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Entwistle Review - This is answers to the
work.
Integration of Spiritualty and Counseling (Liberty
University)
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Entwistle Review
Liberty University
COUC: 506
John Petko
02/01/2023
Entwistle Review Summary
The relationship between psychology and Christian theology is the main topic of
Entwistle's reading. The objective is to use his knowledge to discover the connection between
these two theories. Entwistle continues the reading by demonstrating how to connect both of
these theories, despite the fact that many people consider them to be unequivocal. Christian
theology and psychology both address aspects of human life and experience, though they do so
in different ways. While the Christian theology approach sees God as the center of
understanding human experiences, the psychology approach places humans at the center of that
understanding (Entwistle, 2015). Entwistle talks about how everyone views psychology and
Christian theology, as well as their own worldviews. Entwistle provides an explanation of the
relationship between psychology and theology. He begins by demonstrating how psychology
and Christian theology initially travel separate paths before coming together. He claims that a
respectable relationship between Christian theology and psychology is possible (Entwistle,
2015).
Six models are mentioned, which include enemies, spies, colonalists, rebuilders, neutral
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parties, and allies (Entwistle, 2015). We are given comprehensive descriptions of each of the six
models along with their justifications. Each model explains a connection between psychology
and religion. The first model is called Enemies, and it claims that psychology and Christian
theology are fundamentally at odds with one another and are incompatible (Entwistle, 2015).
People who fail to recognize the connection between the two theories are referred to as enemies.
Both the secular combatants and the Christian combatants are variations of this model. While
Christian combatants view psychology as an enemy of Christianity, secular combatants reject
religion and view psychology as the enemy of religion (Entwistle, 2015). The spies model is
next. In this model, people are loyal to either theory while accepting some elements from the
opposing theory (Entwistle, 2015). Although there are no traditional beliefs, religion is accepted.
They have no desire to maintain traditional theology (Entwistle, 2015). According to the
colonist model, there is little overlap between psychology and Christian theology. They may use
psychological research, but they are picky about what they use (Entwistle, 2015). The two are
not blended together with any emphasis. Although psychology is valued, it must adhere to
Christian theological systems.
The fourth model is rebuilders, who respect contemporary psychology. According to this
model, psychology should be restricted for Christians and interaction with psychology is valued
(Entwistle, 2015). People who reject both theories are considered neutral parties (Entwistle,
2015). The final model is Allies, where people embrace both theories in an effort to comprehend
how they are related to one another under God. It emphasizes the significance of a Christian
worldview. Love and adoration of God are the ultimate goals (Entwistle, 2015). It was
demonstrated in the reading how to balance both theories in our daily lives. Entwistle thinks that
accepting both theories will make our lives better and more fruitful.
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Interaction
It was interesting reading Entwistle for the first time. I believe I have a better grasp on the
relationship between psychology and Christian theology now. At first, reading about how the two
are connected initially piqued my interest. Christian theology and psychology don't seem to be
completely compatible because they have some differences. However, I do think that psychology
and Christian theology complement one another and are not wholly opposed to one another. I
came to the conclusion after reading that I might behave like my allies. It best captures how I
think. I do follow both theories, and I intend to use both in my client counseling sessions.
Having a deeper understanding of each model will help me be able to conduct my sessions with
my clients in a better way. As a counselor, it is important to know what model your client follows
and counsel them within their worldview while incorporating others, not in a way of changing
their views.
Application
I will be better able to run my counseling sessions if I have a better understanding of the
models and realize that I adhere to the allies model. The other models that are a better fit for
my clients will be used in my counseling sessions as well. To effectively assist my clients, I
need to understand which model they adhere to.
My client is a woman who has been given a diagnosis of depression and medication. She
does not, however, take her medication, and she denies having depression. Because of her faith
and belief in God, she does not believe that she could be depressed. My client is a Christian
combatant who belongs to the enemies model. I will need to combine my client's worldview with
others in order to assist her and enable her to accept treatment. My client will understand that I
am not rejecting her worldview but rather incorporating other points of view into how she thinks
and sees the world. It is my responsibility as a counselor to assist my clients in fusing various
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models. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that
by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
(Romans 12:2).
Entwistle's readings offer important perspectives, and I find that my counseling sessions
can benefit from them. I've learned more about the methods behind both theories and have come
to the realization that I unconsciously adhere to the allies model. I can make better decisions for
my clients by using both theories. I can view various issues and topics with a more open mind
when I use the various models. Overall, this helps me grow both personally and professionally.
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References
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: an introduction
to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and integration models. Cascade Books
Official king James Bible online. King James Bible Online., from
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
