Models Of Integration

David N. Entwistle (2015) shares a life of experiences beginning with the heartbeat of his father who believed that life held a vocation for anyone willing to be a Christian regardless of their field of employment (Entwistle, 2015, xi). This passion begins with the historical framework as well as the philosophical foundations supported by a variety of models of assimilation that accomplish a resolution of ideas throughout David Entwistle’s textbook titled: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview issues Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration; Third Edition (Entwistle, 2015). As a licensed psychologist Entwistle (2015) shares his (and other scholars throughout history) skills, intellectual integrity, teachings, concepts, research, and reflection questions as a tool throughout his 3rd edition to entice the reader to dig deeper into the understanding of integrating theology and psychology (Entwistle, 2015).

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.

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.

Today, the integration of Christianity and psychology is becoming more increasingly recognized. The integration begins with understanding the sinful state of the human condition as viewed from a biblical perspective. It continues with being faithful to Christian stewardship and not only embracing theology but also the psychology of human behavior (Entwistle, 2015). A more accurate and complete understanding of human nature and function is provided through the integration of Christianity and psychology. The Allies model confirms that Christian theology and psychology are both subject to God’s authority, and exemplifies the best integrative relationship between Christianity and psychology (Entwistle, 2015). This paper will discuss the integration of Christianity and psychology through the Allies model. It will define integration, review reasons and explanations of why Christianity and psychology should be integrated. As well as look at different methods of knowing, the Allies model concept, and the two books idea along with strengths and weaknesses of this model.

In his book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David N. Entwistle explores the necessity of integrating psychology and Christianity, the worldview issues, philosophical foundations, models of integration and discusses the difficulty in doing so. It is often thought that there are secular jobs, such as a psychologist or counselor, and there are ministry jobs. Entwistle points out that God has gifted each with abilities and those abilities are best used to serve God and others.

The readers of this book are challenged with the impression of how Christianity and psychology odds with each other. The idea is actually presented in a manner that makes it impossible for theology and psychology to exist with one another due to their general nature. According to this book, theology is basically based on faith while psychology is based on absolute truth. Entwistle (2010) poses a brilliant idea by suggesting that the interaction of theology and psychology is inevitable. These interactions are brought about by the common interest of the two in comprehending mysteries and ambiguities of human behavior while also restoring mans brokenness. The main theme of this book is to show that theology and psychology, even

In the book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David N. Entwistle explores the relationship between theology and psychology. Throughout time, intellectuals have supported or dismissed the idea of integrating both perspectives. In his book, Entwistle states that during the past century, the relationship of faith and science has been a topic of intense debate (Entwistle, 2010, p8). He references to Athens and Jerusalem to help the reader to grasp the theme of the book. Athens represents knowledge through human reason

Bob Kelleman, in his book Gospel-Centered Counseling, suggests that a study of human mind is not a product of modern psychology. However, men’s attempt to know and understand human suffering and problems began even far back from Greek philosophy. Thus, Paul rightly says in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (KJV).” However, it is certainly true that rise of psychology in modern era restricted the use of counseling to a secular world, while breaking a tie between counseling and religion in its usage. Secular society claimed counseling has no place in religion, its usage and methodology can be utilized and systemized only by pure science. This is how Christian ministry began to lose a counseling in its domain.

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

In 2011 Mark McMinn updates his book on Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, which discloses three important perspectives of Christian counseling. This recently evolving frontier for Christian counselors is what McMinn calls interdisciplinary integration. The relationship between psychology and theology is not the vital key component, but it’s how Christian faith is practiced in counseling. Bringing religion into the counseling office will bring challenges but with personal spiritual training and professional development it can be accomplished. McMinn shares a theoretical map on the prospective values and dangers of using religious interventions in counseling. In the first two chapters McMinn establishes a framework on the variety of religious interventions like prayer, the use of Scripture, forgiveness, and so on. Theses chapters would be part 1 of a 2 broad part that lays down a foundation for the rest of the book. The chapters that follow would be part 2 that explains the indispensable components in McMinn’s methodology to the integration of psychology, theology, and spiritualty in counseling. Psychology, theology, and spirituality is highlighted in the sessions of Christian counseling by guiding the person who reads an insightful understanding of integrating stages of: prayer, scripture, sin, confession,

McMinn tells how psychology, theology, and spirituality are used and how they should be used in Christian counseling. A Christian counselor has to look at not necessarily psychology and theology in a counseling session but how religion and spiritually is brought into the session. McMinn (2011) states, “Religious interventions require us to understand spiritual formation, place priority on personal spiritual training as well as professional development, challenge prevailing models of mental health, work toward a stronger scientific base, and sensitively recognize ethical issues” (p. 26). Counselors need to work on their own spiritual foundation so they can are able to help clients. This consists of prayer, scripture, redemption, sin, forgiveness, and confession (McMinn, 2011).

The idea of whether or not integrating Christian theology with psychology is necessary is well-stated by David Cartwright (2010), a professor at Colorado Christian University, in that this depends on one’s perspective (Integration of…, Video 1). Certain Christian circles believe that not only should these two areas be interrelated, but they also naturally are, as all things fall under God’s realm of creation. Yet, other believers stake their claim in a different camp with the mindset that theology and psychology should never intersect, let alone meld into one another. On the opposite end of the spectrum, this question is a moot point for one who adheres to an atheistic worldview. Personally, my stance follows a Christ-centered worldview, thus, aligning with author David Entwistle’s proposal of the ‘allies’ approach. Truth originates with God, and either discipline affords one the means to seek out knowledge concerning humanity

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the positive and negative use of integration within Counselling. Much has been said about the integration of therapies and Christian values. The practice of secular psychotherapies has brought much conflict; many Christian counsellors have taken a different stance regarding the integration of psychology and religion. Some have embraced integration wholeheartedly whilst others reject it just as vigorously and many others fall somewhere between the cracks (Johnson & Jones, 2000, p. 9).

The four views of how psychology and Christianity integrate with one another to help people seeking to expose or find an answer to emotional or mental issues that arise. Each model, although employing different approaches, has the intention to provide a resolution.