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Integrating Psychology and Christianity: The Allies Model
Psychology and Christianity are commonly assumed to be two completely different areas
of study with no sense of harmony that exists. What are some of the first things that come to
mind when thinking about them? For Psychology, things such as emotions, mental illnesses, and
counseling are commonly referenced. Christianity, more than likely, would be associated with
things like religion, spiritual beliefs/practices, and attending church. It needs to be understood,
however, that Psychology and Christianity are in fact able to be integrated with each other and
are not as dichotomous in nature as may be assumed. Dissecting the relationship between them
as two separate disciplines not only allows for the opportunity to understand what makes them
harmonious, but also, to create a framework for dialogue (Entwistle, 2020) by offering further
explanation of the different theories expressed. There are different models discussed in the
course text that offer a variety of in-depth perspectives as to the relationship between Psychology
and Christianity, and the model that seems to provide the best explanation of this integration is
referred to as the allies model.
Methods of Knowing: What’s Best for Christians?
Before the discussion on the allies model, it is important to touch base on the idea of
knowledge. There are different types of methods that exist in the context of epistemology when it
comes to obtaining knowledge. In the course text, there are four specific methodologies
discussed: authority, logic, empiricism, and hermeneutics. Out of all of these, for the sake of
Christians being well equipped to know and understand, appeals to authority and logic would be
considered the two most impactful.
Appeal to Authority
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When a person considered an “authority” figure communicates information, it tends to be
more easily trusted. Much of the information that is known has been passed down came from
someone in an authority position, such as a parent, theologian, doctor, or mechanic (Entwistle,
2020). It must be understood that, while in the context of human beings, all people are subject to
error, authority is seen as one of the most powerful means by which knowledge is obtained. In
Christianity, the belief in God is predicated on this idea. What’s more, though, is that God is
considered chief of authority and is incapable of being erroneous and all knowledge from Him is
considered without imperfections: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of
God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33). This
is the underlying principle for Christians that drives the efforts in obtaining knowledge.
Logic
The logical approach to obtaining knowledge is based on the idea that facts and beliefs
are able to be differentiated from each other by looking at the rational consistency that is
presented based on one’s reasoning (Entwistle, 2020). This is recognized through one of two
pathways, which are deductive logic and inductive logic. Deductive logic establishes truth by
looking into and evaluating premises that are based on generally assumed rules and axioms,
while inductive logic develops generalizations that are a result of isolated observations
(Entwistle, 2020).
The Allies Model of Integration (Chapter 11)
As previously noted, Psychology and Christianity can in fact be integrated with each
other, and the allies model seems to give what would be considered the best explanation as to
what this looks like. Just as it is emphasized by the model’s name, as opposed to the enemies
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model also discussed in the course text, Psychology and Christianity in the allies model are not
considered exclusive to each other, but instead, inclusive. It agrees with the Spies model in that
good psychology can be found in religion, but rejects the idea that religion is solely beneficial as
a “vehicle” for expressing psychological truths and primarily provides psychological benefits for
those who associate with it (Entwistle, 2020). Most importantly, the allies model is built upon the
foundation that God’s truths are revealed through both His Word (Scripture), along with His
Works (creation), referred to as “the two books”
The allies model begins with a certainty regarding God’s sovereignty, in that it rules over
all things, including Christianity, Psychology, and other disciplines, which are all considered
“subjects of One Sovereign” (Entwistle, 2020), being that God created and sustains all of that
which is considered truth. Also, being that God sovereign, it is important to be subject to His
dominion and focus on employing the different disciplines to ends that are godly (Entwistle,
2020), and since these are seen as subjects from God, they are meant to work in harmony with
each other as allies rather than enemies.
The Two Books
It is understood that God’s truths are revealed in a variety of contexts. The two books
model says that God does this through both the Word (scripture) and works (creation), and they
both work together to reveal God’s truths and are not incompatible.
Scripture as a means of seeing God’s truths encompasses the Bible as a source authored
by many that uses different means of communicating truth, whether it be through real life
experiences (ex. David and Goliath), storytelling (ex. parables), direct messages to a given group
of people (ex. Ephesians), or prophecies (ex. Isaiah). A verse commonly referenced describing
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Scripture and its truth/inerrancy comes from 1 Timothy 2:3:16: “All Scripture is breathed out by
God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”
(English Standard Version).
God’s truth is also revealed via His works in the world. A great example from the course
text describes the medical field, in that God provides the ability to know and discern via reason
in order to be able to save lives and perform miraculous work for the sake of other peoples’
health and livelihood as a way to “minister God’s grace” (Entwistle, 2020). Similar beliefs are
established in the integration of Psychology and Christianity in that Psychology studies humans
in their natural realms using both discernment and reasoning, which can be considered an
extension that portrays the grace of God (Entwistle, 2020).
Strengths and Limitations
As is the case with all other models, the allies model does have its own strengths and
weaknesses that are to be considered.
Strengths
Regarding its strengths, the allies model is able to use theoretical frameworks,
information, and methods of study in the context of both Psychology and Christianity, which
allows for a more comprehensive perspective regarding the issues between them both (Entwistle,
2020). Also, the allies model is able to pinpoint the strengths and limitations of both disciplines.
This allows for a more subjective way of looking into knowledge in general, and this is
considerably advantageous within the allies model, given that compared to other models that
look at things from one point of view, it avoids surpassing certain ideas/concepts presented,
leading to a lesser understanding of the issues being addressed (Entwistle, 2020)
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Limitations
The allies model does have its own weaknesses as well that must be addressed. Entwistle
(2020) describes one of the main obstacles involving not being able to adequately define what
particular assumptions are established that drive the Christian approach to Psychology.
Christianity is considered a fairly diverse religion given the existence of many different
denominations and values/beliefs between them, thus, which makes establishing generally
accepted assumptions difficult. Another weakness branching off of the prior comes from the
potential lack of capability of complete integration between the two disciplines. As was already
noted, there are many different branches within Christianity with opposing perspectives. This
would be problematic when integrating with science (Psychology), being that science in general
encompasses being consistent, accurate, and exact (Entwistle, 2020)
Conclusion
The integration of Psychology and Christianity has long been debated as either possible
or not possible. As two separate disciplines with opposing purposes that drive them, it does not
seem at first glance that the two can be integrated being that science and religion are commonly
disassociated with each other. The allies model, however, provides a beneficial framework and
explanation as to how the opposite could be the case and seems and that they can in fact be
integrated.
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References
English Standard Version Bible. (2018). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Entwistle, D. (2015).IIntegrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to
worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integrationI(3rd ed.). Eugene,
OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers.
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