Running head: 4MAT REVIEW OF INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 1
4MAT Review of "Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity"
Liberty University
4MAT REVIEW OF INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 2
Abstract
Integration of psychology and Christianity has been a widely debated topic for some time. Is it
ethical to integrate the two? Can it be done in a way to keep the clients well-being as the main
focus and priority? These are two questions that must be asked when integrating the two.
Entwistle (2015) elaborates on the integration of psychology and Christianity and how effective
integration can be. During the integration process a counselor is faced with where a client finds
themselves as far as spirituality and purpose is concerned and whether or not they elect to utilize
the bible in their counseling sessions. There are many different key factors that must be
considered when integrating two methods of counseling especially when integrating psychology
and Christianity. Entwistle discusses the factors in detail in his (2015) “Integrative Approaches
to Psychology and Christianity” third edition textbook.
Keywords: Integration, Christianity, Theology, Psychology, Counseling
4MAT Review of "Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity"
4MAT REVIEW OF INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 3
For this week’s module or assignment was to write a 4MAT review of out textbook
“Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity” third edition, by David Entwistle
(2015). The 4MAT review will be broken up into five sections which include a summary,
concrete response, reflection, theological interaction, and action.
Summary
Entwistle (2015) immediately begins his book by discussing Tertullian’s question of
“What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” This question was asked roughly 1800 years
ago and has been referenced in many different thoughts and/or dialogs since its inception.
Entwistle (2015) uses this question amongst others, as a basis for incorporating his thoughts on
integrating psychology and Christianity. Entwistle’s (2015) book answers the question through
many different examples as to whether psychology and Christianity be successfully and
effectively integrated, or is human reason and biblical truth really irreconcilable as Tertullian
suggested?
Entwistle (2015) goes on to discuss author Harry Blamiers alternative to Tertullian’s
thought process by breaking up ways of thinking into two categories, secular thinking and
Christian thinking. Entwistle (2015) points out that “Both Christian thinking and secular thinking
can be done well or poorly” (p.9). By noting this important fact, Enwistle tells us that we must be
careful on how we think in both thought processes because at time poor Christian thinking can be
worse than good secular thinking at times. In effect, we need to remember this when integrating
Psychology and Christianity so that we are open to understanding both Christian and secular
thinking and do not negate one or the other when working with a client. In order to effectively
understand human behavior, we must understand secular thinking because most psychological
issues are formed from secular reasoning and sin.
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Entwiste (2015) goes on in his book to the discussion of Science and Christianity and
whether the two have been allies or enemies over time. He begins with the origin of Science and
why gives various reasons as to why it has proven difficult at times to integrate the two together.
Entwistle believes that it is possible to effectively integrate the two, but there have been man
through time who have not felt that they should be integrated. Entwistle (2015) notes that a
Christian worldview has in many cases helped pave the way for science to see the universe as an
orderly place created by a powerful being, yet there are still many disagreements and objections
and disagreements between the church and scientists.
Entwistle (2015) discusses epistemology, enlightenment, positivism, modernism, and
postmodernism. He does a great job discussing and outlining what each of them are, the times in
which they are associated and how they effected the model of integration. Epistemology which
Entwistle notes as “The branch of philosophy that considers the nature, possibilities, and
limitations of knowledge” becomes a main topic for his discussion (2015, p.97). He points out
that we need to remember to practice virtues such as intellectual humility, intellectual caution
and courage, intellectual integrity, and intellectual perseverance and also gives a general idea of
what practicing such virtues would entail.
Later in Entwistle’s (2015) work, discusses the intermediate models of disciplinary
relationships which categorizes spies, colonists, rebuilders, and neutral parties. He compares and
contrasts the differences between each of them.
Entwistel (2015) mentions two types of spies which are domestic and foreign spies. A
domestic spy is when one who has a religious background, but wants to utilize psychological
principle for the benefit of religion. Entwistle points out that Norman Vincent Peale is a prime
example of a domestic spy. A Foreign spy is a psychologist that utilizes religion for the benefit
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of psychological principles. Entwistle gives the example of a psychologist who asks a client to
pray knowing it may help them even though they do not share the same belief as the client.
A Colonist is one who has a theological dominance in counseling. Entwistle (2015) notes
that they use theological methods as the basis for their methods, however they do recognize that
there is value to psychology and bring portions of that psychology in their religious practices
essentially becoming a religious spy. Entwistle (2015) further points out that the colonist model
is “embodied in the “new” Nouthetic Counseling movement” (p. 224).
Rebuilders utilize the bible and theology as a foundation for Christian psychology
(Entwistle, 2015). Rebuilders focus on following biblical teachings and how an individual should
be based on its teachings. Entwistle notes that methods of secular psychology is incorporated in
this model, however it is minimal.
The next section Entwistle discusses is the Neutral Parties model. As mentioned by
Entwistel, the Neutral Parties model “…encourages the exploration of the unique content of both
disciplines and the methodologies that they employ” (p.231). Entwistel goes on to explore the
differences between psychological neutrality and Christian neutrality (2015).
Entwistel (2015) ends his textbook with the discussions of discerning your place in
integration. He discusses integration from various beliefs and perspectives such as reformed,
Wesleyan, Charismatic or Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, and Anabaptist perspectives. Entwistel
(2015) highlights some of the differences between them and how their theological beliefs and
traditions shape their integration methods.
Concrete Response
When I was reading this book I remembered how I was abused as a child by a member of
our church. I was raised in the United Pentecostal denomination which was very strict and very
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legalistic. When I was abused and it was brought to light that other children were abused as well
by the same person and the church wanted to handle the situation within the church.
When I was about 16 years old I was very angry about what had happened to me at a
younger age. I felt like my parents were responsible for what had happened to me and I was
angry at God. The person who hurt me was a Sunday school teacher. I felt like my parents could
have done more to get me help and that if God was so big and powerful he would not allow
people to do the things that this Sunday school teacher did, especially a Sunday school teacher.
In conversation, my mother shed more light on the situation giving additional details
about what transpired and how the made sure I received the help that I needed. She told me that
the church did not want any of those involved to be counseled outside of the church by
psychologists. They believed that the answers could all be found within scripture and felt
strongly against the field of psychology. However, my parents did not listen to the Pastor and
sought outside social workers and counselors which were recommended through the military. I
did attend three or four sessions of counseling with my Pastor prior to my parents seeking
outside counsel.
I cannot recall any time during these counseling sessions where religion or church was
brought up at all. I was only between 7 and 8 years old, but I remember some of the specificities
of my counseling sessions but none of it applied to religion. The psychologist was not a Christian
psychologist to the best of my knowledge and they focused mainly on how and why the abuse
happened. I do remember how different the Pastors counseling was in comparison to the
psychologists counseling.
Thinking back on it I feel as though the Pastor was mainly focused on protecting the
church in general and to put things to rest quickly and to involve the least amount of people as
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possible. I can remember him telling me multiple times “remember, you can’t talk about this
when you leave, not with anyone”. I also remember him telling my parents everything that I told
him with me sitting right there while reassuring my parents that this would not happen again.
The psychologist was quite the opposite. She would ask questions such as “how did this
make you feel?” “Did you feel scared or threatened?” The psychologist seemed like she was
more focused on my well-being rather than the well-being of the church.
Based on my personal experiences I can see how integrating psychology and theology
would not only be effective but is needed. In my case, the Pastor of the church did not have the
proper training that he needed to effectively help me. If he did my parents would not have had to
seek counseling service elsewhere. If the psychologist would have utilized theological methods
of counseling I do not believe that I would have been so angry at God. They would have been
able to have me work through my anger and get the help that I need through the power of prayer
and through guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection
Overall I feel that Entwistle does a good job in explaining how a counselor can integrate
theology and psychology in a way that keeps the clients well-being in mind. In no way did
Entwistle insinuate that all psychological theories and methods can be applicable but that some
of them do hold value. In some cases psychological principles and methods are needed for
effective treatment and care. The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) section A.1.a. Primary
Responsibility says that a counselor must promote the welfare of clients. Entwistle (2015)
effectively proves that the welfare of the client is still most important when integrating theology
and psychology.
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When integrating theology and psychology the counselor must be cautious because there
is a fine line on what can be considered ethical and unethical. The counselor must be aware of
the separation of their own personal beliefs and the client’s beliefs so they do not violate section
A.4.b Personal Values of the (2014) Code of Ethics. One way to assure that boundary’s are not
crossed is to obtain written informed consent in accordance with section A.2.a. Informed Consent
and A. 2. b. Types of information.
One weakness that I found with (2015) textbook was it may have been more beneficial to
add a chapter dedicated to integration of psychology and Christianity and the ACA Code of
Ethics (2014). Entwistle could have went into further depths on potential ethical issues that may
arise and how to avoid such situations.
One article that I have read that coincides with Entwistles (2015) textbook is Siang-Yang
Tan’s (2007) article titled “Use of prayer and scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy”. In
Tan’s (2007) article he highlights how the integration of Christianity and psychology is ethically
possible with informed consent. Dr. Tan notes that the counselor must be careful but the benefits
to integration can significantly improve the client’s spirituality.
Theological Interaction
While reading Entwistle’s (2015) textbook I found a significant amount of information
that I could relate to. One particular instance was when Entwistle was discussing the rebuilder’s
model of integration. I found this model intriguing because I believe that Christian psychology is
important. I believe that we should utilize psychology for the benefit advancing Christian
counseling techniques. I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God but I also believe that
God has made human beings to help each other and psychology provides invaluable methods to
do so.
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The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2 to “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law
of Christ” (King James Version). I believe that we cannot effectively bear one another’s burdens
without all of the tools necessary to do so. The bible is filled with some of these tools but I also
believe that God has given some of those tools to man and some of those tools are obtained
through psychology.
The most important of integration is the Bible which is Gods holy word. It is the only
source for truth therefore I believe it is necessary for psychological counseling. Psychology has
very valuable empirical data and theories that have been proven through trial and error, however
the Bible does not need to be tested. It is the only method of truth that cannot be proven false
through belief, opinion, and/or assumption. I believe that God is the source for ultimate healing
and if we are guided by the Holy Spirit he will show us the best course of action through prayer
reading the Bible.
We are told to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15, KJV). Unless we rightly divide his
word when integrating psychology and Christianity we will be untruthful and our counseling
becomes meaningless.
Entwistle (2015) mentions Jay Adams and the belief that all psychological problems are a
result of sin. Entwistle also points out that Nouthetic counseling only utilizes biblical principle in
counseling and that Jay Adams believed that utilizing anything other than the Bible was wrong. I
have to disagree with Jay Adams and agree with Entwistle who believes that there is value in
psychology.
I believe we have all sinned and fall short of Gods glory as we are told in Romans 3:23,
however I do not believe that all psychological issues are caused because of sin. I guess looking
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at it from Jay Adams perspective we are all conceived in sin and there was no problems in the
world until sin entered the world. Jay Adams could be right in reference to some psychological
problems but not all psychological problems are a result of someone deliberate actions. Some
psychological problems are a result of chemical imbalances that must be corrected with
medications which is why I feel that science is so important. Medication at times is necessary
and without it a person may not be getting the help that they need.
Finally I believe that there is far too much time splitting hairs over integration. I do agree
that proper integration is necessary, however other models such as the enemy model, spies, and
colonist models do more harm than good by standing firm in beliefs and refusing to fully see the
bigger picture. If psychologist and theologians could work together better we would get further
along in integration faster. All though not all clients want to incorporate religion and spirituality
into counseling sessions, it is still important for psychologists and Christians to have an
understanding of each-others points of view.
Action
Entwistle (2015) presented a great deal of valuable information that I will utilize in
counseling. After my personal experience receiving counseling from both a Pastor and a
psychologist who did not integrate Christianity and Psychology, I can recognize how non-
integration can have adverse effects on some clients. As a result of this, integration will always
play an important factor in my counseling skills. I will make it a point to try and find some way
to effectively utilize psychological methods, data, and research that can be effectively utilized
with biblical principles.
In conclusion, I will always recognize that not all psychological principles and theories
can be utilized effectively in accordance with biblical teachings, but I will seek guidance by the
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holy spirit when searching for proper treatment plans, to ensure that I use only that of which fall
in line with the teachings of God’s holy word, the Bible.
References
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Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction
to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.).
Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers. ISBN: 9781498223485.
Tan, S. (2007). Use of prayer and scripture in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Journal of
Psychology and Christianity, 26(2), 101–111.
