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IntegrationPaper
ChristinaK.Nixon
DepartmentofPsychology,LibertyUniversity
PSYC 420- Psychology and Christianity
Professor Cindy Bremer
August17,2020
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IntegrationPaper-HowPsychologyandChristianitycanbeAllies
Todaythefieldofpsychologyisinhigherdemandthanever.AnarticleontheAmerican
PsychologicalAssocation stated that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an overall
growth in the field of psychology of 19% between the years of 2014-2024 (Clay, 2017).
Althoughaddressingspiritualandreligiousconcernshasnotbeenapriorityinthepast,evidence has
found a benefit to integrating spirituality in the practice of psychology (Corey, n.d.). Due to
thesefindings,theAlliesModelofIntegrationisthebestbalanceofChristianityandPsychology to use
in the realm of professional psychology.
MethodsofKnowing
In the video embedded in our course module, Foundations – What we see and how we
know, epistemology is defined simply as, how we acquire and evaluate knowledge (Magnuson,
2018). Entwistle defines epistemology more in depth as a branch of philosophy that studies the
possibilities,natureandlimitationsknowledge.Epistemologyisalsoconcernedwiththevalidity of the
claims to knowledge (Entwistle, 2015).
Entwistle tell us there are three models that we use to ascertain that our perceptions
mirror that of reality.The first is that of the naïve-realist who believe that there is a one-to-one
correspondence between reality and perception.The second are the critical realist who are those
whotakethemiddleground,believingthatperceptionsarecoloredbybiasandassumptions,and that
some interpretation and limitations are imposed by reality.And lastly there are the antirealists
who believe that there is no correspondence between perception and reality (Entwistle, 2015).
Therearethreedifferentmethodsofknowing,rationaldiscourse(logic),experimentation
(empiricism), and hermeneutics (revelation and interpretation). We can use rational discourse,
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inductive and deductive reasoning, quantitative research using the scientific method and
interpretationoftheWordofGod,tohelpusingainingknowledge.Logicistheassumptionsthat fact and
belief can be separated by reasoning. Empirical methods allow us to look at natural and
observable phenomenon and use experimentation to reach our conclusions. Hermeneutics is the
interpretation of the Word of God and the revelations that God has given us, to learn all truths.
Whilethereare several avenuesthat canbe takento obtain knowledge,wemustkeep in mind
that we are human and subject to error. There are several different limitations to all methods of
knowing. Some of these include availability of data, assumptions, individual/communal sins,
personal worldviews, human frailty, and human finitude (Entwistle,
2015).Whiletheselimitationsmayseemdauntingandevencauseustodoubttheabilitytofind truth, a
Christian has the assurance that God gives wisdom to all who ask (KJV, James 1:5, 2017). If we
are leaning and trusting in His understanding and not our own, he will direct our
paths(KJV,Proverbs3:5,2017)andleadustoalltruth.Ifwetemperancethewaysofknowing onthe
foundation oftheWordof Godthen all waysofknowingare acceptabletothe Christian.
AlliesModel
Although there are many different models, the allies model has the strongest foundation
andbalancefortheintegrationofChristianityintothedisciplineofpsychology. Whenlookingat the
allies model we first must recognize that God has sovereignty over all things, therefore we know
and appreciate that all truth is His truth, in theology, psychology, and any other realm of
study.TheAlliesmodel setsitsfoundation onthe premisethatGod’struthsare revealedinboth the
Book of God’sWord, and the Book of God’sWorks (Entwistle, 2015).At the beginnings of the
allies model is biblical anthropology that ascertains what it means to be human, and the
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purposeofhumanlife.ThisstartingpointforChristiansiswhatwillshapetheirworldviewand where our
reasonings begin (Entwistle, 2015).
The allies model agrees that there is benefit from both psychology and Christianity and
thattherearenumerouspointsthatoverlapinbothdisciplines(Entwistle,2015).Thosewhohold to the
allies model see that there are benefits to both and that the integration of these will result in
amorewholisticapproachtoprovidedtherapeuticsolutionsforthe individual.Althoughthere are
many parallels with the other models, the allies model sees a single reality that underlies
everything, and this reality is the one created by God who is the author of reality (Magnuson,
Integration, 2018).Instead of these two disciplines pulling away from each other, they in fact are
interdependent of each other and there is the ability to glean truth from both sides (Magnuson,
Integration, 2018).
Two Books Concepts TheAllies Model believes in the two-book analogy and believes the
premise that the book of God’sWord, or scripture, and the Book of God’s work, creation, both
coincide and interact with one another, and does not see one book as superior to the other
(Entwistle,2015).Thetwo-booksareconcise,andshouldbereadwithaptitudeandexpertiseof varying
methods.And although they believe good psychology can be found in Christianity, the don’t
hold to the view that they are mutually exclusive (Entwistle, 2015).
Strengths Those who align with the allies model realize that they are not separating the two
disciplinesbutrecognizethattheirChristianworldviewhelpsshapehowtheyviewscience.This is
actually a more honest approach to dealing with clients (Magnuson, Integration, 2018). Even
though theallies modelholds to aChristian worldview, it does notlimit knowledgegained from
only Christian sourcesand doessee merit inpsychological advancesand studies.Also,the allies
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modelisnotconcernedwithonlytheologicalandreligiousexercisesasbeingtheonlysole benefit
(Entwistle, 2015)
Limitations There are some limitations to this model. Some questions that may arise are, How
can we leave room for the convergence of opinion? What assumptions constitute a uniquely
ChristianapproachtoPsychology?And,whatarethenonnegotiablecoreconvictionsthatshould guide
our understanding (Magnuson, Integration, 2018).
Another limitation to consider is that no matter what stance a person takes, there will
alwaysbethosewhodisagree.Therearethoseintheevangelicalmovementthatdonotbelieve
thatChristianityandpsychologyshouldmix.Thislimitationmaybemoreapersonalonebutis still a
limitation to those who serve as Christain Psychologists.
Conclusion
Christiantheologyandpsychologyarebothfocusedonhumannatureand functioning.
Andwhiletheybothutilizedifferentsourcematerialsandmethods,wecanrecognizethatwecan learn
more from them jointly, then from them separately (Entwistle, 2015). Together the form a
complete and complex picture of the perfect marriage of God’s Word and God’s works. The
allies model does not take the stance of all or nothing and allows room from truth from bothareas
of discipline. The allies model to me encompasses the scripture 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things
are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be
brought under the power of any.” (KJV). The allies model demonstrates that all things must be
done in moderation. We cannot lean too hard to right or to the left. The allies model is a perfect
blend and has a solid foundation rooted in Christ and his Word, while allowing the book of his
Works to teach them as well. For that reason, the allies model is the best model for the
integration of Christianity and psychology.
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References
Clay,R.A.(2017,November).Trendreport:Psychologyismorepopularthan ever.
Monitor on Psychology, 48(10).
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/11/trends-popular
Corey, G. (n.d.). Integrating Spirituality in Counseling Practice. RetrievedAugust 20,
2020,fromhttps://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/integrating-spirituality-
in-counseling-practice.pdf?sfvrsn=10
Entwistle, D. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An
introductiontoworldviewissues,philosophicalfoundations,andmodelsof
integration(3rded.).Eugene,OR:WipfandStockPublishers.
Magnuson,Chad.(2018).Foundations–WhatWeSeeandHowWeKnow[Video].
RetrievedfromLibertyUniversity.
Magnuson,Chad.(2018).MakingModels–Integration[Video].RetrievedfromLiberty
University
