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Entwistle Review Assignment: Integrating Psychology and Theology
In the daily life of a human being, it is impossible not to think about models. Almost all
notions of time, statistics, letters, and locales apply models in representing the information an
individual is attempting to transmit. When it comes to psychological as well as Christian
principles, models are similarly paramount. Therefore, this paper will review Entwistle's book
'Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity,' summarizing the main concepts laid out
in chapters 8-11, interacting with the concepts, and applying the concepts in my counseling
practice.
Summary of the main concepts from Entwistle, Chapters 8-11
Psychology and theology have essential concepts and central beliefs, all of which models
create. Each model discourses the psychology-theology connection and the reaction of diverse
theorists. Entwistle (2015) excitingly discourses the models; he has different names for
comparing models: Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Rebuilders, Neutral Parties, and Allies.
Entwistle uses Enemies to refer to theorists who see the relationship between psychology and
theology as opposing. Spies refers to those who consider theology pieces valuable to
psychology's well-being. The Colonialists are those who apply psychology in order to enrich the
scripture as well as Biblical ideologies, even though they lack any interest in profound
psychological knowledge. Rebuilders refer to individuals interested in taking psychology back to
its origins, concentrating on scripture sayings concerning human beings and their nature. Neutral
Parties deliberate psychology and theology as entirely detached; therefore, the beliefs and
practices of the two need to be separate to avoid conflict. Allies consider psychology and
theology to be cohorts, intertwined together, with each contributing to the other. Entwistle (2015)
additionally progresses the Enemies model, giving it two perspectives: the Secular Combatants
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and the Christian Combatants. The Secular Combatants look at Christianity as psychology's
opponent. Christians who dissent from psychology do so because of Freud's beliefs; such
Christians consider Freud as the heart of psychology, whose beliefs have no relation to theology.
The last chapter intended to ascertain that the actuality of human beings began with
creation, followed by incarnation, and finally, redemption. Human beings' principal objective is
to acknowledge God's sovereignty and live their lives in faithfulness to Him. Psychology and
theology deal with the truth; therefore, they paint a prominent picture of everything. Human
beings are naturally curious and have many questions about life. Therefore, Entwistle's idea was
that psychology would help to fill most of human curiosity by offering knowledge; apparently,
more knowledge creates a condition suitable for human beings to flourish by reducing suffering
(Entwistle, 2015). Christian theology brings in the aspect of human beings identifying their
sinful nature and dealing with it, seeking God to be reconciled with Him, and finding the
meaning of life to live a more fruitful life.
The psychological perspective focuses on gaining awareness about life and conditions
that enhance human life, while the Christian perspective focuses on sin, God's grace, restoration,
and revelation. Elucidation, application, and natural theology go a long way in acquiring
theological comprehension and truth. In reality, the only difference between psychology and
theology is that psychology looks at human beings just as we are; on the other hand, Christian
theology looks at the present society and compares it to how things were before sin entered the
world. By integrating both views, one gains a solid view of humanity (Entwistle, 2015).
Interaction
Entwistle comes up with the connection and non-connection of psychology and theology.
One can understand the way worldviews can impact their attitude toward integration. Entwistle's
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critical scrutiny of the psychology-theology relationship is significant in shaping one's
worldview and setting the pace for future dialogue. The compounding of the psychology-
Christian worldview has become the norm in theological training (Hull & Romig, 2021). Ethical
questions have arisen concerning whether integration programs train students adequately
regarding handling fragile values, matters, and conflicts brought by client-counselor different
worldviews. Most people feel that students should be trained to work with clients efficaciously
and ethically to deal with clients' different worldviews; this necessitates comprehending more
than just the orthodox Christian worldview. A trainee must comprehend how essential beliefs
and worldviews impact counseling treatment (Hull & Romig, 2021). Understanding the creation
of human beings and how human beings function in the world is essential; applying such
knowledge to the complexity of life helps attain fruitful integration. The integration models that
Entwistle develops help discover the Bible and theorize the relationship between psychology and
theology.
I have grown up in a family that strictly adheres to the religion of Christianity. I have
continued to hold on to the values of Christianity until now, even though there have been many
questions concerning how to handle people with different worldviews in my head. The six
models discussed by Entwistle have opened my eyes to how I can help my future clients ponder
their worldview, fundamental beliefs, and values; understanding such dimensions determines
how a client experiences their life. Many clients prefer counselors who can address spiritual
matters connected to elucidating a person's individuality, sense of purpose, and life‘s meaning
(Hull & Romig, 2021).
The aspect of incorporating Christianity into practices is vividly controversial because
other religions may feel some type of way, similar to individuals who are not spiritual.
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Postmodernism has promoted contemporary critiques, calling for research methodologies that
address current worldview assumptions and cultural values (Garzon, 2014). The world is
changing, and worldviews are continuously becoming more divergent. Therefore, integration
attempts need to take root in the training grounds through a climate that fosters oneness and
safety so that everyone can feel included. The integration task needs to expand to incorporate all
possible worldviews and create accepting classroom environments; this will shape future
counseling professionals who can answer all the hard questions and navigate through all possible
integration models (Garzon, 2014).
The question that I have concerning Entwistle's endeavor for a harmonic coexistence is
whether that would present a danger of underplaying the message of the Gospel. Entwistle has
tried to balance theology and psychology; he has maintained that theology should be first in line
because it impacts individuals' worldviews. Psychology should follow second in line because
God is the root of every truth. Psalm 119:160 states that the sum of God’s word is truth, and
every one of His righteous laws endures for all time (NIV, 2011). I think that Entwistle's logic of
precedence can be very dangerous.
Which Entwistle's model I would abide by would be the Allies model. The Allies model
appreciates the religious aspect; the true dominion is Christ, who holds all truths. According to
John 14:6, Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to God without going
through Jesus (NIV, 2011). Apart from abiding by the biblical scriptures, the Allies model
acknowledges that to describe human nature fully, it is essential to integrate other worldviews
(Entwistle, 2015). In addition, the Allies model recognizes the psychological principles. In life,
there needs to be a balance. Everyone has their stand in life, so it is important to acknowledge
other perspectives in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
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Application
Consider the following scenario. Jane Doe is a woman who is very depressed. Her
husband has left her for another woman and taken her children with him. She has tried repeatedly
to reach out to her children, yet they have been brainwashed against her. She has stopped praying
and reading her bible, because she feels like God has forsaken her. She assumes that she is being
punished for her sins, so she can no longer find joy in the presence of God. Without her family,
she is questioning whether or not she wants to go on living. In order to help her, both
psychological principles and biblical support can be integrated for the purpose of Jane Doe’s
treatment. Not only does she need to change her negative thought patterns; perhaps through
cognitive behavioral therapy, but she also needs to be brought back to God and her negative
assumptions transformed. Psychology can be used to help alter her maladaptive cognitions
regarding both God and her life’s value. Restoring her faith in God will help reframe her
cognitions and lead her to truth and self-discovery.
When I think about how God relates to the world's suffering and how He works in our
lives, I can apply theology to my counseling sessions. Regarding counseling, I will most
definitely get clients who apply at least one of the six models described by Entwistle. According
to Chamiec-Case (2020), the stereotype against people of faith operating in social work caught
my attention. In most institutions, the management finds it unacceptable for persons of faith to
allow their faith to directly impact how they practice social work. However, with my client's
permission, I can integrate theology in the most ethical way possible.
I am also aware that according to the ACA Code of Ethics, a counselor should not
practice discrimination of any form against existing or potential clients; this includes religious
discrimination (Kaplan et al., 2021). Regardless, integration shows courage and hopefulness,
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which are crucial in therapy. When taking clients through the healing process, fundamental
spiritual and religious queries, matters, and experiences frequently surface. Therefore, as a
professional, I must know how to respond to such matters most sensitively and efficiently. Most
individuals who come for therapy are the ones who are undergoing or have undergone a lot of
hurtful situations. Most clients ask their care providers to integrate their religious and spiritual
beliefs into the therapy to help them heal.
Some clients have gone through years of mental and emotional torture due to something
that happened to them, and they have been unable to let go of the hurt because they have so
many questions regarding their suffering. Effective integration of Christian faith and social work
puts the client's mind at ease. A bible verse like Isaiah 40:10, says that we should not fear
because God is with us and He will hold us with His righteous right hand; this can be integrated
into the therapy session to help the client see that God cannot allow us to go through trials we
cannot overcome. I agree with Chamiec-Case (2020) that integration allows practitioners to
maintain their authenticity; therefore, I will apply the integration of my Christian faith and social
work to merge two vitally essential aspects of my life.
Conclusion
Based on the given accounts, it is clear that Entwistle's six models shed light on the
diverse interpretations of the relationship between psychology and theology. In counseling, the
six models form a great base; one can identify the flaws in psychological and theological
interpretations to know which route to follow. While there is room for improvement, Entwistle
did a great job on the integrative approaches; many counselors will benefit from his outlook.
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References
Chamiec-Case, R. (2020). Exploring the Filtering Role of Christian Beliefs and Values in
Integrating Christian Faith and Social Work Practice. Social Work & Christianity, 34(4).
Entwistle, D. N. (2015).HIntegrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction
to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and integration models. Wipf and Stock
Publishers.
Garzon, F. L., & Hall, M. E. L. (2014). Teaching Christian integration in psychology and
counseling: Current status and future directions.HJournal of Psychology and
Theology,H40(2), 155-159.
Hull, C. E., & Romig, C. A. (2021). The changing landscape of Christian counselor education:
Threats and opportunities to effective integration.HJournal of Psychology and
Christianity,H40(1), 19-28.
Kaplan, D. M., Francis, P. C., Hermann, M. A., Baca, J. V., Goodnough, G. E., Hodges, S., &
Wade, M. E. (2017). New concepts in the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics.HJournal of Counseling
& Development,H95(1), 110–120.
New International Version. (2011).HBibleGateway.com.
http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist
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