Entwistle integrative approaches to psychology and christianity

Running head: ENTWISTLE TEXTBOOK REVIEW 1

ENTWISTLE TEXTBOOK REVIEW 2

Entwistle Textbook Review

Linda M. Bolton

Liberty University

Summary

David N. Entwistle’s book, “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity”, presents a clear and well thought out analysis surrounding the long-standing debate regarding integrating psychology and theology. It provides a foundational framework from which we can begin to understand worldviews, philosophies, conflicts, and challenges presented from both sides of the continuum of these two disciplines. Psychology presents a worldview based on limited human reasoning and knowledge about creation: a school of thought born out of a Tertullian’s worldview: “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem. What concord is there between the Academy and the Church?” (p. 8). Blaimres concludes the contrast to exist in ways of thinking: psychology “secular thinking” bounded by temporal concerns; whereas, theology “Christian thinking” is connected to a larger framework. (p. 9).

Entwistle (2015), defines theology on the broader spectrum to represent a Christian worldview of God’s creation beyond psychology’s level of knowledge, restricted understanding, unsophisticated logic or facts, theoretical assumptions, and human reasoning. Entwistle (2015), points out that we must recognize the Lordship of Christ over psychology. (p. 230). This holds true in the sense that psychology is symbolic of an Athens’ worldview framed around secular norms; whereas, theology is viewed as a representation of Jerusalem: belief in God’s Word, God’s Works and God’s Truths. (pp. 14, 226). We can then perceive why Entwistle states that “Integration between psychology and theology requires efforts”. (p. 17).

Entwistle (2015), discloses several integrational efforts which opens new dimensions of arguments and claims held true by each discipline. An integrational operative described as “Allies or Enemies” is the rational establishing of psychology’s antecedence for understanding nature based on scientific study and use of secular resources. In contrast, Christianity derives its understanding of nature from a Biblical perspective which surpasses human knowledge with knowledge that comes from God. (p. 24). “The failure to distinguish the validity of theological interpretation from the authority of Scripture is a common error in psychology”. (p. 25).

Entwistle (2015), differentiates psychology from psychology. One of the reasons for integrating psychology and theology is that both seek healing from brokenness, spiritual and physical. “Long before psychology emerged as a scientific discipline, questions about mind and behavior were considered by philosophy, religion, medicine, and folk wisdom”. Consequently, psychology’s Academy “school of science” benefits from historical claims indicating the Church as the main resource used for the care of the soul. (p. 41).

Entwistle (2015), weighs in on the pursuits of truth regarding the integration of psychology and Christianity. “Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes”. Harmony must exist between the truths regardless of their source (pp. 110, 111, 2015). From a secular or naturalism’s view of nature: “Matter has always existed”. “Because it has always existed, it is meaningless to ask why it exists”. From a Christian or supernaturalism’s view of nature: “All things other than God exist because God brought them into being and they continue to exist because He sustains their being”. (p. 127). Finally, Entwistle (2015), establishes a foundational assumption for integrating psychology, Christianity and the nature of humanity. We gain knowledge about nature from both Scripture and science. (p. 144).

Entwistle (2015), explores additional challenges with integrational efforts identified as: Antagonist Models of Disciplinary Relationship which represent different ways of conceptualizing the relationship between psychology and Christianity such as: Enemies, neglect the Word of God; Spies seeks to uncover the psychology of the religious system rather than the theology; Colonialists place the book of God’s Word over the book for God’s works; Rebuilders view psychology as something that belongs to God, but stand against it being occupied by people who do not acknowledge or serve God; Neutral Parties: assert psychology and Christianity are independent disciplines; Allies acknowledges the sovereignty of Christ as the creator and sustainer of all things. (pp. 169, 174, 177, 178, 183).

Entwistle (2015), finalizes integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity by characterizing other models such as: Intermediate Models of Disciplinary Relationship which include Spies, Colonists, Rebuilders and Neutral Parties. These Intermediate models recognize that there is something valuable in both psychology and theology, but they fail to discern any fundamental unifying structure. (p. 217). Integrative Models of Disciplinary Relationship all affirm that psychology and theology can shed light on human behavior and that we can find numerous points of overlap between them. (p. 248). “A Christian worldview always provides a context for psychological investigation and stimulates research interests central to the Christian message such as forgiveness and gratitude”.

Concrete Responses:

James 2:14 says, “Faith without works is dead”. The thought of facing a medical procedure at the same time I was beginning the Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity course, weighed heavy on me. The condition for which I was seeking healing for had become somewhat chronic and I had two procedural choices, major or minor. Based on the diagnosis, opting for the most evasive would have given lasting results; whereas, the minor was less evasive, but the results were temporary. What caused me some anxiety was deciding which medical procedure to go with.

In talking with my Heavenly Father about the concerns I had (with a little paraphrasing for content purposes) this is how the conversation went: “Lord, you know I really do not want original parts replaced with artificial parts, so I am not opting for the most evasive procedure”. “Why are you having such a difficult time making a decision about which procedure to choose? “What are you afraid of?” Let me remind you that it was “I” Who gave man the ability to explore medical science. Whichever procedure you choose, it’s no different than someone having cataracts removed to improve vision, or teeth replaced for better chewing.

Your faith is in my word, (I Peter 2:24) but your confidence must be in knowing I have advanced man knowledge and wisdom to correct things that go wrong in this world. And things will go wrong in this fallen world. Humans make the mistake by thinking and trying to pray difficulties away; if that were the case there would be no need for doctors, psychologists, theologists, scientists, etc. Some require a natural intervention. Faith is the “super” and “works” is the natural”. The integration of both bring about “supernatural” results, just as it would with the integration of faith (theology) and works (psychology), to achieve total wholeness.

Reflection

Entwistle (2015), “If all truth is God’s truth, then it would seem that the issue at hand is the accurate discernment of truth, not the hierarchical arrangement of sources of truth”. The author’s critique and assessment of the integrative approaches to psychological Christianity provides a broad lens from which one can view the many facets and schools of thought about integrational issues. Psychological worldviews, presuppositions and assumptions about the integration of Christianity were consistent and fairly discussed. Contextual and philosophical origins about historical integrational challenges were presented in an explicit manner. There was an adequate amount of content disclosed regarding integrational approaches to help the reader relate too as well as understand grounded psychological worldviews, beliefs and underpinnings.

Entwistle (2015), significant application of the complexity of topics surrounding integration were explored and established a framework on which an analysis and informed assessment of the integrational attempts could be readily viewed as credible and valid. Integrative approaches to psychology from a Christian worldview gave credence to the theological premise why scientific studies can and should be considered as a key component for establishing a solid theoretical integration of psychology and Christianity. “While we like to think of science as a way of gathering “facts” about the world, it is better to think of it as an epistemic framework that allow us to view the world through a specific theoretical framework”. (p. 108). While many philosophical assertions were provided with simplicity, direct parables of scripture references would have more adequately affirmed the need for integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity; not just at an academia level but a theological also which fosters a clearer scriptural reference (in content) and substantiate the Christian perspective of integration.

Action

Entwistle (2015), Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity provide a road map on how to navigate through the murky waters surrounding the integration of psychology and Christianity. First, as a competent Christian counselor, steps would be taken to ensure that a thorough understanding about the integration of psychology and Christianity are applied without compromise to the founding principles of theology and integration of psychology. Second, to ensure unquestionable ethical practice is attained, the empirical research studies of integrative attempts and approaches to psychology and Christianity in the 21th century, would be assessed within the counseling relationship with respect to client’s spirituality; though it may differ from mine. Third, any level of psychological and Christian integration used in counseling to address the needs or presenting issues of the client will be contingent upon (1) an authoritative Christian worldview (2) multicultural sensitivity and training (3) acknowledgment of psychological and theological differences relative to the client’s religious beliefs and worldview (4) the infallible truth(s), rather scientifically or theologically, about human existence can effectively be applied in a way that pleases God and adds value and essence (spirit) to integration of psychology and Christianity for the counselor and the client.

References

Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative Approached to Psychology and Christianity.

Running head

: ENTWISTLE TEXTBOOK REVIEW

1

Entwistle Textbook Review

Linda M. Bolton

Liber

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y

University

Running head: ENTWISTLE TEXTBOOK REVIEW 1

Entwistle Textbook Review

Linda M. Bolton