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 inCounseling). As
pastoral counselors, we are redeemed sinners thinking with a Christ-like
mindset helping other sinners achieve freedom through the Holy Spirit.
: : : : : :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.
