The Issue of Combining Christianity and Science - Book Report/Review Example

David N. Entwistle David N. Entwistle Summary of the text The issue of combining Christianity and science may be a concept that countless individuals may be skeptical about in modern times. However, these two disciplines are being combined to ensure that the essence and nature of man is deciphered for the benefit of all. Psychology and Christianity may be on different scales, but aim to bring out the various aspects that surround the life of human beings (Entwistle, 2010). It is through works by authors such as David N. Entwistle that people may comprehend the combination of these two disciplines, and how they might assist people in their everyday lives. He is the author of “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity”, where he strives to bring out the disciplines and the role they play in identifying the underlying nature of man. This paper will examine the book and how people might relate to it in their quest to find meaning in the relationship between theology and psychology. It is through the writing of this book that Entwistle hoped that individuals would find a much deeper meaning in life by looking at life through the eyes of psychology and theology. This is rather than looking at life through these disciplines individually. By weaving together aspects of the either discipline, the audience can then be at a position to appreciate and fully comprehend humanity (Entwistle, 2010). Human needs, according to the author, are simply tied to the psychological aspect of being human, and that is why it is vital to combine some of these basic desires to the aspect of Christianity. This is especially in trying to find a bond that may work toward fulfilling the desires of every human. Entwistle covers the theological, psychological, and the eventual dependence between the two disciplines in the first chapters of the book, which lay the foundation on which his arguments are based. There is also talk about worldviews and how they might affect human understanding on some of the issues that arise. A worldview, according to the text, is a presumption about the world and how it is, based on how human beings view it (Entwistle, 2010). This may be loosely interpreted as, ‘human beings see what they choose to see’, and this might affect the manner in which they approach different subjects that affect their lives. According to the text, it is vital to have a worldview that has Christian foundations because these foundations offer clarity and truth. There are other theories brought forth by the author in trying to defend the aspect of combining the two disciplines in order to have a much deeper understanding, such as metaphysics, which is used to analyze some of the factions of the worldviews through the eyes of scientists and Christians. In this text, Entwistle tries to illustrate the differences that exist between some of the factions present in both disciplines. Christian combatants is a term used to refer to people who use the Bible in counseling, while colonialists is used to refer to those that incorporate psychology in their counseling (Entwistle, 2010). Concrete response to the text It is my opinion that this book might assist neutral parties in their quest to understand human nature. As described by Entwistle, an ally is one whose theories or suggestions another individual might agree with (Entwistle, 2010). That being said, one can take a page from his book to reflect upon some of the things that took place, and try and find meaning in what transpired. Projecting is a term used in counseling to refer to a situation where the counselor tries to put themselves in the client’s position. This is because the counselor thinks that the client might share the same experience, or might think that the client wants to hear about their experience. During my starting years as a counselor, it was difficult to keep my affairs completely away from the clients’ experiences. This was because I could relate to some of their experiences. One time during a session with a client, I decided to tell him about my personal addiction as they started talking about their addiction. I thought, at the time, that this would be the proper way to let him open up and let me assist him. However, it became clear to me that focusing on trying too quickly to solve the problem might have been pushing my client away. I was focusing only on the positive side that would come out of this, but my client was not feeling the positive changes. I remember him clearly stating that what I went through was not what he was feeling at the moment, and that I should learn to listen to what he was saying lest he looked for another counselor. I learnt a lesson in giving my client the power in order to comprehend their feelings and attitude, which also works on giving them the confidence to believe that they can solve the problem on their own. Reflection Entwistle wishes to impart psychological knowledge onto readers and other scholars. However, it does not seem logical the manner in which he criticizes those who might not agree with him, especially on the use of psychology counseling. There was the mention of some of the names which Entwistle gave to those who had or followed different approaches in counseling. In my opinion, this may not be the way to properly argue a case. He might have done this to argue his case for the use of psychology or theology in counseling, but it does not mean that he can belittle or malign all those groups that do not adhere to his understanding. Biblical scholars have been criticized for not having an open mind when it comes to this issue, while others have been on the receiving end for misinterpreting some Bible scriptures (Entwistle, 2010). There is also a failure to mention how there can be successful incorporation of psychology or psychotherapy in Christian or theological doctrine. In my opinion, Entwistle tried to focus on the combination of theology and psychology in a bid to show of the connection that both disciplines may have on the human mind (Entwistle, 2010). Fortunately, neutral parties have ways they can address the issue of combining the two in the counseling sessions. Keeping an open mind is what most people would do and try to incorporate psychology in spiritual counseling. This is for the benefit of clients who tend to lie on spiritual or theological knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Action Taking appropriate measures to ensure that the theories laid out by this book are brought into practice, it is vital for all who read it to keep an open mind. The main ideas brought out may positively impact my counseling in the sense that I would want to listen to what my clients want, and provide them with the necessary tools to have more control. That being said, autonomy is what I aim to provide to my clients. Counseling is about allowing people to find true meaning in their feelings and their lives. This autonomy may guarantee that clients can approach their issues from a point of clarity, regardless of whether they are spiritual or not. The knowledge imparted by the text is a clear indicator that not all people are for or against the idea of combining the disciplines that define their fields. That being said, it is vital to create rapport based on what one believes in, and this is what I would share with other professionals. Spirituality/theology and psychology are two different disciplines, but looking at the manner in which people relate to each other today, there is the incorporation of countless disciplines in different areas (Entwistle, 2010). That means that there is a connection between disciplines that exist, and it is the duty of every professional to evaluate every angle to ensure that they provide the necessary tools to assist their clients. Reference Entwistle, N. David. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books. Read More