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... ... middle of paper ... ...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.
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.
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.
Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity” tells about the integrating Christianity and Psychology. According to author Entwistle (2010) he discusses integration and how they are combined. The book of God’s word is referred to the Bible and the book of Psychology is the work that reflects his deeds that is written throughout God’s work. In the text it included five different models of integration which are: enemies, spies, colonialists, neutral parties and allies as subjects of one (p. 154). The enemies model take the position on the psychology of human beings verses the theology of human beings, so therefore this model sees Christians and psychology as enemies that should be kept separate from one another. The spies model, unlike the enemies model does not reject religion, but does take only what works for them. Psychology would enter the Christian world and take parts of the religion concepts that they feel would work well them. Just as a person would take part of the bible and read what they believe only applies to them. The colonialist model has a superficial acquaintance with psychological theories, they the colonist does not exert signification effort towards understanding how psychology and Christianity both express truth or how they can both gain a larger picture of how human nature is functioned (p.137-145).From my understanding Entwistle (2010) believes that psychology works well with religion as long as religion obeys or is superior to 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.
In Entwistle’s book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity (2010), the reasoning for the need of integration of psychology and Christianity is provided. Entwistle explores both psychology and Christianity to illuminate the historical arguments that surround the evolution of both mindsets. Also provided is an explanation of the terminology associated with the philosophical discussion to enable comprehension by the less experienced in the field.
Johnson, Eric L. (2007). Christ, The Lord of Psychology. In Daryl H. Stevenson, Brian E. Eck & Peter C. Hill (Eds.). Psychology Christianity Integration: Seminole Works that Shaped the Movement (pp. 42-57). Batavia, IL: Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Inc.
This book provides an educational resource in the understanding relationship between psychology and Christianity. The book incorporates our chosen profession with our faith confession as an integrative approach. The book explains the integration of psychology and Christianity as a journey with multidisciplinary natures. This book emphasizes on several areas, such as historical outlooks on faith and science and the essence of psychology. The associations of psychology and theology are in effect unavoidable due to their common significance in accepting the uncertainty of human behavior and healing human factors. The book also concentrates on general worldviews and essential components of Christian worldviews and our ability to reflect on them, either learned or chosen. The book details specific indications to a perceptive of the nature of knowledge, the character of human beings, the nature of humanity, and the environment of the world. The book contemplates in the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and sympathizing human experience. These pursuits demonstrate assorted methods, including psychological hypothesis and theories, psychological discipline and science, Christian theology, philosophy and viewpoints of life, and religious and spiritual commitment. As explained in the book, the nature of the world, ethics, aesthetics, scientific and Christian compatibility, and existence and praise of God are conceptual integrative implications of Christianity throughout fundamental metaphysics. The book mutually binds psychology, behavioral, social science, and theology in trying too recognize human nature and worldview perspectives. The book conveys an integrative model approach between the relationship of psychology and t...
The Psychology of Religion is composed of a variety of different perspectives, which in certain cases proves difficult in determining both the clinical and pastoral implications of a theory. Modern-day psychology has demonstrated possible beneficial results in religious spiritual individuals, however, much of the current research has avoided questioning the “real” presence of the Divine or a Higher Being. Although a century has passed since his undertaking of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud readily settled the question of religion by declaring it a form of mental illness. While Freud’s Psychology of Religion is that religion only exists as a neurosis, his view provides the three clinical implications of hypnotism, free association, and dream analysis, each of which have also remained a source of criticism.
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.