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.
c c c c c c c c c 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
