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4MAT REVIEW LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
INTEGRATION OF SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELING
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SUMMARY
The book Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity second edition by David
Entwistle introduces the text by explaining how psychology can go in a direction, and Christian
theology approach can lead in a different direction. He continued by stating the need for
understanding and studying human behavior because people come from different walks of life
and different expectations. It leads us to form unique perspectives to help give us an
understanding of the individuals you encounter. The Entwistle's book addresses the relationship
between Christianity and culture, Christianity and science, and Christianity and psychology.
Entwistle enhances the history of the religious and science communities by informing his
readers on how they have interacted throughout the centuries; he does this so that his readers
will have a greater understanding of modern psychological thoughts regarding Christianity.
Entwistle explained human reasons and faith based on Tertullian and Blamires's opinion. He
gets his point across by telling about a newspaper article that talked about a group of
worshippers that fell ill in their church from carbon monoxide poisoning; due to their constant
prayer even after feeling lightheaded and nauseated. Tertullian believed that human reason
(Athens) and faith (Jerusalem) are inherently irreconcilable. On the other hand, Blamires
provided an alternative to Tertullian's viewpoint. Blamires did not see Athens and Jerusalem as
being opposed to one another but distinguished it as secular thinking and Christian thinking.
Entwistle introduces and develops the perception of different worldviews. He argued
that personal and experience and reflections affect your view of psychology and Christianity and
its possibility of integration. Later in the reading, he addressed seeking fundamental
philosophical issues of Christianity and Psychology: the pursuit of truth, the nature of the world,
and the nature of humanity. More specifically in the eighth chapter, Entwistle introduces the
different models of disciplinary relationships that would be understood when seeking to figure
out of the model of Psychology and Theology. The five disciplinary relationship models that
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Entwistle mentioned in this reading are; Enemies, Colonialists, Spies, Allies and Neutral Parties.
Entwistle explained the enemies model as being earthly or Christian parties that oppose views
that there can be a mutual existence of faith and science in the field of psychology. The Spies
model is explained as a Christian community that has a considerable amount of experience in
psychology but is only concerned with the benefits of their religious system (Entwistle, 2015).
The Colonialists model differs from the Domestic Spies model in a way that adheres to a
conservative rather than liberal Christian theological system. They often utilize the useful
portions of psychology to make their ideas and beliefs agree. Neutral parties are obligated to
follow sovereignty to both the secular and theological arguments for or against integrated
psychology. They also ensure that they maintain a segregated perspective between science and
Christianity (Entwistle 2015). The Allies model acknowledges the Neutral party's model because
it denies the idea of theology being submissive to psychology, but this model will also use many
of the same procedures utilized in the other models, but it's goals are uniquely shaped by
acknowledges God's sovereignty (Entwistle, 2015).
This book is concluded by getting the readers to understand the reality within the
psychological and theological mindset which were indeed discussed within different scenarios
throughout this book. While understanding the differences and similarities between psychology
and theology, Entwistle clarifies a greater understanding of the human spirit and the exceptional
developmental research and counseling techniques that will be beneficial to future generations.
CONCRETE RESPONSES
As I was reading the book in the Essentials of a Christian worldview, it triggered a
memory. When I lost my father on the 12th of June in 2014, this was a difficult time for me. I
remember June 12, 2014, very well. I was hurt, broken and defeated. Full with many questions
and devilish thought. Wondering why God would take this sweet, loving man that serve you and
was faithful to you. I shed many tears because I felt so alone when he passed. My father played
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a significant role in my life, not just as a father but as a mentor and friend. All I could do is
remember all the life lessons he taught me and how he taught me to seek God for guidance
when troubles and issues arise in my life because no problem is too big for him. However, God
strengthens me in this painful time and with prayer and faith in him it got better.
Now after two years since my father passing. Throughout the two years haven't been
easy. I realize I was selfish and how dare I question God. My dad lived a long life and was a
blessing to many. He was faithful and a believer of God. In God word, he tells us we are not
going to be here forever, but people who believe in him will never die but have an enteral life.
So I rejoice now and furthermore because I know the life my father lived, and if I want to meet
him again, I need to keeping serving God with my life. I stand as a stronger man. Because of God
grace and mercy. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith.
REFLECTION
Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity establishes the understanding of
the relationship between psychology and Christianity. Reflecting on this book I saw that the
study of psychology is carefully addressed in the book, but the way the Christian's should
process and apply this information to the way that they counsel is something that is not
addressed as much within the text. Within this book, there are many ideas for scholars to pick
through and perceive, but there is not enough information that is discussed for Christians to
understand for them accurately to fulfill their obligations in a psychological setting. The author
has done a great job focusing their reader's attention on the psychology portion of the text but
could have included some attributes for people less educated in psychology.
Christianity has always had an enormous amount of opinions concerning general and
specific characteristics of psychology. The process of integrating psychology and Christianity is
currently a greatly debated topic discussed among Christian psychologists. Some Christian
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Psychologists might be tempted to ignore the necessity of developing a synthesized Christian
Psychology, but if they can focus on the outcomes of the underlying scientific process that
generated the therapies, they will be able to reap the best results from both ends of the
spectrum.
ACTIONS
In understanding the making models of a relationship of psychology and theology can
help with Christian counselors frequently adopt certain psychological theories in part, but they
do not embrace any underlying philosophies that deny God or biblical truths. In core, Christian
counselors should use psychology as a tool, but they do not view it as complete truth.
Psychology can be a vital tool for helping many people become aware of the importance of
expressing their emotions in a way that will bring them closer to God.
In the end, psychology may help open many doors to an understanding of the broad
issues that we need to fix. We will not experience satisfaction or fullness of life through therapy,
but we will increase our hunger for the fullness of life. Counseling with faith in God's guidance is
a method that can help an individual come to an understanding of who is in Christ and find
meaning in our lives.
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REFERENCES
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity (3rd ed.).
Eugene
NIV Bible
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