ENTWISTLE REVIEW 1
Entwistle Review Assignment
Hannah Wood Hostutler
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Summary
The four chapters of Entwistle (2015), discuss the relationship between theology and
psychology. A structure was created to identify six models (Entwistle, 2015). The models include
enemies, spies, colonists, rebuilders, neutral parties, and allies (Entwistle, 2015). Each model
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proposes a different viewpoint on the relationship between theology and the integration of
psychology (Entwistle, 2015). The use of these models creates the opportunity to understand
one’s way of speaking or illustrating their ideas or beliefs (Entwistle, 2015). Four models in the
discussed framework stem from Carter’s ideas that have been rethought (Entwistle, 2015).
Entwistle (2015), communicated that his developed models are parallels with that of how
nations interact with one another.
Enemies
The enemies’ model is antagonistic (Entwistle, 2015). The viewpoint of the enemies’
model looks at the relationship between religion and psychology as not being congruent with
one another (Entwistle, 2015). There are 2 versions of the enemies’ model that exist which
include secular combatants and Christian combatants (Entwistle, 2015). Secular combatants
are opposed to a biblical worldview and are committed to the field of psychology (Entwistle,
2015). The objective of secular combatants is to promote an individual’s autonomy with human
reasoning (Entwistle, 2015). Secular combatants see that both psychology and christianity are
incongruous with one another (Entwistle, 2015).
Christian combatants view both religion and psychology as enemies to one another
(Entwistle, 2015). Their outlook is wary of that of human reasoning (Entwistle, 2015). The
objectives of Christian combatants are to defend religious authority from human reasoning
(Entwistle, 2015). It is on the basis that Christians can find their solace in in scripture not
through psychologists (Entwistle, 2015).
Spies
The spies model looks at the effects religion has on human wellness (Entwistle, 2015).
The spies model objective looks at human well-being without the presence of a theological
doctrine (Entwistle, 2015). Domestic spies look at one’s religion to be mythic in nature
(Entwistle, 2015). Foreign spies see religion as either harmful or useful (Entwistle, 2015).
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Colonists
A colonist’s sole duty is to their religious system they due purloin some psychological
findings (Entwistle, 2015). Colonists do recognize the value psychology can bring to the church
(Entwistle, 2015). When colonists view psychology as its own entity it is seen as foreign territory
(Entwistle, 2015). Although a colonist’s model tries to unite psychological and theological
thought it falls short of integration (Entwistle, 2015). An individual cannot use Gods word to
view the world as an individual uses their own perspective to view the world (Entwistle, 2015).
Both Gods work and word are equal it is difficult for an individual to see the world as what it
should be verses how it is (Entwistle, 2015).
Rebuilders
The perspective of a rebuilder sees that psychology belongs to God (Entwistle, 2015).
They believe that psychology had been taken over by individuals who do not have a biblical
worldview (Entwistle, 2015). Rebuilders feel that psychology needs a strong Christian
foundation, so it needs to be rebuilt to reflect this foundation (Entwistle, 2015).
Neutral Parties
The neutral parties are recognizing that both psychology and theology do not need to
clash as long as they both stay on their respected lanes (Entwistle, 2015). Although there can be
instances where there is a parallel between both psychology and theology are identified
(Entwistle, 2015). The neutral parties model looks at both theology and psychology as being
their own entities rather than unifying to work together (Entwistle, 2015).
Allies
The allies understand that God is sovereign over all things (Entwistle, 2015). This model
focuses on developing a Christian worldview to understand all things in life especially
psychology (Entwistle, 2015). The objective of the allies’ model is recognizing that individual’s
see themselves with biblical maturity and has a strong relationship with God (Entwistle, 2015).
Allies strive to be disciples of God by showing others the love God shows them (Entwistle,
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2015).
Interaction
Upon reading these four chapters I have heard of the questioning on whether theology
and psychology can intermingle together. From my perspective, I felt that this was interesting
because it almost feels like a natural thing to me that both can intertwine. After reading articles
and speaking to people in my inner circles this isn’t the case. I feel very passionately about my
stance, but others do as well which is to be respected. Going through chapter eight in Entwistle
(2015), I enjoyed the outline of each model in a condensed view. Going through chapter 9-11 in
Entwistle (2015), I enjoyed reading more in depth and what the text provided us with.
For myself, I believe that the allies’ model best suits me. As a Christ follower, I believe
that I can show others the love God gives by my actions. I understand what my foundation as a
person is. My relationship with God is my foundation. If I am not right in my relationship than all
else falls around me. By strengthen my relationship with God, I am showing those that I cross
paths with love, compassion, peace, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, and other fruits of the
spirit.
In the ACA code of ethics (2014) in section A.4.b it discusses that a counselor should not
impose their beliefs onto a client. While I am a Christian and will work with others who do not
share the same beliefs as I do. I will choose to show them my actions and love them regardless
of what they may have done or what they choose to do. As a counselor, it is my prerogative to
hold space for my clients to feel safe, heard, and no judged. I try to think of the perspective
from a client. I would want someone to have the fruits of the spirit as a model and guide for as a
human being. “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him
because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives
with you now and later will be in you” (John 14:17, New Living Translation, 2007). I find the
truth in the Lord which guides me and by being a disciple for the lord can I then bring people to
drink from the well through my love and compassion.
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In the book of John, it discusses that Jesus went to the Mount of Olives and was teaching
a gathering crowd. While teaching the pharisees brought a woman who committed adultery.
They spoke of such actions resulting in a stoning death and asked Jesus what his thoughts were.
They tried to use this women’s sin against him to trap him. “They kept demanding an answer, so
he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first
stone” (John 8:7, New Living Translation, 2007). Jesus put it back onto the crowd so that they
may understand that we all sin. Each accuser slowly went home and left the women and Jesus
standing there alone. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your
accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus
said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more” (John 8:10-11, New Living Translation, 2007). At this
point Jesus didn’t need to scream out that God is a forgiving God. He changed the accuser’s
perspective to show that they sin to, and that one sin isn’t greater than another.
An article written by Carter & Narramore (1979) discussed the welcoming of psychology
by Christians and how some other are rejecting it. I can see the understanding of being hesitant
to psychology. With more research conducted every year there seems to be a way to integrate
psychology and christianity that respects both. As a future counselor and all other counselors,
we have an ethical code to abide by. The Gospel written to us as Christians is higher than that of
a man-made ethical code. If I choose to live my life by God’s design than I am living ethically and
serving others ethically.
As a Christian, studying to become a counselor. I am learning to integrate christianity into
my studies and how I can apply my worldview in my studies and career. From my perspective, I
understand how both psychology and theology can integrate together. An article written by
Hodge et al. (2020) looks at the perception of the integration of psychology and theology from
religious leaders. I feel that religious leaders should understand psychology. If you have an
individual who goes to a religious leader but is unable to help someone who is struggling could
have negative effects for the church or christianity if it fails. Hodge et al. (2020) found that a
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majority of religious leaders still believe that psychology and theology are incompatible. It will
be best for researchers to develop more appropriate ways to communicate with religious
leaders so that different psychological findings will instill trust (Hodge et al., 2020).
Application
In a clinical setting, I have had a young adult female come in for a counseling session.
She has come in saying that she found out that she was pregnant. Unfortunately, the client is
deciding on how to handle what she wants to do next. She is contemplating an abortion but
says she is struggling because she knows her family will not agree with her choice since they
have Christian beliefs. The client said she went to a church leader and felt she did not get the
guidance she needed.
As her counselor I may not share her beliefs or morals in this situation. It is not for me to
judge this young woman but to provide a space for her to share and feel heard. “Dear children,
let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18,
New Living Translation, 2007). I would want to be in the boat of uncertainty with her as she
navigates her decision and choice. I would want to continue to work with her after she has
made her decision to be there as a safe zone to come back to.
By aligning with the allies’ model, I would use my biblical worldview to guide me in my
actions without imposing my beliefs. I believe that you can’t just use prayer to help someone
who may be struggling with mental health. I feel that this can cause a divide in christianity and
those in need. God calls us to love one another just as he sent his only child because he loved
the world.
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. Section
A.4.B. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/
2014code-of-ethics-finaladdress.pdf
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Carter, J. D., & Narramore, B. (1979). The integration of psychology and theology: An
introduction. Zondervan. https://books.google.com/books?
id=TDCqDIJM2nMC&lpg=PA9&ots=9eGAqJn1NB&dq=psychology%20and%20theolo
gy&lr&pg=PA9#v=onepage&q=psychology%20and%20theology&f=false
Discover God and study Bible. (2007). New Living Translation. Tyndale House.
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and christianity: An introduction
to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.). Wipf
and Stock Publishers. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/reader.action?
docID=4534457
Hodge, A. S., Hook, J. N., Davis, D. E., & McMinn, M. R. (2020). Attitudes of religious leaders
toward integrating psychology and church ministry. Spirituality in Clinical
Practice, 7(1), 18. https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2019-32492-001.pdf?
auth_token=5d92c0addcc4d774e61d23f69e641c926fd30adf
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