“I’ve heard it said that psychology is just sinful human beings sinfully thinking
about sinful human beings” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 13). a I believe this is absolutely
correct. a However, I also believe that it could just as easily be said that theology is
“sinful human beings sinfully thinking about” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 156) God and his
relationship with his people. a Whereas theologians try hard to limit their amount of
sinfulness in thinking about God, I find it highly arrogant to suggest that sinful
thinking happens only with “those people” thinking about psychology. a The same
could be said about every -ology. a The sinful nature permeates every part of every
person’s life (Entwistle, 2015). a Since we are all fallen, we are all “sinful human
beings sinfully thinking” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 156). a Certainly, Nouthetic Counseling
is “sinful people thinking sinfully about [helping] sinful human beings” (Entwistle,
2015, p. 156) with Scripture. a Perhaps, Jay Adams should have had a bit more
humility before pointing his finger.
Pegging myself into a model of integration is currently a bit of a challenge. a I
would like to say that I am beyond being a Colonialist, but I still “have no deep
commitment to—or even understanding of—the discipline of psychology”
(Entwistle, 2015, p. 176). a I was hoping that I would be exposed to more
psychology in this degree plan. a So far (3.5 classes from graduation) it has been
cursory mentions of different theories but no in-depth exposure to any (aside
Solution-Focused in the introductory course). a Thus, I am pillaging psychological
nuggets here and there. a I like the idea of a Christian Psychology and, again, am
interested in more than a cursory look. a The Allies approach is, I believe, my goal.
Truth is truth, and if “all truth is ultimately under God’s sovereignty” (Entwistle,
2015, p. 182), then a careful examination to determine truth (even if with my and
others’ sinful thinking) is necessary to find the full truth. a My goal is to provide the
most comprehensive help to my clients as possible, whether they believe Scripture
or not. a Thus, Allies is my goal, but until I reach that place, I will continue pillaging
relevant nuggets along the way. a a a a a a a a a a a [Word Count: a 361]
Resource
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of
integration. Cascade Books.
