Running head: INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY & CHRISTIANITY 1
A 4-MAT Review
Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Angel Manuel Perez
Liberty University
PACO 617-D01
Dr. David Hollis
August 11, 2018
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4-MAT Review - Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Summary
David N. Entwistle’s (2010) work, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and
Christianity - An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of
Integration, succeeds at creatively scrutinizing the integration of two opposing rivals,
psychology (science) and theology. Entwistle (2010) argues that the feud that has been going on
between psychology and theology was ignited by the publication of Charles Darwin’s work, On
the Origin of Species (1859). Entwistle (2010) rebukes the idea of separation psychology and
theology.
In essence, Entwistle (2010) is opposed to the separation of secular knowledge and
scriptural knowledge. Entwistle’s biblical worldview recognizes the differences between the two
schools of thought; however, he argues that this distinction is no grounds for separation.
Entwistle (2010) supports his position recognizing that the distinction between psychology and
theology is that psychology is based on methodologies guided by the pursuit of empirical
evidence. Entwistle (2010) challenges the schools of thought that separate science and theology
by arguing “the rallying cry of integration is that all truth is God's truth so that wherever and
however truth is discovered, its author is God” (p. 13). This line of thinking is Entwistle’s central
theme, which he maintained throughout the book. Entwistle (2010) is convinced that both
schools of thought are flawed. Both science and theology need to lay down their pride by
admitting that there is both truth and error in both worldviews.
Entwistle (2010) introduces a theocentric unified model where he describes seven points,
endeavoring to create a theory of knowing based on a Christian worldview. What Entwistle
(2010) is trying to demonstrate through this model is that “psychology and theology can be seen
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as united under a common set of assumptions about the world” (p. 89). He is not implying that
psychology and theology will agree on everything, but that there can be found harmony between
the two disciplines, leading to a more clear image of human nature and function.
Entwistle (2010) work also introduces five models with the intent of creating the
integration of psychology and theology. Entwistle frequently refers to what Francis Bacon
describes as the two books of God, the book of God’s Word (Scripture) and the book of God’s
Works (creation), which Bacon describes as his sources of truth. Entwistle emulates Bacon
regarding his sources when addressing the five models: Enemies, Spies, Colonialist, Neutral
Parties, and Allies. Entwistle accentuates his conviction that “all truth is God’s truth.” Entwistle,
therefore, concludes that truth can be found in both psychology and theology.
Concrete Responses
I surrendered my life to Yeshua at age 17. I allowed myself to be influenced by church
leaders at the church I began to attend. I did not know what discernment was at the time;
however, it led me to be labeled as a rebel by some because I chose biblical truth over tradition,
church culture, and doctrine that did not sit well with my spirit. My pastor at that time supported
me. In the eyes of many church leaders, I was rebellious because I opposed their “Christian”
worldview. I am still opposed to “Christian” worldviews. I set out to develop a biblical
worldview, which is modified daily as I become more self-aware and gain greater insight into
God’s Word. I trusted in elders of the church for direction and spiritual guidance for the first two
years of my new life. I transferred to a Christian high school at the end of my junior year and
trusted my teachers for, not only academic direction but for spiritual direction as well. In
retrospect, I had come to discover that it was a mistake I would have to live with for the rest of
my life. Nevertheless, it was an experience that taught me much. I did not know any better at the
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time. My career interest and academic endeavor were to major in psychology. However, I was
misguided to think that I should not pursue psychology as a major for “religious/spiritual
reasons.” I was persuaded to major in ministries, such as evangelist or pastor. I was passionate
about sharing God’s Word with the lost. I was a youth leader in my church. As time passed, I
came to believe that I was called to preach the Gospel. After graduating high school, I attended a
Christian liberal art university in the northern Midwest. There I discovered that pastoring was not
for me. The Holy Spirit enlightened me, and I understood that I was not called to be a pastor.
That was not what was on my heart. The Holy Spirit had endowed me with special gifts that led
me to peruse another career path.
It was in my last year of high school and my first two years of college that discovered the
five models of integration between psychology and theology Entwistle (2010) described in his
work. He referred to them as Secular Combatants and Christian Combatants. I discovered that
academia and religious institutions (churches) were littered with people having a mentality
characterizing each of the five integration models described in Entwistle’s (2010) book. I
discovered that I had become a Christian mutant. Due to my exposure and relationship with each
of the integrations models described by Entwistle (2010), I became infected, and I mutated from
one form of thinking to another. It was only my heartfelt quest for “truth” and the voice of the
Holy Spirit that propelled me to a state of awareness. I am aware that my heartfelt quest for truth
is imperfect, limited, and can be flawed. However, I press toward the mark of my high calling in
the pursuit of knowledge with the awareness of my shortcomings (Entwistle, 2010). I firmly side
with Entwistle’s (2010) conviction; all truth is God’s truth, absolutely.
My perspective aligns most closely with the telos of the Allies (Entwistle, 2010). As Entwistle
(2010) states in his book, “The telos of the Allies model aims at being faithful to God in all of
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our lives, including studying the book of His Works and the book of His Word as we attempt to
discern the underlying unity of truth, serving and praising God, and loving our neighbor” (p.
148).
Reflection
Entwistle (2010) does a superb job of communicating the importance and significance of
comprehending the unity of psychology and Christianity. Entwistle (2010) thoroughly discusses
the antagonism related to the union of psychology and Christianity. I commend the author for
addressing the importance and advantage of recognizing the value of each branch of knowledge.
In doing so, one acknowledges that each discipline contains a measure of both truth and error.
Also, Entwistle (2010) offers excellent insight regarding the “two books of God: His
Word or His Works” (p. 178). “His Word” is a term for Scripture, and “His Works” is a term for
God’s creation. Entwistle (2010) fails to amplify on the operation or role Holy Spirit. The author
does not delineate on the importance of discernment or any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This
leaves an unsightly hole in his work. The author addresses the “two books of God,” but he fails
to mention who brings life to the “two books.” Without the Holy Spirit, who carries out the Word
and makes creation possible? The author also failed to discuss the application of discernment in
respect to truth, wisdom, and knowledge. In John 14:26, Jesus clearly states that “the Advocate,
the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind
you of everything I have taught you” (NIV).
Despite some of the gaps, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity should
be required reading for all disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The points
addressed in this book can be applied to life in general, as well as to numerous disciplines. I
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highly recommend this book to everyone, pastors, church leaders, professional counselors,
psychologist, social workers, pastoral counselors, etc.
Action
This book, regarding the integration of psychology and theology, reinforced my
convictions on what I have been arguing for over 35 years. This book has also inspired me to use
more diversity in my references when I engage in research.
Comprehending the five integration models is vital to both the pastoral counselor and the
professional mental health community. I believe I can state with certainty that most of the
general population is oblivious to the five integration models. It is equally vital that one
recognizes the factors that shape one’s worldview. I endeavor to transmit this truth to all that
would lend an ear. It should go without saying that self-awareness is paramount to one’s journey
to becoming Christ-like.
Grasping each of these principles will equip the general population, as well as the mental
health professionals to personally and professionally discover “truth.” As a result, church leaders
and mental health professionals will possess the tools they to lead others to truth, and to provide
clients with higher quality service. An appreciation and respect for what both disciplines,
science, and theology, bring to the table translate into developing well rounded counseling
professional, the development of more effective counseling techniques, and biblically sound
research. It would be a waste in limiting myself to implementing the points addressed in this
book to the integration of psychology and theology. I endeavor to incorporate them in every
aspect of my life. Absolutely, all truth is God’s truth (Entwistle, 2010).
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References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2018). Forgiveness therapy in practice.
Retrieved August 11, 2018, from http://www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310950.aspx
Entwistle, D. N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction
to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (2nd ed.).
Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.
