Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity PDF

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Running head: INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY

Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Katrina Prince Liberty University

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2 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY Abstract

3 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Summary 4MAT Summary David Entwistle’s book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration is an evaluation of the assimilation of psychology and Christianity. Entwistle first assesses the historical background concerning the integration of psychology and Christianity, and then delivers its theoretical foundations, followed by a section that explores various models of integration. He provides a compelling connection between science and theology and explains how combining the two can give a more complete understanding of human behavior. Entwistle describes the historical dialogue between theologians and scientists and how although the two approaches differ there is often harmony between Christian and secular perspectives (Entwistle, 2015). He begins with the thoughts of Tertullian that one must decide if they will seek knowledge through human reason or from faith (Entwistle, 2015). In response to Tertullian the author responds with the claim that “all truth is God’s truth,” in other words no matter how truth is discovered, it was created by God (Entwistle, 2015). The author then reveals the historical framework of integration with mentions of Augustine, the Middle Ages, and medieval Scholasticism (Entwistle, 2015). Entwistle explores differing worldviews, the effects surrounding them, and explains that personal worldview influences the process of how science and theology are integrated (Entwistle, 2015). He admits that Christianity has had the biggest impact on history but goes on to explain that a biblical perspective alone in not a complete assessment (Entwistle, 2015). He encourages readers to find evidence of God’s truth from psychology and science as well as from scripture (Entwistle, 2015). He proposes four epistemological approaches that encourage

4 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY integration which include logic, empiricism, revelation, and hermeneutics (Entwistle, 2015). He then focuses on biology and behaviorism (psychological anthropology) and humanity’s finiteness and fallenness (theological anthropology). Entwistle (2015) depicts five models of integration which include Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Rebuilders, Neutral Parties, and Allies. The Enemies model claims that science and faith are not compatible and rejects process. The Spies model lacks commitment to any religious system, invest little in religion, or water down religion; it does however recognize the potential that religion can promote well-being. This model reconstructs process (Entwistle, 2015). The Colonialists model borrows from psychology only when it conveniently supports their religious beliefs (Entwistle, 2015). The Rebuilders model obtains psychological views from Scripture and Christian tradition, the belief is that Theology transforms Psychology (Entwistle, 2015). The Neutral Parties model keeps psychology and theology separate of one another by placing emphasis on distinctiveness and not unity (Entwistle, 2015). Finally, the Allies model is holistic in nature and seeks to unify psychology and theology; this model claims that all truth comes from the Christian God (Entwistle, 2015). In the final chapters Entwistle explains the integration of theology and psychology in a comprehensive manner that is easy for the reader to understand. He emphasizes his beliefs by describing real-life scenarios in which the reader can relate. Entwistle gives a clear view on the similarities and dissimilarities that are associated with integration. He concludes by giving a clear understanding of how to integrate psychology and theology in future studies. Concrete Responses I must admit that I am nervous while writing this section, as my views, I am sure, differ greatly from others that have shared their personal experiences, and I do not know if this

5 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY comes across as a parable. I grew up “holiness Pentecostal,” went to private schools, directed the church choir, was the youth leader, was a missionary to Poland and Ukraine, graduated from Bible college, and am ordained. Something happened to me along the way in which the more I studied, the less I believed in God. I have tried to believe on several occasions throughout my life since, but I just cannot resolve that there is a God that created us just to worship Him and if we do not then we are doomed to an eternity of misery. I understand the concepts that Entwistle is trying to make, and I also understand that most people need to believe that there is something bigger than them that takes a direct interest in their life. I do not look down on people that believe differently than me as I can appreciate that most people need spirituality in their lives. This understanding allows me to know how important it is to others that seek counseling that I play the role of an Ally. Allies use psychology and theology in order to have a holistic view. While I can understand and can talk as an Ally, I probably am more of what Entwistle calls Spies (Entwistle, 2015). While I do not believe that theology and psychology need to be separate for others, I absolutely separate them in my own worldview. I am committed to the field of psychology and do have an antagonistic view of religion. However, my life is surrounded by Christianity, my family are Christians, my fiancé with whom I attend Church is a Christian, and I go to a Christian college. To be totally honest I do not know where I fit in exactly with Entwistles’ Model of Disciplinary Relationship (Entwistle, 2015). Reflection Entwistle’s strength is his capability to summarize the history of conflict between psychology and theology in a concise unbiased approach. His view on the “quest for faithful reading” clearly supports his Allies model of integration and resolves possible integrationist

6 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY disagreements (Entwistle, 2015). The Christian reading his book may wonder if he minimizes the gospel message due to his desire for pleasant integration and his overemphasis of disciplinary integration. He also does not address what a believer should do with the information he presents. The book is well written, but I can understand how it may be hard for nonprofessionals to find his weighty material hard to read. I can see how his use of difficult words could make his message difficult to decipher. It may be hard for counselors who employ total integration of psychology and theology to “avoid imposing their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors” onto their clients as suggested by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2014, A.4.b). Entwistle does not address how a Christian counselor can counsel a non-believer without bringing his or her own worldview into the therapy room. The underlying assumption rather is that Christian counselors should sneak their worldview into counseling with the hopes of a conversion. Theological Interaction I personally resonate with what Entwistle (2015) calls Neutral Parties, I do not think theology and psychology need to be in conflict with one another but a mutual respect for territory is needed. According to Entwistle (2015) I follow two masters, in that when in Rome I do as the Romans and when in Athens I do as the Athens. I believe this is what any good multicultural counselor is does. While I personally do not follow Christian teachings, I do understand the importance it plays in the lives of many Americans. According to Hays and Erford (2018) 80% of Americans claim to believe in the God of the Christian bible. It is for this reason that I believe it is important that counselors are multicultural and are able to incorporate theology and psychology into counseling.

7 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY According to Entwistle (2015) I recognize the distinctiveness of psychology and the uniqueness of theology and can identify their similarities. While I do not agree with the first version of the model, that all psychological and theological findings should be completely separate; I agree that the models have independently come to the same conclusions and can be paralleled. However, I also think that theology and other spiritual teachings/religions can come to the same parallels. I agree that personal worldviews influence the pursuit of knowledge but accept the modernist division of knowledge into autonomous disciplines (Entwistle, 2015). I agree that theology and psychology can overlap but also believe that they are distinct. I also see the importance of being able to see the complementary findings between the two for the sake of multicultural counseling. According to Entwistle (2015) I hold the position of psychologic neutrality; I am committed to the profession of psychology, believe that religion and/or spirituality is important to most people but not necessarily the Christian belief. I agree with Entwistle (2015) when he states that this model “Lacks the commitment of Christian orthodoxy and is often simply ‘spiritual’ or ‘religious’” (p. 233). Again, I believe it is important for counselors to be able to combine both theology and psychology for patients with a Christian worldview while simultaneously compartmentalizing both. While Entwistle (2015) contends that those who take the Neutral parties stance fails to adopt a deep collaboration between theology and psychology, I disagree. Having been surrounded by Christianity my whole life I can collaborate the two deeply for those I am counseling that identify with Christianity, I just do not do so in my personal life. While Entwistle (2015) claims that the Neutral Parties model presents a fragmented view of personhood I think a good multicultural counselor is able to counsel in a holistic

8 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY fashion for all persons regardless of their theological stance. To say label oneself a “Christian counselor” is putting oneself in a box thereby excluding all others that need counseling that do not take a Christian worldview. According to Sanders (2013) we should not have arrogance and inflexibility about our personal theories, values, and paradigms as it can greatly inhibit the counselor’s ability to relate with clients whose beliefs are different from our own. Action Steps I agree that integrating psychology and theology can provide a more holistic treatment for clients that have adapted a Christian worldview. I plan to continue studying Christian psychology as the belief in the God of the Bible is the mainstream belief for most Americans (Hays & Erford, 2018). I plan on improving and becoming more open-minded in my worldview in order to counsel those whose beliefs are different from my own. It is important to remember that even within the Christian community a counselor does not know exactly where in the disciplinary models he or she may believe. Therefore, it is important to remain neutral and develop trust with clients in order to treat them holistically on within their worldview. According to Entwistle (2015) some clients may come to counseling because of hurt resulting from one of the five models. It is therefore important to approach Christian counseling within the context of the client’s worldview and not my own. I plan on remaining open to Scripture as well as other religious belief systems while claiming neutrality between psychology and theology. This can be achieved by seeing the two different perspectives of a common phenomenon; knowing that the psychology and theology can overlap and support each other (Entwistle, 2015).

9 INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY References American Counseling Association (ACA) (2014). Code of ethics as approved by the ACA Governing Council. Retrieved from: https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-codeof-ethics.pdf Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity (3rd ed.). Eugene OR: Cascade Books. Hays, D. G. (2018). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach. New York, NY: Pearson. Sanders, R. (2013). Christian counseling ethics: A handbook for psychologists, therapists, and pastors. (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic....