Entwistle (2015) cites “The critique that psychology is sinful human beings
sinfully thinking about sinful human beings...” At first thought, I believe this to
be a fundamentalist or biased view of psychology. This critique initially was
NOT very credible in my view. He also asserts that careful consideration of
our assumptions is required by theologians. After study and review of the
Chapter, understand and agree with what Entwistle is trying to convey.
d d In philosophical anthropology, which is the study of character,
disposition, qualities, and inclinations of human beings, theologians study
human nature. They become both the investigator or observer and the object
of the investigation. (Entwistle, 2015, page 155) Meaning that as pastoral
counselors, we can interject our own assumptions, beliefs and prejudices into
the field of or science of psychology.
d d Entwistle (2015) cites “… modern psychology is built on a scientific
approach to studying behavior, it is also built on metaphysical assumptions…”
To say that psychology utilizes only scientific inquiry, does NOT mean that it
is free from bias. (Entwistle, 2015, page 146) Psychology has two (2)
epistemic frameworks of the study of nature and limits of human knowledge.
One is based on empirical or scientific data and the other is based on
rational disclosure, which can interject our worldviews, personal experience
and education; and consequently can shape our theories. Entwistle (2015)
also states “…there may be many apparent contradictions between science
and Christianity, which are the result of metaphysical premises and
interpretations.” Metaphysical assumptions have implications on one's
understanding of truth, goodness and beauty.” (Entwistle, 2015, page 126)
d d Therefore, the critique that psychology is about “sinful human beings
simply thinking about sinful human beings” is appropriate, especially if our
assumptions and premises are biased, false, or sinful. Entwistle's (2015)
asserts that pastoral counselors must “…carefully consider our own thoughts”
before entering into consultation with a client.
d d Within the lecture COUN 506 (LUO) Sin, Confession, and Redemption in
Counseling different theology concepts of sin are discussed from universal to
personal sin. It was rather interesting to note the different natures of sin.
Most are considered a rebellion against the Lord, including the hereditary,
original sin from Adam and Eve, and that man is basically sinful in nature.
Romans 3:23 states “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
d d A better understanding of the Dynamics of Sin is required as pastoral
counselors. Chief among the dynamics is to enable the client to be self-
aware of their needs. A counselor must determine the client’s attributional
style – external, internal, or universal/cosmic. A sense of conscience is
required. Is there an appreciation of right or wrong; or is it out of
alignment. Is the client personally responsible for their own problems or do
they blame others?? One of the goals of counseling is assist the client to
become willing to accept responsibility and to be remorseful; but also to
move from being just remorseful to experience true repentance and to make
a change in their lives through God’s grace and mercy. Understanding these
theology concepts of sin and how it relates to our clients’ needs are critical
to become an effective counselor!
d d After review of the six (6) models of the relationship of between
psychology and theology, including the antagonistic models, the intermediate
models and the integrative model. As a realist, the model that I have a
personal affinity for is the Allies as Subjects of one Sovereign. The Allies
model recognizes the underlying unity of human nature, and the legitimacy of
both theology and psychological investigation” (Entwistle, 2015, page 182)
Both disciplines can stand on their own sources and merits without being
manipulated into a false premise. The Allies model also recognizes that all
truth is known by God who is sovereign over all things. “The Allies model
acknowledges the sovereignty of Christ as creator and sustainer of all
things.” (Entwistle, 2015, page 183)
d d What is appealing to my realistic nature is the Allies model allowance
for the recognition of human error and limitations, which is like a governor on
a golf cart. This regulator can keep us honest and truthful as pastoral
counselors; and keep us from getting ahead of ourselves or getting out of
alignment with our client. It is important that our personality be adaptive or
amenable to that of our client. The Allies model is integrative and non-
manipulative, which is unique and unlike some of the other models.
Psychology and theology are rightly understood as allies.
d d There is much to take delight in the Allies model! The Telos moves to
strive as a faithful steward of all that God is entrusted to us, including the
study of the book of His Works and the Book of His Word; and the goal is
to unify the truth between psychology and theology; and to use psychological
and theological methods to gain a more holistic and unified understanding of
truth! (Entwistle, 2015, page 184)
References
Entwistle (2015). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity 3rd
Edition, An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and
Models of Integration. Published by CASCADE Books.
COUN 506 (LUO) Sin, Confession, and Redemption in Counseling. Week Seven,
Lecture One.
PACO506_Discussion Thread_Models of Integration and Personal
Affinity+AHPv1.0.docx
