Theological Essay

No doubt that in the book written by David N. Entwistle Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, the author leaves the truths embodied in his book. Truths that for many to this day are still trying to accommodate in their vast knowledge they have concerning the psychological science. Many still fail to understand that both psychology and theology when they go hand in hand they can become allies in treating those who for one reason or another have external and internal conflicts.

David Entwistle’s (2010) book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration, is an in-depth examination of the integration of psychology and Christian theology. Entwistle (2010) provides insightful information as he explores the history, worldview issues, and philosophical foundations behind the integration of these two disciplines. The fundamental substance of the text is the presupposition that “both psychology and Christian theology provide useful perspectives through which we can study and understand human behavior, and together they can give us a more complete and accurate picture of human nature and functioning” (p. 3). Composing

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.

Within the psychology field and in society, there is a common belief that theological principles, scripture, Christianity, and psychological principles are not compatible. Instead they believe that modern psychology is secular, scientific, and sacrilegious. However, many Christian psychologists and counselors, organizations and associations such as the Society for Christian Psychology, are striving to unite, integrate and incorporate Christian values, principles and knowledge into modern psychological counseling, research, and practice. Two of the main perspectives that tries to merge the two principles and theories is the Integration perspective and the Christian Psychology perspective.

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.

Christian counseling and secular has primarily the same goal and desire, that is to assist people with overcoming life obstacles that they are facing. In addition, they both seek to help their clients find balance in life, find joy, and be healthy and adaptable individuals, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Furthermore, there are many difference between the two. However, there are many approaches that a Christian counselor could use. Although, both Christian counseling and professional counseling have their place, there are models that can be integrated that will lead to healthy sessions with clients. The purpose of this paper is to look at those applications of biblical truth that is accepted in secular counseling techniques,

Christian counseling is all about integrating psychology, theology and spirituality into counselor and clients lives. Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling gives insight into how these three perspectives can be used to help individuals identify certain aspects of their lives that might be enhanced when the counselor includes spirituality into their counseling sessions. We also see how important it is for the counselor to be in touch with their own spirituality so that

Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity allowed me to comprehend fully the past occurrences of psychology and theology. The book displayed the faith and confidence that both psychology and Christianity must be combined in order for it to have a better understanding and allowing the client a better chance of healing. In order to do this there must be a complete understanding of each component in and of itself. Entwistle’s (2010) book presented all the facts from history as it has shaped society today (pp. 18-34). As he discussed these historic events, it shows just how the wisdom that is held today is a reflection or reaction of what happened then. Christianity has always had a huge impact on world history

In order to develop an effective treatment plan, McMinn and Campbell (2007) recommend assessing issues associated with each of the three elements of human nature. They suggested starting with the assessment of thoughts and behaviors, and moving on to assessing schemas and interpersonal functioning. While both the functional and the structural assessment dimensions will be considered in the following section, this chapter will emphasize the influence of the relational dimension of the image of God as the primary reason for abnormality in the functional and the structural domains. Sin is a relational issue, and this separation from God and other selves is responsible for the abnormality in human beings.

He concludes that psychosocial and spiritual thought, is both science and theology in its elements, as well as acknowledged the ways in which human sinfulness distorts what we claim to know, and employs a Christian worldview. Entwistle argues that optimal integrative efforts combine personal and spiritual as well as intellectual knowledge and application.

The experiences we have in our lifetime shape us to be who we are. Every experience can be taken and used to change our perspectives and help broaden our horizons. Sin and virtue play a small part in the direction of an individual’s life, as I see it. I have learned that they must be defined for oneself, not by following the directions of a divine being. Basing decisions off of anything but what you know to be true from personal experience can be risky. Each individual person must act as their own leader. It is only fair to love and respect yourself before you conform to any laws that say you shouldn’t.

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.

In this paper, I discussed my personal theory regarding the integration of Christianity and psychology, as it relates to my beliefs, and how the summation of these two components will be reflected in my future counseling practice. I considered several factors that were critical to my personal counseling theory. First, I considered the human personality, such as, individual differences, motivations, and human development. Each person is unique; however, both Christianity and psychology have discovered common threads that are woven throughout the human race, and I believe that information is imperative to the counseling process. Next,

Dr. Crabb suggests that there are four viewpoints to integrating spirituality and psychology. The first being “Separate but Equal” This viewpoint ascertains that psychology and spirituality do not mix any more than if a person needs a filling for a cavity or the excising of their wisdom teeth, they do not peruse the scripture for direction the person goes to a dentist. This view is not solid for its very premise is flawed. When dealing with man’s troubling emotions and thinking scripture has much to say about this. For example in 1 Cor. 10:5, we are directed to control our thought life (Holy Bible). The second view “Tossed Salad” is acceptable

Christian theologians have tried to figure out the best way to interpret why people sin and how they should repent ever since the bible was written. Some theologians explain sin as a sickness, in which people are driven to do wrong by an unknown internal urge. Theologians also use the sin as a crime method to explain sin as defilement against God and Humanity (Taylor 54-57). In addition to the sin as a sickness or crime theories, some religious scholars say each theory should be used but both are never used in the same church (Taylor, 57-59). Although I agree that churches should include both sin as a crime and sickness, I don’t think both methods for explaining sin are used equally in churches. In fact, I think the sin as a crime theory is used more often than sin as a sickness. Accordingly, sin as a sickness ought to be emphasized as much as sin as a crime is, because the sinner will know they are not completely at fault. As a result of knowing the degree of their fault, the sinner will learn their true responsibility for their actions.