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4-MAT Review Paper
Juli J. McFarland
Liberty University

Summary In his book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David Entwistle introduces the complicated connection between psychology and theology. The connection between psychology and theology is a topic of great argument. (Entwistle, 2010) Some scholars believe it is a great idea to connect psychology and theology, while others believe it would be harmful to do so. Entwistle focuses on the similarities of psychology and theology, instead of their differences. Psychology focuses on finding the cause of behavior through biological and environmental methods as well as past experiences. Theology focuses on the cause of behavior being linked to sin. Psychology focuses on healing through theories. Theology focuses on healing through Christ. Even though psychology and theology have different methods they have similar goals to achieve overall wellness. Entwistle stated that both psychology and theology focus on the cause of behavior and healing. (Entwistle, 2010) Psychology and theology also both contain truth. Entwistle believes “All truth is God’s truth.” (Entwistle, 2010) Psychology and theology are not so different and both can be combined to help achieve overall wellness in the lives of others. Entwistle made a point that theology and science have been embattled throughout history. Entwistle explains that how a person views the world determines how they view the truth in their lives. Entwistle also emphasizes that a worldview is learned instead of selected. (Entwistle, 2010) Entwistle suggests that beliefs must be examined concerning theology and the world. Only when you examine your beliefs toward psychology and theology can you connect the two disciplines. (Entwistle, 2010) For example, a Christian is a lot more open minded to supernatural event happening in the name of God. God is responsible for the supernatural event. A secular scientist is going to be more skeptical toward the supernatural event. A scientist would conclude that science is responsible for the supernatural event. Entwistle then goes on to explain five models for connecting psychology and theology. The first model is the enemies. The enemies believe that psychology and theology could never be connected. (Entwistle, 2010) Enemies could be opposed to psychology are theology. The second model is the spies. These are members of religious organizations with an extensive training in psychology. However, they only wish to benefit their religious organizations. (Entwistle, 2010)
The third model is the colonists. The colonists are people who interact with different communities in order to win them to their side. For example, a theology colonist might work with a psychology colonist in hopes they will see the error of their ways and join their side of the debate. The fourth model is the Neutral parties. Neutral parties keep psychology and theology separate. (Entwistle, 2010) They do not pick sides on the debate for or against connecting psychology and theology. (Entwistle, 2010) The fourth model is the allies. The allies believe that psychology and theology are two connected passageways to finding the truth. (Entwistle, 2010)
Entwistle concludes his book by going into deeper detail of the only true connecting model of psychology and theology, the allies’ model. (Entwistle, 2010) He also describes the truth behind psychology and theology. A connection of psychology and theology is healthy for the overall therapeutic process, future research and wellness of a client.
Reflection
Entwistle’s book is a great tool to help Christians in the counseling or psychology field connect with theology. However, I believe the book should have discussed in more detail how to apply the connection with psychology and theology into your practice. I also believe the book should be more practical in its wording so everyone can understand what is being taught not just psychology students or professionals. The book should focus on students and professionals in other areas also such as ministry, missions and education. The author did a wonderful job using history as well as models to support his view on connecting psychology and theology. He also did a wonderful job quoting various figures in different fields to prove his reasoning behind connecting psychology and theology. Entwistle shared several personal experiences that helped the reader understand his viewpoints as well as give insight into what shaped his viewpoints. For example, He discussed having a father as a surgeon and a mother as a nurse. He also discussed dinner conversations with his family to prove that his worldview was different than that of his peers. (Entwistle, 2010) Entwistle’s personal experiences added to the overall quality of the book. The summary portion of the book was very helpful in reviewing what was taught in each chapter. The questions for reflection and discussion section of Entwistle’s book were also helpful to the reader. It helped the reader understand and review what was taught in each chapter. Entwistle’s Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity is a must read book for every Christian in a psychology related field.
Action
As a Christian in a psychology field, I plan to evaluate my worldview. I will evaluate my worldview by examining my beliefs, values and past experiences. For example, why do I believe what I believe? Was I told to believe it? Did a past experience shape that belief? Only when you get honest about your worldview can you apply truth to your practice. When I evaluate my worldview, I will be able to objectively look at my connection of psychology and theology. I will be able to see my strengths and weaknesses in connecting psychology and theology. I hope to build on the strengths and work on the weaknesses. I will also be able to evaluate the five models to see which model my beliefs line up with. I will then make a determination on if the model is in the best interest of my clients. I agree with Entwistle that “All truth is God’s truth.” (Entwistle, 2010) Truth was created by God. Truth was given to us by God. It is our job to find truth. In my future practice, I plan to incorporate all truth given by God which includes both psychology and theology to help my clients achieve overall wellness in every area of their lives.

Reference
Entwistle, D. N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration. Eugene, Or: Cascade Books.

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