Integrative Approaches to Pyschology and Thelology by David Entwistle

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David Entwistle’s Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity 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. 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, or ways of relating psychology to Christianity. The first one being enemy paradigm, meaning psychology and Christianity cannot be integrated in any way, “the belief that ps... ... middle of paper ... ...t Entwisle is not attempting to force viewpoints on his readers but merely educating them on what beliefs and views are out there. He challenges the audience to take their thought process and emotions that the book may bring to the surface. Ask themselves why does this chapter affect me the way it does? What can I do to broaden my knowledge so if I am confronted in the future with a challenging question I am well versed and my opinion and belief is validated? How can I use this book to help people who are trying to mature in their Spirituality? Which approach should I use? I am striving for my Ph D in psychology and I am a Christian. I believe integrating psychology and Christianity is vital to developing my education as well as my spiritual growth. I do not however agree that it is my right to judge those who do not share my views or try to sway their beliefs.

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