Models of Integration and Personal Affinity
“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).
H
HHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHReferences
Entwistle, D., N. (2015).HIntegrative approaches to psychology and
Christianity: An introduction to 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,Hlecture four:HFoundational and worldview issues
of integration.HLiberty University. HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117651/modules/items/13237297
Holy Bible. (2011).HNew International Version.HBiblica, Inc.
Lambert, H. (2016).HA Theology of biblical counseling: The doctrinal
foundation for ministry. Zondervan.
