Christian Theology And Psychology Is Necessary

The book Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity second edition by David Entwistle introduces the text by explaining how psychology can go in a direction, and Christian theology approach can lead in a different direction. He continued by stating the need for understanding and studying human behavior because people come from different walks of life and different expectations. It leads us to form unique perspectives to help give us an understanding of the individuals you encounter. The Entwistle 's book addresses the relationship between Christianity and culture, Christianity and science, and Christianity and psychology.

It is amazing that in this book, the topics addressed which for many; perhaps they will not have much sense. Nevertheless, instead for those who for some reason their field of work is what being refers to the integration of psychology with theology, this book becomes an immeasurable help. Although some are not in agreement with the principle of integration of these two sciences, it is interesting what Entwistle mention in his book when he says that: “…if we are to study this mystery as Christian scholars, then we must unapologetically admit that a Christian worldview informs our understanding of persons and our approach to the discipline of psychology.” (Entwistle, 2010, pp. 220-221)

Enwistle’s book, Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (2010) is a text that explores integrating psychology and Christianity. We start out by learning about integration related to both psychology and Christianity. Is this a thing? Is integration between these two subjects a subject itself? Enwistle explores through time to reveal how psychology and Christianity have been both closely studied and intertwined throughout time. Enwistle (2010) defines Christian psychology as “ a commitment to a Christian worldview that shapes how psychology is studied and applies, and that recognizes that there are specific Christian resources that uniquely reveal crucial aspects of what it means to be human (p. 14). Those in the psychology or counseling field who are also Christian have unique and different approaches but they draw from both Christianity and psychology to help them succeed.

Psychological studies are mainly based on the direct observation of human behavior, rather than reasoning or speculation. Psychology is like any other subject- the majority of people have a very shallow and basic understanding of what the study involves, and yet they lack a crucial knowledge of the major struggles and disagreements among those who study it. It does not surprise me that psychology is one of the more popular majors available. By nature, it sparks human curiosity, especially as to what contributes to the system of our thoughts and the pattern in our behaviors. For the first eighteen

What does psychology have to do with the Christian faith? In Psychology and Christianity: Five Views, by Myers, Jones, Roberts, Watson, Coe, Hall, and Powlison (2010) is an introductory textbook for Christian psychology that provides sound arguments for an array of positions on psychology and faith. Each author contributed an essay and in return the other essayist respond by either agreeing or disagreeing by pointing out faults and explaining why.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines integration as “to combine (two or more things) to form or create something …” (Merriam-Webster.com). Christianity and psychology can be joined to achieve a common purpose while remaining faithful to each discipline. When Christianity and psychology are combined, there are many things to be learned about the nature and functions of human beings

The Integration perspective is the view that incorporates and offers a theory that integrates and creates a balance between Christian doctrine and modern psychology. Characteristic of this approach is the inclusion of Christian principles and scriptural references, along with observations, research, empirical research, mathematics, and natural science theory and principles. Integrationists understand and value the contributions of modern psychology and science; which has completely revolutionized the understanding of humanity specifically in areas such as, personality, cognition, socialization, human development and etc. Even so, Integrationists also understand that science does not address and answer all questions regarding human nature. For example, science cannot offer explanations as to

The Transformational Psychology view, by Coe and Hall, believes how we live out our Christianity is more important than our understanding of how to think “Christianly.” Its an approach that states psychology is an act of doing love. It emphasizes learning, practicing, and living psychological science through the Spirit. The goal is not to relate aspects of science to faith, rather to transform science into an actual act of faith. The transformational view offers and values the idea of soul care for individuals. This view still respects the traditions and historical aspects of psychology. It emphasizes the importance of openness towards experience, observation, and simply humanness. This approach encourages individuals to explore all the wisdom and opportunity that is out there, and come back from those experiences a deeper Christian and closer to God. It suggests that the more open we are to different experiences, the more we grow, the more we help others, and the more we can serve God. This view really makes it a point that we are our own limitation. We are the ones holding humanity back from wandering through all the amazing things this world has to offer. The transformational view has Scriptural truths as the foundation and wants those who practice science to strive to live more like Christ. It does not take presuppositions, experience, observation as the foundation, only biblical truth. A few criticisms towards the transformational psychology view point out that this

Enemies see the theology and psychology as exclusive of each other and will only seek truth from one book, not both. Spies take from religion the pieces they can use to benefit psychology or practice “a watered-down religion and are interested in proclaiming its psychological benefits” (Entwistle, 2010 p. 141). Colonists see psychology as beneficial but do not possess knowledge of psychology. A colonist takes from psychology what can be forced to conform to the theological system he or she holds allegiance to. Neutral parties appreciate and compare information from both disciplines and identify the similarities. Allies recognize that all truth is God’s truth and God is sovereign over all things. Allies are aware of the influence a person’s worldview has and therefore emphasize the formation of a Christian worldview. Allies seek truth from both books.

Using proven facts and methodologies, the author supports her argument that various faiths can coexist outside of a singular perspective. Ward acknowledges every faith has defining guidelines followers must embrace, but maintains the

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)

David Entwistle’s (2010) book, Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration, opens the reader’s eyes to unexpected possibilities, beginning with the often combative regimes of faith and reason using Tertullian’s symbolism of Athens as the seat of reason and Jerusalem as the seat of faith; which is the basic ongoing battle between science and religion (Entwistle, 2010). What Entwistle addresses is his belief that integration of the disciple of psychology and Christianity is possible, each contributing to the

Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark R. McMinn (McMinn, 1996) covers a Christian counselor's life in and out of counseling sessions. McMinn's book is dedicated to recognizing and developing the relationship between counseling and Christian faith rather than a dry Theology. This resource work divides the discussion into 8 chapters, each addressing a vital aspect of Christian psychological counseling and each having a section outlining challenges, methods and anticipated outcomes. The first chapter is co-written with James C. Wilhoit and stresses the importance of the counseling/faith relationship while presenting various challenges confronting the counselor and possible approaches to facing those challenges. The second chapter enumerates the Christian faith's major

While mapping out the challenges, McMinn (2011) added six spiritual concepts implicated in the integration psychology, theology and spirituality. The concepts are;

Due to differences in worldview, speculation of the possibility of integration of Christianity and psychology exists. Although these differences seem to cause conflict, or undermine integration between psychology and Christianity, some scientific data can be complimentary to the Christian worldview and provide us with a better understanding of humans as a whole. Some problems can arise when attempting to integrate theology and science, such as some Christians having contempt for secular science or secular science believing the Christian worldview is based on irrational thought. Rather than throwing out a view over differences, the differences can be examined and good aspects of psychology that align with the Biblical truths can be found.