Analysis of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity by Entwistle David - Book Report/Review Example

Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Summary Contemporary times have merged the principles of Psychology and Theology which may have been unthinkable in the past. Each discipline is very distinct from each other with Theology emphasizing biblical truths and Psychology studying human nature and many other factors that affect man’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. When pitted against each other, an unending debate may ensue with Psychology upholding scientific and empirical facts based on research and Christian Theology defending its stand with accepted truths from the “God’s word”. David Entwistle (2004) has come up with this book that integrates Psychology and Christian Theology. He has found a way for both disciplines to co-exist peacefully and serve man in the most reasonable and productive manner. Entwistle saw that both disciplines shared an interest in understanding how people think and feel and in healing hurts to make them more whole. Despite its conflicting theories, Psychology, which was conceived by man still complements Christian Theology, which is the interpretation of man of God’s teachings. Integration reflects God’s desire to reconcile humanity and the larger created realm to Him (p. 81). Christians may ask a lot of questions that intend to deepen their faith in God. They seek answers that do not undermine the teachings they have previously learned but rather strengthen them despite their exposure to various worldviews. The book discusses various models in describing the relationships of Psychology and Christianity, ranging from the extreme Enemies paradigm which polarizes the “Secular Combatants” (psychology) and the “Christian Combatants” (Christianity), and proposes fierce loyalty to one discipline while rejecting the other. Other models like the Spies, Colonialists and Neutral Parties have tendencies to vacillate between the two disciplines. The Allies has been identified as the paradigm which is fully integrative. It highlights the value of both disciplines, that when fused together will give a more accurate view of truth. Entwistle believes that it is the truth that has been revealed by God in both the bible and in practical life. Being so, it becomes the most credible truth, coming from He, who reigns supreme over everything, including Psychology and Christianity. It proposes that in seeking truth, we must study both books of God’s word (the bible, Christianity) and God’s work (the world, people, Psychology). Comprehensive study of both books will allow mutual interaction of principles which may bring us to understand that all truths is God’s truth. In the event that there are inconsistencies in the search for truth, we should re-evaluate both theological and psychological evidences and give more weight to that which gives greater clarity. Since God is the author of all truths, we should discern His truth from both books to the best of our abilities (p. 275). This does not mean that such truth is not unquestionable. It is still open to any refutation as long as there are strong evidences that point to a more credible explanation. One would feel most secure in siding with the truth that God has upheld. If one just puts his faith in Him, and not be easily convinced by arguments conceived by man to demean God’s word, then they are on the right path. Integration of both disciplines mans that man should practice what they learn from God’s word and emulate the work that He has done. This entails a life of service to others in seeking the greater glory of God. CONCRETE RESPONSE Upon reading the text, the story that circulated in emails and social networking sites played in my mind. It was about a highly intelligent teacher challenging one of his students about the existence of a God. The teacher was intimidating, citing some facts that overwhelm the students into thinking that God must be a myth. A brave young student then argued that God does exist even without concrete proof. He asked the professor about the existence of cold, darkness and evil and parallelized this to the existence of God. He explained that the opposite of cold (heat) and darkness (light) had scientific proof that it existed, and the terms “cold” and “darkness” were just coined to describe the absence of heat and light accordingly. Evil was coined to describe the absence of God, which truly exists. It was something that was difficult to explain without the facts, but everyone seemed to understand and agree with his arguments. I was amazed at the courage of that boy to stand up to his teacher! Although it seemed to be a fictional story, I couldn’t help but hope that it was for real, and dreamed that I could be someone like that boy who defended his beliefs against someone powerful. Sometimes, I feel guilty of not having enough conviction to stand up for my own faith. I take pride in being so open-minded about worldviews that I tend to lose the original teachings I had about my Christian faith. However, thanks to Entwistle, I know that I can integrate the seemingly contrasting paradigms. I think of some women who have gone astray and engaged in promiscuity and end up suffering the consequences. Psychology would help me analyze the root of the problem and Theology would help me in giving hope that they could still be healed and begin a-fresh. REFLECTION Initially, reading the text was like being pulled into opposite directions while listening to a debate. While one camp explains its side, I am convinced that they are right… until I hear the other side. Then left on my own, the dilemma continues as to which camp will get my vote. As in most things, compromise seems to be the best seat in the house. Entwistle successfully builds up the arguments until he seems to blow the whistle and tries to put a stop to the bickering and makes the two camps shake hands and reach a middle point. I know both camps offer truths that sometimes conflict. But what if there are times when I would believe one more than the other? Would that make it less of a truth? As contemporary times widen our perspectives and offer a variety of worldviews, it is so much easier to get lost and confused with what to believe in. Sometimes, it is difficult to choose which is good from bad. If I am led to believe in something that appears to be good, but eventually is bad, then is that considered a sin? This very insightful book makes one reassess the strength of his convictions. It nudges one’s conscience to stop paying attention to worldly distractions and focus on what his soul or psyche truly needs. Usually, it is an ongoing dilemma whether one should do the right thing based on a Christian perspective or an appropriate thing based on human conventions. ACTION Being human, perfection eludes me. Therefore, I look up to a God who is perfect and without any stain of error. Whatever He says is absolute truth. It is man that can have various interpretations of what God teaches and I should always be aware that such interpretation may be flawed one way or another. It is just human to see God’s work in one’s own context and personal circumstance. Therefore, whoever comes my way to be a counselee will be embraced with God’s word. I shall ask Him to bless me and just use me as His mouthpiece when I give advice so that my words will be inspired by Him. Praying for His guidance before a session with a counselee will definitely fill me with His Holy Spirit and together, we work through the counselee’s problem with grace. Integration of Christian ideals and teachings and human Psychology, in my view, is the best way to guide a person towards true healing. Bringing his “brokenness” up to God and letting Him fix it with the help of a counselor who understands his human circumstances will prove to be an effective strategy in achieving peace of mind and heart and clarity to know what to do best. Reference Entwistle, David N. (2004) Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity. Wipf and Stock Publishers Read More