The discussion of integration in the fields of Psychology and Christianity has been
up to debate for the longest time. The most common perspective is those of
Enemies. The Enemies model “is based on the belief that psychology and
theology are mutually exclusive” (Entwistle, 2015, p.169), which was my opinion
before accepting Christ into my life. I believe that Psychology and Christianity
should be considered as integrated, God being the Creator of Psychology with a
specific purpose and usage for the field. Jay Adams quotes, “Psychology is just
sinful human being sinfully thinking about other sinful human beings.” In the book
of Romans, the Apostle Paul writes, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the
glory of God” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Rom 3:23). We are born
sinners into a world full of sin seeking breakthrough, restoration, freedom, and
salvation freely given by Christ Jesus. With that being said, I disagree with the
statement made by Adams to a certain extent. Although we were all once sinners,
once we accept Christ and our old self has been “crucified with him in order that
the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be
enslaved to sin. One who has died has been set free from sin” (English Standard
Version Bible, 2001, Rom 6:6-7). In other words, we are no longer sinners and
now live in the freedom that Christ sacrificed Himself for. One of our goals in
counseling “is to heighten our sensitivity to sin,” in which we can ask and believe
that the Holy Spirit will break strongholds and set the sinner free (Lecture notes on
Sin Confession and Redemption in Counseling). As pastoral counselors, we are
redeemed sinners thinking with a Christ-like mindset helping other sinners achieve
freedom through the Holy Spirit.
b b b b b b b b b b Entwistle suggests the models of Rebuilders and Allies. While both
models come into term with my beliefs, the model of Allies is especially more
precise in my beliefs and opinions about the relationship that is to exist between
Psychology and Christianity. While both models value Christian orthodoxy and
agree that “secular assumptions often taint psychological theories and findings, the
Allies model does not see the entire field as in need of a complete overhaul”
(Entwistle, 2015, p.248). In other words, we must carefully engage with the
insights supported by psychologists to better provide discipline to those seeking
counsel who has yet to find their freedom in Christ. Therefore, the Allies model
resonates better with my belief about integrating psychology and Christianity due
to carefully utilizing some techniques and knowledge brought upon by
Psychologists. Entwistle summarizes my idea by stating, “God has entrusted to us,
including studying the book of His works and the book of His Word” (Entwistle,
2015, 184). I believe that God is the Creator of all and, therefore, created the field
of Psychology to be used in relation to His Word.
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). In Integrative approaches to psychology AND
CHRISTIANITY: An introduction to Worldview ISSUES, philosophical foundations,
and models of integration (pp. 165–267). essay, Cascade Books.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Links to an external site..
Scalise, E. (2021). Sin Confession, and Redemption in Counseling.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/pages/watch-sin-confession-and-
redemption-in-counseling?module_item_id=13237399
