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) Entwistle explains that our worldview greatly impacts how our Christian and psychology worldviews. God created us all differently; some of us grew up in small towns, large families, different countries, large cities. We all come from different homes lives, have different family units and the list goes on. Because we are all created differently our opinions and reactions are all different, making our worldviews all unique. Entwistle believes that our worldview is not something chosen for us or something we choose. He believes that it is created by our life experiences. He begins by introducing 5 models that involve integration. These models are enemies, spies, colonialist, neutral parties and allies. He states that the models “represent different ways of conceptualizing the relationship between psychology and religion in general or psychology and Christianity, in particular.” (p. 136) Those that follow the enemy model take an “either/or” (p.137) position. They agree that both topics should be separated at all times. There is no in between on the two. With the... ... middle of paper ... ...to be able to take effective action unless I first finish my education in this field. Along with completing my education, I also plan to continue growing in my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It would be impossible for me to effectively integrate both psychology and my Christian faith if these two are not in line. Enwistle focuses a great deal on people’s worldview. After reading this text, I saw the importance of being open to others worldviews. As a counselor I will be coming in contact with people from all different walks of life. If a client comes to see me, I cannot expect them to have the same perspective as I do. If I am not open to their perspective then I will not be able to help them move past whatever their situation maybe. By recognizing that everyone has a different worldview, it will allow me to be open and more understanding towards them.
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
...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.
The foundation of a Christian worldview is the belief in a personal God, creator and ruler of the universe. The Christian worldview views the world through God’s word, providing the framework for humanity to live by giving meaning and purpose to life. It defines who Jesus is, human nature, and how salvation is achieved. In essence it is the basis of which Christians behave, interact, interpret life and comprehend reality. A Christian worldview imparts confidence, answers to life’s problems, and hope for the future. In this paper I will discuss the essentials of a Christian worldview and an analysis of the influences, benefits, and difficulties sustaining the Christian faith.
...d it imperative to understand the world from different prospective. I also find it important to have knowledge and experience in the area of psychology and theology. As a Christian more importantly than anything I have to be a light for others to follow. In all that I do I have to be done for the glory of God, that he will be pleased with me. I find the information in Chapter 7 to be informative. “Our beliefs about human nature are also affected by our assumptions about the kind of world we live in” (Entwistle, 2013, p. 113). I want to be able to understand and approach both psychology and theology with a non biased perspective. Through the readings, Entwistle has given support verses, theories, definitions, and models that will better help me serve others. Proverbs 18:15, “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge” (KJV).
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
Although Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity is a great book, it is a difficult read which is a negative aspect of the book. One must read the book slowly so they will fully comprehend all the concepts within the book. If a person reads it too fast they will miss some of the points Entwistle makes regarding the integration of psychology and Christianity. One such point is, “the integration of psychology and Christianity emerged largely, though not exclusively, from the Christian liberal-arts tradition” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 16). This is an important argument Entwistle made in support of integration. Although Entwistle’s book is a difficult read, one of the most positive things about the book is that he takes his time developing each concept so we thoroughly understand them. He gives footnotes at the bottom of each page so we have other valuable resources. Another positive aspect is that Entwistle provides the views of those who disagree with him regarding the integration of psychology and
Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity was written by David N. Entwistle. He is a licensed psychologist that works for Malone University in Ohio. The book displays important information about the integration of psychology and theology. Entwistle clarifies the historical reasons for the separation between the two areas. As he mentioned these historic events, he demonstrated how the knowledge today may reflect what happened in the past. For example, “During the past century, the relationship of faith and science has been a topic of intense debate” (Entwistle, 2015, p.8). The Tertullian only carried the view of faith and didn’t see any purpose for science. However, not all individuals
A person’s worldviews enable him to understand the reality of life, and the purpose why he exists in the first place. Worldviews are like lenses in different glasses. Hence, people may put them on however, what their eyes see may be different from what the rest of the world sees. All of humanity’s beliefs, decisions, and actions are deciphered based on the set of glasses that people wear. They may not be aware of it, but people have their own worldviews. One of these worldviews is that of the Christian. When a person gets to experience the Lord, he yearns to follow Christ’s teaching and glorify Him only. The following paragraphs will discuss the important aspects in Christian worldview.
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.
There are several aspects to consider when exploring the Christian worldview. There are many facets or denominations and they each have their own distinct beliefs and practices, but they all share the same fundamental beliefs. In this Paper we will explore the character of God, His creation, humanity and its nature, Jesus’ significance to the world, and the restoration of humanity, as well as my beliefs and the way that I interact with Christianity and my personal worldview.
evaluate these psychological theories while using the truth of the bible as a guide. Doing
The key concept that Entwistle (2010) proposes for integrating psychology and theology is the model of the “Two Books.” This model recognizes that there are two sources, or “books” for knowledge, the book of God’s word, the Bible, and the book of God’s works, or creation. Entwisle’s (2010) understanding “holds that both Scripture and the natural world have their origins in God’s creativity and revelation” (p. 136). Whereas I believed this perspective, Entwistle’s analysis would reveal biases I was not aware I held.
In regard to the views that he has concerning Christian psychologists and non-Christian psychology: “At the present time there is no acceptable Christian psychology that is markedly different from non-Christian psychology. It is difficult to imply that we function in a manner that is fundamentally distinct from our non-Christian colleagues" (MacArthur, 2001, p. 145).
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
Bartholomew and Goheen (2004) in their research show that, whether or not we recognize it, each person has a worldview. In essence, each person has implicit assumptions as well as prejudices about the world, which in most occasions influence the manner in which we regard situations around us. Generally, a worldview is a kind of lenses that corrupts our view of the world around us. Singularly, our level of education and cultural background, as well as upbringing among many other environmental factors shapes our worldview. For most people, their worldview is nothing more than what they have observed in the environment. To such people, they wouldn’t be in a position to offer a rational reason of their beliefs to others Naugle (2002).