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According to his groundbreaking work, Entwistle (2015) distinguishes them by their
different scope of work on God's creations in the world and God in the world. These two sides
conspire to point out the essential implications of the interrelationship between psychology and
Christianity. Theological reflection, highlighted by Entwistle, helps to direct one's thinking
toward God's actions, providence, and the overarching plan within the world. It focuses on the
thought-provoking matter of the almighty power and a cause of history. From the theological
view, people endeavor to realize the presence of God in each of our lives, thus showing
reverence, humility, and a sense of awe for His Creation. As stated in John 1:1-14 (KJV), "In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," indicates that
meditating on God's deeds will lead people to think over the nature of God and realize that He is
present in the world.
On the contrary, psychic reflection gives attention to the subtleties of human thinking,
behavior, and emotion and considers them based on the creative order of God. It focuses on the
intricacies of the human mind, such as mental health, conditional factors, emotional regulation,
and cognitive operations (Entwistle, 2015). Psychology, although considering that man is the
creature of God, is more inclined towards the scientific discipline of understanding and
addressing all human experiences and problems based on a scientific and empirical perspective.
The ramifications of this differentiation between psychology and Christianity occur in various
ways. It also shows the complementary nature of these two sets of disciplines. Theological
insights give a basis and foundation for understanding the human being within the situation of
the divine purpose. In contrast, psychological insights offer valuable perspectives on human
existence and mental well-being (Emmons et al., 2017). Theological and psychological
paradigms can be integrated to obtain a more comprehensive, inclusive viewpoint on human
3
nature and a broader approach to human needs. Christianity and Psychology are not entirely
separate from one, even if they do require and possess independence (Entwistle, 2015).
Theological and spiritual contradictions just as well may distort the progress of solving
various problems where they have an irrefutable point of view. For example, theological
teachings might be that having faith in God can help you prevail over the problem, and He has a
better plan for this particular situation. At the same time, psychological intervention may focus
on scientific-based research with regard to the treatment of mental disorders (Emmons et al.,
2017). Therefore, such a general strategy of tolerance toward the terms of theology, as well as
psychology in their intervention of the circumstance, is critical. Nevertheless, theological
psychology assumes a particular insight structure, and it requires a critical thinking process
among Christians in order to initiate the unavoidable dialogue. The solution for all lies in only a
huge complex of questions on the nature of the East or West, the position of ill-treatment, and
the impact science may make upon spirituality. The hub of the mystery is to understand God's
handiwork detailed and to lose the great motivation to join prudent world improvement.
Lastly, Entwistle demonstrates by these two sections that theological and psychological
conversions occur in two different channels, but they coincide and communicate with each other.
His consideration of their mutual understanding has a great impact on the connection between
psychology and Christianity. By acknowledging the mutual enhancement of theological and
psychological ideas, the detailed management of tension, and keeping in mind the intrinsic
nature and the involvement in critical dialogue, individuals and communities can ultimately
achieve a more profound perception of God's creations and the beauty of God in this universe.
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References
Emmons, R. A., Hill, P. C., Barrett, J. L., & Kapic, K. M. (2017). Psychological and theological
reflections on grace and its relevance for science and practice. Psychology of Religion
and Spirituality, 9(3), 276–284. https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000136
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, Fourth Edition:
An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of
Integration. In Google Books. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
https://books.google.com/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=TShMEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=Integrative+approaches+to+
psychology+and+Christianity:
+&ots=h8BypoZUQL&sig=OTR9MxZxKE0090vNhAHLNJ5eBwE
Bible Scripture
John 1:1-14 (KJV)
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