spiritual Value of Inductive Bible Study Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/3135563. This journal is a review of biblical studies and perspectives of men during the year 800. B.C and 70 A.D. It highlights the experiences and methods of revelation given to them by God. The purpose of this article is to recommend that when studying the Bible, one should regard it as literature to gain the full privilege of the word. This study is both traditional and mythical stated to be provided to a group of spiritually sacred people. The author states that the highest spiritual benefit can be achieved by recognizing the Bible as both revelation and literature.
...to psychology. The book has enlightened and further educated me to relate psychology and theology from all aspects, which has provided me with a life changing view on the subject with a greater appreciation and reassurance. It has changed my outlook in how to be even more integrative with my thinking as I apply my faith to my personal and professional life. This book has made me more aware, how spirituality and theology are accepted in the psychological foundation. This book is a great recommendation to tell and inspire friends about the integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity and how they relate to each other. During my readings, I felt blessed with the relationship I have with God and how I can continue to make life changing decisions to better myself as I become closer to God within each day, as I integrate my faith with my profession.
For centuries Christian counseling and secular psychology has been viewed as models which should be maintained separately due to the fundamental concepts which each is based on. Christian counseling traditionally focuses on guidance and truth from the Scripture, being the only truth (Crabb, 1977). While secular counselors base their techniques on research and often built on “unobservable or hypothetical constructs”, this can lead to a fusion of data and interpretation (Crabb, 1977). Dr. Crabb’s model of counseling addressed in his book Effective Biblical Counseling addresses the need for the attempt to merge Christian and secul...
In this article, Leron F. Schultz explains his belief in the necessity of dis-integration for the success of integration between psychology and theology. Written in the first person, Schultz shares his thoughts and those of his colleagues as well as the evidence surrounding the idea of disintegration. While acknowledging the provocative nature of his article title, Schultz makes the claim that one must first let things fall apart to properly have them go together.