Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment 1
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment
Anna Lilly Eaton
College of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
Integration of Spirituality and Counseling
Dr. Jill Joyce, Ph.D. LMFT, CAP
06/04/2023
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment 2
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment
The following is a review of chapter eight-eleven of Entwistle's book that we were
required to read. The Entwistle six models—enemies, spies, colonialists, rebuilders, neutral
parties, and allies as subjects of one sovereign—are the main topics of the chapters. I researched
and analyzed further chapters and other articles in order to comprehend what Entwistle was
attempting to depict with the six models. However, many historians, theologians, and
psychologists, especially those who have a Christian bent and are interested in science, think that
it is feasible to combine science and faith. This has previously been done by several Christian
psychologists. Entwistle explains and interprets the six models in Chapter 8 of the book. Each
model serves as an example of a distinct method to view the connection between psychology and
theology (Entwistle, 2015). According to the adversary model, psychology and Christianity are
inherently at odds with one another and irreconcilable, which implies a rejection of the various
sciences. According to the Spies model, Christianity, and psychology only use ideas that
complement one another and operate in particular circumstances. By selectively integrating,
rejecting, and redefining information, colonialists affect cognitive results in contrast to traditional
Christian theology. The species model involves change. The rebuilders model is psychological,
and Christianity modifies secular psychology by transforming individuals to be like Christ by
teaching us about our inheritance, nature, soul care, and how we need to be.
As Christians, colonists treat psychology with suspicion and will only employ
psychology if it follows a theological method, setting them apart from spies. Christians who
follow the Rebuilder model contend that psychology has been misconstrued by the secular world
and that it ought to be based on "solid Christian assumptions" (Entwistle, 2015). Independent
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment 3
disciplines with their sources, research methods, and conclusions are neutral parties. The Allies
model clarifies the interconnectedness of reality between psychology and religion. Entwistle
contrasts the six theories in order to make assumptions about the connection between psychology
and religion. In Chapter 10, Entwistle analyzes the various forms of intermediary disciplinary
relationships, including neutral parties, colonialists, spies, and rebuilders. Each model has
advantages and disadvantages. The unified models of disciplinary relationships: Allies were
covered in the final chapter. The unifying of truth is a tenet of the Allies approach, which aims to
incorporate the truth from both disciplines with its loyalty to God rather than any discipline. I
believe the goal was to prove that God's creation, incarnation, and atonement for sin preceded the
existence of mankind. Humans should recognize God's control over life in order to be obedient
servants of Him. Our understanding is thorough and correct since both psychology and Christian
theology are concerned with the truth.
Interact
Entwistle's notion was that the psychological side increased knowledge and improved
human existence by minimizing pain and maximizing the conditions for human flourishing,
which was supported by curiosity and compassion. Christian theology understands how people
can reconcile with God, how they can deal with sin, and how they can find meaning in their
lives. Entwistle (2015) defines psychological perspectives and goals as observing events, gaining
awareness and knowledge, and reducing human suffering by optimizing conditions to improve
human life. Sin, grace, redemption, and revelation are central to the Christian worldview and
aspirations. Without awareness of some of these models in our Christian walk, we are not going
to be able to sustain our relationship with God. Because He is real, and because He is an
interactive God, our relationship with Him is often contingent upon the work we put into it on
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment 4
the other side. If my husband was the only one ever starting a conversation or initiating a
connection, he would be exhausted, not to mention feeling unloved. Relationships are two-way
roads. So creating and cultivating our connections with God allows us to integrate more of Him
into our life. Entwistle emphasizes the need of comprehending the convergence and divergence
between psychology and Christianity. He gives an example of how different worldviews
influence how one conducts integration. Equilibrium in one's thoughts is illogical, hence it
cannot exist. Building a common ground for productive discourse requires accepting this lack of
impartiality and one's presuppositions or worldview. Entwistle (2015) makes an effort to
examine how psychological and Christian theology relate to one another. The importance of an
individual's perspective in determining how they should understand and experience their
surroundings is something he emphasizes.
Based on the Christian perspective of the fall and redemption, he then offers insight that
we, as humans, are flawed and constrained. Our comprehension and justifications may lead to a
skewed viewpoint. In Psychology, we aim to comprehend how people behave in their settings.
Our surroundings influence the perspective we have. He exemplifies how one's perspective
influences how one approaches integration (Entwistle, 2015). Neutrality in one's thoughts is
illogical, hence it cannot exist. Building an understanding that allows for productive discourse
requires accepting this lack of impartiality and one's presumptions or worldview.
As a result, conflicting worldviews play a role in the connection between Christian
psychology and theology. To successfully integrate, it is crucial to comprehend how mankind
was created and how it functions in this world, as well as to apply this knowledge to life's
intricate web of connections. Entwistle (2015) addresses the Bible and the book of God's Works,
both of which were influenced by the creation of integration models. Anyone who arbitrarily or
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment 5
intentionally indicates psychological or religious knowledge, in my opinion, would not be
conforming to the professional norms of a psychotherapist. Counselors who support Entwistle's
integration theories are not in violation of fundamental moral and ethical standards. Entwistle's
conclusion about the relationship between psychology and theology was logical, significant, and
stimulating, but it was identical to all other Christian doctrines. I think a Christian therapist can
still adhere to the Allies model while yet letting their theology guide their intellectual work. To
gain greater awareness of others as well as myself, I consider and integrate Entwistle's thoughts
and ideas.
Application
I am unsure of the environment in which I will be practicing as a therapist, and I might
not engage in open Christian counseling with clients there. Though, I do hope to continue
working at a faith-based rehab. Nonetheless, Entwistle claims that not everyone agrees that
theology and psychology can coexist and that each person must discover their own means of
doing this if they wish to be a Christian counselor. As a Christian who adheres to God's word, I
think that the more you include the Bible in your life, the more it will permeate every area of it.
In the secular realm, a comforting counselor rooted in the presence of God, and from Him an
overflow and integration of His Spirit and Revelation. In the faith environment, a helpful
champion of encouragement of the Word of God used as a tool in the practice in addition to the
atmospheric presence. Above all, I integrate love and the power of its practice. I will be keeping
models of Allies and Entwistle in my back pocket.
Paper: Entwistle Review Assignment 6
References
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and christianity, third
edition : An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of
integration. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
