More handpicked essays just for you.
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
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
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.
In the first chapter of Psychology in Christian Perspective by Harold W. Faw the author talks about psychology as a subject, the different aspects of the subject and how psychology fits into the Christian world. Faw begins the chapter by describing what others think psychology and his views on psychology as well. He describes that “psychology can be described as a systematic attempt to understand human behavior and conscious experience” (Faw, 1995, p. 12). He then goes on to describe the many different types of specialties of psychology which include, neurobiological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and psychoanalytic. These specialties are then integrated into the Christian worldview. They are all different so they all fit into
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
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)
“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,
David Entwistle's (2010) Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity is geared more towards Christians with conservative evangelical views and provides the reader an outline to different worldview disputes and truth-seeking groundwork that surround the connection that underlies psychology and theology. In addition to analyzing the possible connection of psychology and theology, Entwisle discusses the consideration of integrating Christian faith with the practice of psychology. “Christian understandings of person-hood, the purpose of human life, our need for God, and the ethical teachings of Christian faith are integral to psychology, not merely parallel to it” (p. 199). Entwistle’s viewpoint on this matter is stated clearly. He believes that it is necessary for theology and psychology be integrated in order to fully understand human nature.
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.
...terest to psychologists. It also challenges the psychologist’s ingenuity to conduct research on constructs that cannot easily be studied experimentally. At a more abstract level, the link between psychology and religion helps psychology maintain its historical connection with philosophy. As psychologist seek to employ the techniques of the natural sciences, the psychology of religion reminds us that our roots are in philosophy, and that the assumption we make regarding our subject matter have important implication for our science.
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
Our Entwistle textbook is enlightening. It is interesting to think that if I had not taken this course, I would be completely clueless to how Christianity and psychology are approached in regards to one another. Before, I did not even know that there was any controversial topics when it came to the two interacting. I have always fallen into the "all truth is God's truth" boat, so I love learning about theology and I also love learning about psychology, but this course has opened up my perspective on how many approaches there actually are. Until you are immersed in figuring out your view on the integration of the two, the topic doesn't really come up, or didn't for me in my day to day. I was caught by surprise when I had a friend become distraught over the fact that I had a Christian psychology course because he was taught that the only thing pure in this world is a Christian perspective and everything else should not be meddled in. This is why this course, and
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.
evaluate these psychological theories while using the truth of the bible as a guide. Doing
the theories, and the techniques dealing with Christian and secular counseling will require different tactics and approaches for it to be effective
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
“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.