Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity - Book Report/Review Example

Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Abstract The author of the book “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity” deals with two disciplines, which considered being poles apart, psychology and theology. The questions on life and human experience are of primary concern for both disciplines. Entwistle underlines that psychology and theology complement one another. He claims that: “Everyone has a worldview - a window through which he or she views the world, assumptions, and beliefs that color what he or she sees” (Entwistle, 2004, p. 67). Thus human experience can be obtained not empirically, neither filtered out through faith, but depends only on cultural, educational and social background. The author works out 5 concrete paradigms for the abovementioned disciplines and their reflection through cognition. Enemies (secular combatants and Christian combatants) are those who neglect any relation between psychology and theology. Spies show loyal attitude towards a preferred discipline, but will adopt some issues from another discipline. Colonialists are described in the most metaphoric way and are claimed to encroach on alien ideas. Neutral parties take their way without a tendency of two different disciplines. Allies make ends of psychology and theology meet on the background of God (the same truth). The author appeals to his readers for them to find a golden mean between the Bible and the science. He tends to the idea that “…God is the author of all truth” (p.275). Whether we like it or not, it’s necessary to find balance between theology and psychology. In one way or another, our experience and worldview reflects our beliefs and inner world. Therefore in order to avoid biases and ambiguities, it would be better not to reject either of disciplines. Thus flourishing of Christian counseling centers can be explained by what many believe is the perfect union: Christianity plus psychology (Hannush, 2004). Concrete answer My education is guided by secular knowledge to the greatest extent. My process of education is guided in my university through research and experimentation based on empirical data. I understood from my own experience that it’s necessary to explore various religions only to be aware of cultural diversities in the world. My employers have shaped my experiences through “Athens”. Different companies I have worked for didn’t allow their employees to reveal their religious beliefs while working. Such kind of strategy can be viewed as a preventive measure of the company to protect it from biased attitude towards clients and their co-workers. Thus religion was omitted from the daily practices. Therefore my education and work experience didn’t involve theological knowledge, but episodes from my childhood explored Christian theology to me. High level of my grandmother’s spirituality and her dedication to God and the Baptist church made me to visit church three times a week. Being misguided by the moment, I separated myself from the church of my own free will. Now I try to fill in the gaps in my dialogue with God. For me, as for future Christian counselor, it’s very important to think beyond empirical data and to involve theological issues (Koenig, 2005). In accordance with Tertullian’s, “Those of many God-fearing people before and since, was that human reason and biblical truth are essentially irreconcilable” (Entiwistle, 2004, p.11). My idea is quite opposite. We can’t oppose Academy and Church. Both of these institutions have their truths, pros and cons. Creation of the World is incredible, then various disciplines are good and important too. For a Christian psychologist Christianity and Psychology are issues of a prime interest. Integration of two disciplines will lead to a multi-sided cognition of human nature and human deeds. I realized the importance of religion in my life when my grandmother tried to fight her cancer. Doctors told her that there was no hope. But she was brave and prayed all the time and she believed in God with all her heart. God blessed the doctors who could treat her. Medicine (science) with the help of God (religion) kept her on earth for two years more. Thus I see a perfect example from my own life when religion and science made a salvation union. Reflection What bothers me about this book is that Entwistle in a latent way opens his readers a truth of Christianity and Psychology interaction. He claims that not only human experience and actions influence his/her way of life, but also God provides us with everything. One shouldn’t live life for himself, but also to pay attention to God’s premonitions and signs. First of all, it is necessary to analyze your inner world and thus appeal to psychology. After that, after proper consideration of inner world and personal mistakes’ acknowledgement, God will be next to you. Integration of psychology and theology is a fruitful basis for counseling. I think that Christian counseling is a perfect choice for 21cenruty. A nationwide spread of Christian counseling will help to solve such dilemmas as how to reach the goal, why do wee want to reach the goal and why do we want to accomplish the goal. The relevance of the book by Entwistle is obvious and undeniable. Though the book is written in rather a complicated way, its main idea is worth being grasped. Action Human experience can be obtained not empirically, neither filtered out through faith, but depends only on cultural, educational and social background. My education and work experience didn’t involve theological knowledge, but episodes from my childhood explored Christian theology to me. High level of my grandmother’s spirituality and her dedication to God and the Baptist church made me to visit church three times a week. Entwistle’s book illuminated my worldview and widened my horizon. This book underlined the importance of my future profession. My MA will be in Human services concentrating on marriage and family Christian counseling. In this sphere both religious and psychological approaches are of high importance. I’ll advise my co-workers and friends and future colleagues to enrich their knowledge after reading this book. Bible is a book of books, it reveals its truth to those who seek salvation and want to handle their inner world (Edwords, 2008). My future clients will feel a constant support and enlightenment. I can also tell the example of my grandmother’s struggle with cancer and that only thanks to His words she was rescued. Especially integrative approach in counseling, involving truths of Christianity and Psychology, is important in counseling married couples. Integration consists of finding equivalent concepts in two disciplines (Williams, 2006). Misunderstandings, mistrust and lack of patience can vanish into thin air after reading the Bible. But firstly, it is necessary to deal with inner world of both spouses. I’ll try to do my best and explore their wishes and desires, try to find out a deep sense of their relationships. For this purpose I’ll involve my memories after reading a book by Entwistle. It’s necessary to focus my concern on nature of man, how he should live, and how he can develop. The involvement of certain traditions and behavior on a cultural background of any country can be fruitfully completed by God's Word. Works cited 1. Edwords, F. (2008). What's So Great about Christianity? The Humanist, Vol. 68, 38+. 2. Entwistle, D. N. (2004). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity. Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers. 3. Hannush,M. (2004). I Am the Truth: Toward a Philosophy of Christianity. Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, Vol. 35, 279+. 4. Koenig, H. G. (2005). Faith and mental health: Religious resources for healing. West Conshochocken, PA: Templeton Foundation Press. 5. Williams, E. et al. (2006). Rejection of Christianity and Self-Esteem. North American Journal of Psychology, Vol. 8, 193-196. Read More