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Entwistle Review_COUC506
Integration of Spiritualty and Counseling (Liberty
University)
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ENTWISTLE REVIEW
Entwistle Review
Naomi Lopez
Liberty University
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ENTWISTLE REVIEW
Entwistle Review
Summary
This paper begins with and is dedicated to the summary of four chapters from the assigned
readings. The unfolding of Entwistle’s six models is the focus of this paper. To bring
clarification, interaction, and application is the mission of this assignment. Turning one’s hand to
the six models: allies, colonialists, enemies, neutral parties, and rebuilders are the faces of an
ideology, theology, and integration of psychology (Entwistle, 2015). The actual model was
inspired by and derived from “Christ and Culture” model which was created by Niebuhr
(Kumar, 2008). From this model two men, Carter and Narramore, constructed another version
(Carter & Narramore, 2018). When considering the development over the years, it is with much
confidence I say that the original models have evolved over time and different generation of
society interpret such models in an applicable yet moldable way. With such a complex and
detailed thought, I did find it off putting and slightly confusing to begin this review with chapter
eight. Starting from the very beginning may give the models a different viewpoint and assist the
reader to a better understanding.
Nevertheless, one can gain insight on these models by beginning in chapter eight. Here
we find Entwistle educating and entertaining the reader on every one of the six models. The
commonality is this: every model represents and explains a psychological and theological
connection. Starting with the “Enemies” model, the book states, “psychology and Christianity
are fundamentally opposed to and incompatible with each other” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 172). This
suggests the casting out of other followers. Moving to the “Spies” model, this explains that only
certain concepts in psychology and Christianity are gathered to form beneficial teachings and
strategies. The “Colonialists” model is viewed as a version of the orthodox Christianity theology
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explained here, “embodies the true revelation of God to human-kind about the human condition
and God’s plan of salvation” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 177). “Allies” model claims that both
psychology and Christianity can and must dwell together for a strong and stable influence. For
the “Rebuilder” Entwistle taught this as the secular view of psychology from Christian beliefs,
“is fundamentally psychological-Christianity tells us about our origins, our nature, about how we
ought to be, and about soul care that transforms us into becoming more Christ- like” (Entwistle,
2015, p. 180). “Neutral parties” is understood to be neither here nor there but creating its own
path.
In chapter nine Entwistle taught psychology and theology in the perspective of each of
them being different literatures created by God. One piece of literature which would be
understood as the Bible, stands for His words and His will for all creation. The other book is
known as His works displayed and mirroring God’s omnipotence and sovereignty. Each
symbolism represents the operation of all of mankind. Chapter ten explains the disciplinary roles
of each model. This book divulges the purpose of these models as, “God’s activity in creation,
incarnation, and redemption is our starting point, and our goal is to be His faithful servants,
acknowledging His sovereignty over all of life” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 264).
Interaction
Thankfully, I have already been introduced to the Entwistle models before, in my
Bachelor of Science program. However, my memory was not instantly refreshed. I do appreciate
and value this assignment because reading it alone was not overall helpful to truly grasping the
understanding of these concepts. I must honestly say that it is still quite a bit difficult to wrap my
head around every complex model, but a few did resonate with me. While reading these chapters
I did attempt to envision people I know and their theologies as these models. I truly believe that
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psychology and Christianity need each other and neither can fully be known, understood, and
well-practiced without the other. Having this frame of thought brought me to the realization that
I more than likely would adopt the “Allies” model. As it is best described in the assigned
readings, “God is the author of all truth, and all things are “by him, for him” and hold together”
in Him” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 184).
Application
I believe that those who follow Christ and involve themselves in the psychological
world must have some relation and agreement with the “Allies” model. Again, though the
reading was a bit difficult and required additional literature to understand, this model was not
too complex to digest. I believe this to be true for me because I practice this in my daily life. I
strongly believe that my relationship with God, my creator, strongly influences my
understanding and practice in psychology and my education and application with psychology
connects me to my God. I practice this every day when I follow God’s command to take my
thoughts captive as it is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “We are human, but we don’t wage
war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the
strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud
obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach
them to obey Christ.” (NLT). Vice versa applies when I utilize psychological practices to test
my thoughts and connect them with my cognitive thinking.
In conclusion, one of six models from Entwistle’s theory can apply to my life and I
believe it can also apply to the lives of other believers. Though I do not agree with or relate to all
the models Entwistle taught I can truthfully say this brought a challenge to my thoughts and
conviction in my daily living.
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References
Carter, J. D., & Narramore, S. B. (2018). The Integration of Psychology and Theology: An
Introduction. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/lib/liberty/reader.action?docID=5608031
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity, Third
Edition: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models
of integration. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral-proquest
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu
Kumar, N. A. (2008). “Christ and Culture” by Richard Niebuhr: Book Summary. Retrieved
from https://regenerationayk.wordpress.com/2008/01/17/christ-and- culture-by-richard
niebuhr-book-summary/
Wax, T. (2015). “Christ and Culture” – An Overview of a Christian Classic. Retrieved from
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/christ-and-culture-an- overview-of
a-christian-classic/
