4-MAT Review: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Liberty University

Summary The book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity (2010) by David N. Entwistle, readers are first presented with the concept of the conflict between the integration of Christianity and psychology. Psychology is founded on the truth while Christianity focuses on an individual’s faith. This leads one to question whether Christianity and psychology are possible to coexist. Entwistle offers a statement that is fundamentally an examination of the entire book: “The integration of psychology and theology is virtually inevitable due to their mutual interest in understanding the ambiguities and mysteries of human behavior and healing human brokenness” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 51). Entwistle mentions an individual’s worldview. A worldview is defined as how an individual looks at the world as well as the assumptions that are seen within the world. A person’s worldview effects the way in which they look at their own expectations and experiences. And with this comes a natural perception of assumption. Worldviews can be learned in many different aspects: family, school, media, and religion. There are two aspects that both psychology and theology have in common: human behavior and the healing of shattered lives; however, each approaches the aspect of human behavior with different assumptions, approaches, and goals (Entwistle, 2010). Entwistle explains psychology seeks out natural reasoning as to why events occur. A combination of empirical evidence and reasoning are ways psychologists develop theories as well as analyze data; however, an individual’s worldview can and typically will influence those conclusions. Most Christians seek out natural explanations for the events they experience or try and rationalize events through supernatural means. There are five components that make up Christian theology: creation, sin, grace, redemption, and revelation (Entwistle, 2010).
Entwistle focuses on an individual named Francis Bacon who gave descriptions of two books that were written by God: God’s Word and God’s Works. The Bible, which is referred to as God’s Word, discloses the determination of God while God’s Works reflects on the deeds he carried out during creation. In addition, Entwistle introduces five disciplinary relationships: enemies, spies, colonialists, neutral parties, and allies (Entwistle, 2010). Enemies are classified as either secular or Christian; however, both agree there is no coexistence between faith and science within psychology. Spies are Christians with an educational background in psychology but are focused in finding only concepts within their own religious affiliation that can benefit them (Entwistle, 2010).
Colonialists mix aspects of psychology along with their own beliefs. They feel that psychology is beneficial but they do not have a background in psychology. Those who classify themselves as neutral are those who are indifferent when it comes to the integration of psychology within secular and theological opinions. With this attitude, neutral groups can maintain their differences by ensuring Christianity and science remain separate. The allies model views God’s truth is all truth and that God is dominant over everything. This model is aware of the way in which people are influenced by their Christian worldview and how they seek most information from Christian resources.
The remaining chapters of this book focused on the integration and its correlations with theory, research, psychotherapy, religion, the workplace, and professional ethics. This is geared to assist the reader in understanding both psychological and theological mindsets within Christianity. In addition, Entwistle mentions that development research must also be taken into consideration when creating future counseling techniques. While integration is difficult, it provides a highly rewarding career in Christian counseling.
Concrete Response Throughout this book the one thing I was reminded of was my future goals and the decision to pursue my degree. I had been out of school a few years and had constantly said I would not go back because I was too tired or too busy. I found myself wanting to find a program that would allow me to feel like I had a purpose in life. I started off looking at local schools as I had planned on commuting; however, none of these schools were giving me a feeling of excitement. I knew if I was going back, I wanted to be excited. It took prayer, research, and soul searching to figure out what program and school I was being called to go attend. As I reflected back on my life, I realized that the one thing I have always had a passion for was the concept of assisting others. Each job I had worked allowed me to help someone see they could accomplish goals and persevere in life. It was then I knew I wanted to work in a field where I could continue my passion of helping others. Even though I knew how I felt, I decided to gain others opinions to see if they felt I was taking the right step. I listened to my family and friends and decided that I wanted to work to become a crisis and trauma counselor. The only dilemma I faced was finding a college that was online and that incorporated my Christian values. I prayed God would place the right school in front of me. I began looking into Christian programs but I couldn’t find anything in the state of North Carolina that appealed to me. Then out of nowhere I did a Google search and found Liberty University. I was still apprehensive about being accepted and even starting this journey since I had taken time out of school. I was afraid I had lost my ability; however, I knew that was the Devil trying to scare me out of my decision. I applied, was accepted within that week, and believe this is the path God wanted me to be placed on. There is no doubt in my mind that once you turn your concerns over to God, that God will lead you in the direction you are meant to be in.
Reflection
After reading the Entwistle text, I became intrigued on how one could get an individual to reflect on their worldview perspective. It’s no surprise that people from all backgrounds view the world in different manners. Some individuals are constantly happy and seeing the positive things in life while others constantly look down at everything that happens in life. Entwistle acknowledges that individuals typically will believe their own assumptions in life and feel they are always correct. This can be challenging for counselors as they are the ones who have to bring to light the misconceptions and inaccuracies of the individual. A counselor must be prepared to do this in a way that it will not offend the individual. In addition, I feel as though Entwistle does not spend enough time on explaining integration and how it applies to Christian counseling. Entwistle spends only a brief amount of time in the text discussing the issue of informed consent; however, he does not go outside of this realm to help counselors understand the thorough point of integration within counseling. While informed consent is highly important in counseling, I feel it would assist a counselor in knowing how to integrate topics especially when trying to integrate one’s worldview. Another aspect I wish Entwistle had spent more time explaining is how to incorporate ethics within your workplace. Many companies make you feel as though you cannot discuss your religious fields and it would be interesting how a counselor could find ways to integrate religion with their clients in a strict environment. These are all tools a counselor could further benefit from with more explanation.
Action
When thinking of my actions, I feel I need to first reflect on the suggestions Entwistle offers in order to become a better counselor. The highlight of the text is through the integration of theology and psychology. Until I read this book I did not realize the distinguishing aspects between the two, especially when considering applying the integration within counseling. I have always thought of psychology as just a science but never thought of how much emphasis psychology and theology actually play a role in society as a unity. My action plan is to continue analyzing the integration of psychology and theology and the vast ways I can incorporate it within counseling clients. I would also like to enhance my biblical knowledge as Liberty and Entwistle has shown be how important the role of the Bible is within counseling. I feel that Liberty will guide me and prepare me for the counseling field so that I can become an amazing Christian counselor.

Reference
Entwistle, D. N. (2010). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldwide Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models and Integration (2ndEdition). Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books.