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Integration of Psychology and Theology Essay
Carl Foster
School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
PACO506: Integration of Psychology and Theology
Dr. John Knox
Author Note
Carl Foster
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Email: Cafoster2@liberty.edu
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Integration of Psychology and Theology
Worldview
Everyone has a unique perspective on life. That may be due to your race, culture,
religion, neighborhood, or family values. Our perspectives are influenced by the most powerful
influences and interactions of our lives. Entwistle (2015), Our worldview influences how we see
our experiences in the world and how we see life. People use their worldview as a blueprint for
how to live. It specifies how the environment should be and, as a result, how people should
behave themselves.
What it means to be human
Entwistle (2015) cites James Sire (1997) “A world view is a set of presuppositions,
(assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or
subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic make make-up of the world.” This
description is significant because it emphasizes the idea that humans form varying conclusions
about the world, whether good or evil, based on their context, whether they are aware of it or
not. It can manipulate or influence the mind of people. Romans 3:23 (CEV) “All of us have
sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” We are all born into sin and therefore sin is the root of all
man's troubles, may it be direct or indirect. Entwistle (2015) Our greater challenge, if we are
truthful, is that good and bad exist in every human heart, including our own. When psychologists
and theologians want to figure out why people behave the way they do, their conclusions are
ultimately influenced by their preconceived notions of human existence.
The Influence of worldview
Our worldview affects our biological, neurological, sociological, and theological lives. The
psychological viewpoint emphasizes an approach that looks at natural reasons for what may be
causing a problem. While on the other hand, theological insight brings meaning and direction to
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life in a broader sense. Entwistle (2015) points out that theological observation encourages
theologians to study human nature while still forcing them to be observed themselves. This
helps us to better understand ourselves and how we relate to theology. Romans 12:2 (CEV)
“Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know
how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” We must be transformed in the way we
think if we are to live a healthy spiritual life.
The biological and sociological effects on humans identify that we are relational beings,
with social influence and needs. Behavioral genetics can be passed down through the bloodline
and bring with it a host of psychological problems; however, not all issues are based on genetics
and assumptions must be carefully considered when making evaluations. The sociological
implications are concerned with how society, association, and perception affect our worldview
from a sociocultural viewpoint.
Personal view of integrating psychology and theology.
I believe it is absolutely essential for there to be an integration of Psychology and
Theology. Both practices seek to improve human behavior and how they relate to each other.
There must be a firm understanding of theories, methods, and findings for both practices to find
common ground. Entwistle (2015), talks about the integration of psychology and theology
coming full circle and that early psychology was biblically base. Entwistle (2015) “Colleges
founded by Christian groups were based on various models for understanding the relationship
of Athens (“secular knowledge”) and Jerusalem (“sacred knowledge”) (p. 17). Entwistle
explained these colleges followed the bible college model where the emphasis was theological
instructions and not so much on knowledge; while other Christian colleges followed a model,
which included a core set of classes that included Bible and theology. Since the relationship
between psychology and theology has been dissolved or broken apart, it takes work to make
connections between them.
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The word integration indicates that psychology and theology ought to be reconnected
because of the many benefits they can provide counselee when used by properly trained
counselors. Theology for example has healing benefits through prayer and scriptures. McMinn
(2011) states Some scholars have used scripture as a starting point for creating responsible
counseling methods and approaches that are similar to conventional psychotherapy models. 2
Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.” As a result, the bible serves as a spiritual guideline and guide. It provides
a strong biblical direction for teaching and preparation to molding our lives and cultivates God-
centered human nature.
Scriptures and prayer go hand in hand in bringing peace to the counselee. McMinn
(2011), “Prayer is used with some but not all counseling clients, depending on the theoretical
orientation of the counselor and the diagnosis of the client (p. 81). Some counselors will pray for
the counselee in session, and others will pray for them outside of counseling. Counselors who
commit to praying with their clients feel that meditation will help them grow spiritually and clear
their viewpoints. Counselors should become mindful of the counselee's mental health and
development, as well as how they react to prayer. Healing happens when confession is made.
The bible states in Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your
heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and
are saved.” McMinn (2011) noted in his book that People naturally feel relieved after confession
and they feel reconnected and that their sins have been absolved.
Benefits of integrating psychology and theology pastoral counseling (at least 200 words).
McMinn (2011) asks before confronting sin. “Would this help create a healthier sense of
self, will this help establish a healthy sense of need, and will this help establish a healing
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relationship?” It is important for a Christian to cultivate a positive sense of self. This is only
possible if their minds had been renewed. It is essential to undergo a heart transformation. The
counselee will focus on cultivating a positive sense of need as change happens and is open to a
kind of confrontation that can help them learn and cultivate healing relationships with God and
man.
Christian counseling will always prove to be more involved than secular psychology. The
goal of Christian therapy is to help people overcome their sin. As a result, there is much to
consider through therapy. While on the other hand psychology is concerned with cause and
effect. “METAMORPH Integrative Christian Counseling Grid” by Dr. Guy R. Brewer focuses on
issues in integrative Christian counseling that takes a more holistic approach to therapy. Nine
key domains that involve human functioning are the mind, emotions, transformational goals,
actions, motivations, organic factors, relational dynamics, pneumatic elements, and history.
Focusing on these key factors will involve a great deal of multitasking on the part of the
counselor and therefore can prove to be challenging.
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References
Entwistle, D.N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and christianity. Eugene, Oregon:
Cascade Books.
McMinn, M.R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in christian counseling. Carol
Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishing
Brewer, G.R. (2021), METAMORPH integrative christian counseling grid. PACO 506
