“I’ve heard it said that psychology is just sinful human beings sinfully thinking about
sinful human beings” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 13). c I believe this is absolutely correct. c
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. c 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. c The same
could be said about every -ology. c The sinful nature permeates every part of every
person’s life (Entwistle, 2015). c Since we are all fallen, we are all “sinful human
beings sinfully thinking” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 156). Certainly, Nouthetic Counseling
is “sinful people thinking sinfully about [helping] sinful human beings” (Entwistle,
2015, p. 156) with Scripture. c 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. c 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). c I was hoping that I would be exposed to more psychology in this
degree plan. c 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). c Thus, I am pillaging psychological nuggets here and there. c I
like the idea of a Christian Psychology and, again, am interested in more than a
cursory look. c The Allies approach is, I believe, my goal. c 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. c My goal is to provide the most comprehensive help
to my clients as possible, whether they believe Scripture or not. c Thus, Allies is my
goal, but until I reach that place, I will continue pillaging relevant nuggets along the
way. c c c c c c c c c c c [Word Count: c 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.
