“I’ve heard it said that psychology is just sinful human beings sinfully
thinking about sinful human beings” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 13). Considering the
statement, I share in the position of Entwistle (2015) that while the
statement may not completely undermine the attempt to understand human
nature with human reason, it does, perhaps, expose us to a deeper reflection
and consideration of the sinful nature of all human beings; theologians and
psychologists alike. Entwistle (2015) succinctly puts it thus, “If the tenets of
Christian theology are correct, the effects of original sin permeates every
aspects of human experience, including our thinking; error and self-deception
have thus been added to the finitude of our creation as delimiters of human
knowledge” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 13). According to the Bible, the Fall of
mankind (Genesis, 3, NIV), brought about the “total depravity” of human
nature. Lambert (2016) writes, “Total depravity means that every aspect of
our human existence has been touched. In our inner man, our conscience,
will, intellect, and emotions have been corrupted” (Lambert, 2016, p. 224).
Hence, “Sin’s corrupting influence on our thinking means that we can
rationalize moral choices and make good things seem wicked and bad
things appear to be acceptable” (Lambert, 2016, p. 222).
Viewed from the perspective of the noetic effects of sin, the above
statement may hold some facts. However, not only psychology but all
aspects and fields of human knowledge including theology is affected by the
corruption of the human nature and the distortion of human reasoning.
Obviously, “Sin touches every element of our existence as people” (Lambert,
2016, p. 219). Consequently, the above statement cannot be accepted
without being bias against psychology. According to Entwistle (2015), “What
makes psychology distinct from philosophy or theology is that it uses some
methodologies that are guided by the quest for empirical evidence”
(Entwistle, 2015, p. 14). Both psychology and theology share a “mutual
interest in understanding the ambiguities and mysteries of human behavior,
and healing human brokenness” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 57).
Albeit “the frailty of our thinking imposes limitations on our quest for
certainty,” we are able to understand and know enough about God and the
world to sustain our relationship with God, the people, and the world
(Entwistle, 2015, p. 94). Thus, “All truth is ultimately under God’s sovereignty.
However, due to human limitations, our understanding is imperfect, and
sometimes flawed” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 182).
Moreover, my views on psychology and theology favor the Allies model. I
firmly believe that “Psychology and theology, rightly understood, are thus
seen as allies, both of which are of One Sovereign God” (Entwistle, 2015, p.
183). Apostle Paul writes, “For by him all things were created: things in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… He is before all things, and in
him all things hold together” (1 Colossians 1: 16-17). Psychology and
theology can critique, inform, and enrich each other, with the Scripture as
the “senior partner” (Hawkins & Moitinho, 2012). Faith and reason are to be
given their rightful place and placed in proper perspective. Entwistle (2015)
writes, “For those of us who follow this model, we will respect the ‘laws’ of
Jerusalem and Athens, but our ultimate allegiance is to the God who is
Sovereign over all things” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 183).
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d References
Entwistle, D., N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity:
An introduction to d d d d d d d d d worldview issues, philosophical foundations,
and models of integration (3rd Ed.). CASCADE Books.
Hawkins, R., & Moitinho, E. (2012). PACO 506: Integration of psychology and
theology. Week one, d d d d d d d d d lecture four: Foundational and worldview
issues of integration. Liberty University. d d d d d d d d d d d d d
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/modules/items/13237297
Holy Bible. (2011). New International Version. Biblica, Inc.
Lambert, H. (2016). A Theology of biblical counseling: The doctrinal foundation
for counseling d d d d ministry. Zondervan.
