A 4 MAT Review of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Liberty University

Summary Entwistle’s book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, discusses the historical background of psychology, religion, and the tension that is often associated when trying to blend the two. According to Entwistle, “psychology utilizes reason and observation of nature as its primary source,” whereas “theology utilizes Scripture as its primary source” (p. 135).
Psychology and Christianity are discussed under five models of integration within the text. These models are Enemies, Spies, Colonists, Neutral Parties, and Allies. The Enemies model pits psychology and theology against one another. One either chooses the scientific path of psychology or goes the spiritual route with theology to solve a problem. There is no room to integrate the two. People who follow this model are either spiritual or scientific. They do not believe the two are intertwined. Entwistle further divides the Enemies into Secular Combatants, who embrace psychology without any religious authority, and the Christian Combatants, who embrace religious authority and work to protect it from human interference (Entwistle, p. 138).
The Spies model recognizes the benefits of religion and Scripture but does not seek to integrate the religious aspect into psychology. If religion does try to play a part, it is reduced to the most minimalist form. Therefore, the therapist may recognize his or her client attends Church and even encourages such attendance. However, the therapist will not seek to discuss Scripture or use prayer as a counseling tool (Entiwistle, p. 142).
Those following a Colonist model are more inclined to introduce Theology into Psychology, but with restrictions. Colonists will carefully select what elements of Psychology are useful and then work to conform it to Theology. This view uses Psychology as a disguise. A counselor may ignore the behavioral tools used to assist a client and delve more into Theology and Scripture as a means of therapy. Counselors following a Colonist view are likely to only assist Christian clients and disregard anything not related to Christianity (Entwistle pp. 144-145). Many people assume this is how all Christian counselors operate. If one is labeled a Christian counselor, he or she must only work with other Christians.
Neutral Parties recognize there are pertinent ideas in both Psychology and Theology that may be useful. However, Neutral Parties prefer to keep the two ideas separate. There is admittance by Neutral followers that both Theology and Psychology have powerful healing aspects but are careful to separate them with clients. A counselor among the Neutral Party is willing to accept the two methodologies and encourage a client to seek healing both Spiritually and Scientifically. The counselor is careful not to overlap the two in any counseling sessions (Entwistle, p. 147).
Response
Much of the history discussed in Entwistle offered views to my past. I was raised in a strict Catholic family. The church my family attended followed the Traditional Latin Rite as was offered prior to the Second Vatican Council. Attendees of this church believe the state of the modern Catholic Church to be in grievous error and not following God’s true plan for His people.
As a child, I attended Catholic school where the main classes focused on Theology, Catholic Doctrine, Catholic Church History and Latin. The historical background discussed throughout Entwistle’s book reminded me of my childhood education. In school, we were drilled on the historical impact of the Catholic Church, the meanings of Church Doctrine, what constitutes a sin, and how the current state of our society was due to a lapse in religious belief. We were encouraged to associate only with other Catholics. Befriending a Protestant would surely result in a lapse or defiance of Catholic belief.
My father often sent me on retreats. These were week long stays at a religious shelter where I, and other women in attendance, were lectured on the traits a good, Catholic woman, wife, and mother posses. These retreats were silent for the attendees. This means we were not allowed to speak to anyone other than the priest. We were to use this time for prayer, reflection and Mass attendance.
My maternal Grandmother lived in our family home. She was a Methodist (my mother converted prior to marrying my father). I was taught those who are not of the Catholic faith were doomed to spend eternity in Hell. If you were not Catholic, you did not receive the proper form of Baptism to cleanse one’s soul. Nor did you receive the proper Communion, which is believed to be the true body and blood of Christ. Being that I loved my grandmother, I was fearful for her eternal soul. During one of the above-mentioned retreats, I asked the priest, “is there any way to save my grandmother?” He replied that yes, she could be saved by converting to the Catholic faith. “But Father, “ I said, “she suffers from Alzheimer’s and can no longer think reasonably.” He shook his head and quietly told me “then she will end up in Hell.”
Not long after, I left the Catholic Church and spent nearly ten years avoiding religion. I believed myself unworthy of God’s love and mercy. Three years ago, I began my journey back to God and His love for me. It has given me a passion for those feeling denounced or unloved by God and a hope that my story will resonate with others who feel undeserving of God’s love and mercy.

Reflection
During the reading of Entwistle’s book, I did wonder how a Christian counselor might handle clients of varying beliefs. Each religion has its differences. Some clients may seek help from a Christian counselor because they believe a secular counselor may impede on his or her beliefs. It is also likely that Scripture may be interpreted differently. Take for example the passage in 1 Corinthians 11:10 – 13, 16: "For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. (For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.) That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels....If any one is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God."
The church I formally belonged to believed women should always cover their heads when inside the Sanctuary. Newcomers who came without head coverings were stared at. But the last line is where controversy can come in. To some it may indicate other religions that do not follow the practice of head coverings are not recognized. To others it may simply be a way of life thousands of years ago and has since fallen out of practice. It would not mean that Jesus disregards those who refuse head coverings. Likewise, it is beneficial that a client takes an active part in his or her counseling. If the client is of a particular religion, the counselor should engage in a discussion as to what beliefs he or she holds. Would the client find it more beneficial to integrate Scripture, prayer, devotions or all three? Though the book provides wonderful historical background and addresses the importance of religious and secular counseling, it seems portray integration only as the counselor seems fit.
Action
I am not one who easily understands the Bible. Many can read the Scripture and fully grasp God’s meaning and how it applies to their lives. Therefore, I use daily devotionals, prayer, and church attendance to better understand God’s word. Those seeking counseling may be similar in that they find the Bible confusing and unsure how it relates to their circumstances. There are also situations where people assume a Christian counselor will spout religious doctrine as a form of healing. Those who believe this may avoid a Christian counselor in fear of being converted or seeming overly religious. I think it is important that Christian counselors attest to their faith but are open to all. One does not deny his or her faith. He or she prayers for each and every client and leaves the door open for any religious discussion. After leaving the Catholic Church, I spent many years avoiding anything of a religious nature. However, I had a neighbor who ever so subtly spoke of her church to me. She made subtle mentions of what she learned and the atmosphere. I was always amazed at how her face lit up when discussing her church. It was her subtle mentions that got me back into a church after nearly ten years. Maintaining subtleness with clients who are reluctant to use Scripture and prayer can produce results. However, counseling sessions are not for converting people. The goal is to help the client heal. Presenting prayer and Scripture as a form of healing can open a new door to clients. It is important that this door always remains open and the client is assured his or her best interest is being pursued.

Reference
Entwisle, D.N. (2010). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration. Oregon: Cascade Books.