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Model Paper
Alethia Gilreath
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
PSYC 420: Psychology and Christianity
Professor Jichan Kim
November 18, 2021
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Model Paper
When dealing with the relationship between psychology and Christianity there are many
different models one can look at. There are six models that were discussed in the class. In the
book “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview
Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration the models that were listed are
enemies, spies, colonialists, rebuilders, neutral parties, and allies (Entwistle, 2015). Each model
has their strengths and limitations. It is important to study the relationship between psychology
and Christianity to help get a better understanding of the world around us. Each person has a
different view on the world. This is due to the fact that each person has their own thoughts and
assumptions about the things around them and their experiences. This also can be applied to how
people interpret both psychology and the Christian faith. Psychology is science based while
Christianity is based on faith. As people, thoughts or views on each topic vary from person to
person. This why there are so many questions and thoughts surrounding the relationship between
psychology and Christianity. Models were created to help organize the different thoughts and
views of both topics. Models can help simplify and explain just what the relationship between
psychology and Christianity entails based on what type of worldview one has. After studying
each model, the model of allies appears to be the best at explaining the relationship between the
science of psychology and the Christian faith from a biblical worldview.
Of the six models studied, the model of allies is the best at expressing the relationship of
psychology and Christianity. Before getting into just how the allies model helps, one should
understand what method of how to look at the relationship. One method that is significant for
Christians to use is the approach of postmodernism. The reason this method of knowing is best
for Christians is because it engages in the fact that there is objective truth while also
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understanding that as humans, there are limitations to completely understanding everything
(Entwistle, 2015). This method of knowing clearly connects to the model of allies. The model of
allies expresses the importance of the fact that psychology and Christianity differ in a variety of
ways. With the allies model, it recognizes that there are many ways to learn and understand the
world, while also recognizing that God is Sovereign over everything and knows all truth. The
model also acknowledges that worldviews have a great influence on how people think
(Entwistle, 2015). In the book “Psychology and Christianity: Five Views,” written by Eric
Johnson, the allies model can also be called the integration view (2010). This is because with the
allies model it wants to, instead of separating the two topics, bring them together in a way.
Especially since worldviews have an impact on the way people view the world. Each topic has
its own way of disciplines and views on the world. With the allies model, it takes what God says
is true and applies it to psychology while also taking things from psychology to understand the
Christian faith. This leads to the next topic of how the allies model observes the Two books.
The Two books discussed are the of His Word and His Works (Entwistle, 2015). God’s
Word shows the will of God while the God’s Works shows God’s power. The allies model views
these by studying both books equally instead of just taking certain pieces out to apply or
disregarding them altogether. The Word of God reveals the way one should live their life fully
(Johnson, 2010). Since the model takes what God says to true, the Bible teaches of human
nature. The allies model approves that psychology and Christianity are under God’s authority. In
order to even try understanding both the science of psychology one must understand the aspect
of what God says and His power. Once one gets a grasp of what that entails, one can take what
they have learned and apply it to their understanding of the science of psychology. But only after
studying the God’s Word and His Works, which leads to the next topic.
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There are several strengths of the allies model. One strength of this model is the unity of
truth. This perspective describes how all truth goes together and that all truth is under God’s
authority (Entwistle, 2015). With this we know that when he created people, he also created
human nature. In Genesis 1: 26-27, it says, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image,
in out likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the
livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So
God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female
he created them” (New International Version, 2011). This shows that people were created to be
like Christ, not in the way to be as powerful or all-knowing but to be loving and caring. Then
when sin entered the world, it messed all of that up. Sin came into people’s lives and change the
natural behavior of human beings. God also gave people the foundation of the Christian faith. In
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work” (2011). This goes to show that because what God says is true, then this
must be applied to everyday life, including work life even if it is science based, such as
psychology. Another strength of the allies model is that it recognizes that there is error in human
nature. Meaning that since we do not and cannot know everything or even begin to understand
fully, there is bound to be error in our judgement. This explains how people can read a verse
from the Bible and gather different views. Each person has their own set of assumptions and
opinions. Which then shape their view in the world. That is why this model focuses heavily on a
biblical morals and values. A third strength of this model is the fact that it understands the need
for having a biblical worldview, it does not keep people from studying other sources (Entwistle,
2015), This shows that people can gather more knowledge on areas in their life while also
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staying true to their faith. This model does not restrict people from only becoming a pastor or
worship leader. In fact, it does the opposite. It almost encourages the idea of working a job that is
more science based. For example, psychology, a Christian can go into the field of psychology
without giving up their belief and faith in Christ Jesus. However, that does not mean that work be
easy, it may be a bit more challenging. As a Christian one can take their core morals and values
and apply it to their daily jobs.
Now every model has its limitations because nothing is perfect. There are a few
limitations of this model. One limitation or weakness is the not knowing or having core
convictions throughout all the branches (Entwistle, 2015). There are many gray areas in the
Bible, meaning there are some laws or rules that are stated in the Old Testament that some
Christians do not obey. It comes down to the personal relationship between God and the person.
The issue with this is that some people abuse this gray area, or they just don’t know how to go
about figuring everything out. For example, in Leviticus 11:7-8, the Bible states, “And the pig
though it has a divided hoof, does now chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their
meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.” Some Christians take this verse to heart
or are convicted to not eat any pork, while others do eat pork. Knowing that human nature has
been corrupt, it can be hard to know whether the conviction is genuine or not. Another limitation
goes back to the topic of people not being able to interpret things correctly one hundred percent
of the time. This also affects the way people reason which can be tied back into the problem of
conviction. A third limitation for this model is that not all truth can be found in the Bible.
Meaning that while yes, everything that is in the Bible is true, it does not contain for example,
truths about sicknesses or mental illnesses on so forth. This is where psychology can play its
part. As Christians our faith and belief in God is our foundation. Then we build on that with
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knowledge of psychology and other areas of learning. The important thing is to make sure that
the foundation is set in Christ Jesus.
Overall, there are many strengths and limitations when discussing any model in
psychology and the Christian faith. With the allies model the strengths outweigh the limitations
in a way. Meaning that if one’s relationship gets stronger with God, then the limitations within
that model, at least for that person will be limited. When someone’s faith and relationship is
strengthened in Christ, their judgement on things with also strengthen. They may even have a
more reliable way of discerning what they are convicted of instead of not really knowing or
abusing that gray area. One of the biggest strengths of the allies model is that it recognizes the
importance of the study of God’s Word and of God’s Works.
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References
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, 3rd edition: An
Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration
(3rd ed.). Cascade Books.
Johnson, E. L., Myers, D. G., & Jones, S. L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity five views (2nd
ed.). InterVarsity Press.
New International Version Bible, (2011).
