Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration

by David N. Entwistle

Textbook utilized for the integrative part of Liberty University's comp exam in the professional counseling program.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, School, Grad School, Textbooks, Christian Non Fiction, Theology

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lexi Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the assigned textbook for my Psychology & Christianity course. Probably my favorite textbook to-date. Such a valuable read. Even if you’re not majoring in psychology, I’d still recommend.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting textbook. Entwistle is open with the assumptions he brings to the discussion and engages other perspectives with charity. I particularly appreciated his inclusion of Anabaptist/Mennonite contributions to the field of mental health and to integration work.

[Tiffany May Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

My hatred of this book knows no bounds. It sickens me to think that we're giving state licenses to people who have been indoctrinated by this hog-wash, so that they can turn around and indoctrinate people when they are most vulnerable. Somehow the whole "do no harm" thing takes on a whole new meaning in this "educational" read- do no harm as long as long as you're not homosexual, pregnant outside of marriage, having sex outside of marriage, or whatever else you want to stick into this harsh and narrow minded world view. My heart truly goes out to anyone who finds themselves sitting in the office of any psychologist that buys this bologna.

[Locker McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who is interested in the field of psychology. This book primarily discusses the differences between the disciplines of psychology and theology, and explains how the two disciplines are commonly integrated. As you read, you begin to develop a sense of how you understand the two disciplines, which is important in learning what your biases might be. This is a very important step when becoming a scientist in any field. You must understand that your interpretation, or assessment of the validity of someone else's findings, are often effected by your philosophical anthropology. That is, your view of human nature, how things came to be, and so on.

[Kim Blackham · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a harder textbook for me to get through because of so many doctrinal differences. The one thing I walked away with was an even greater appreciation for the revealed truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Bill Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A text book - good information but a horrifically mundane read.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.4)

A really good book about the different ways psychology and Christianity can relate and how we can use it in studying our world.

Used with Liberty University Online: PSYC 420.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent starting point for the conversation of how to inebriate Christianity with Psychology. The author did an excellent job comparing various models and pointing out both the strengths and weaknesses of their positions. What is even better, the excellent foot notes clearly pointed the way to finding more specific information on various topics and points throughout the book. It was like reading a book and getting an excellent book list of books to read to continue developing your thinking. While the author does have a specific viewpoint, he does leave room for the reader to develop an opposing viewpoint, which I appreciated. Overall, an excellent book for Christians considering entering the psychology field or Christians in a psychology field.

[Brittany Soule · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know why I was called to Liberty university. When it was recommended to me, I was concerned about how much biblical studies would be involved as I still was unsure where I stood in the relation of religion in my own life. This book helped me to understand that where I am in life is ok, there is still a spot for me at the table. As I bring my own unique perspectives to the integration of psychology and theology, I will better be able to understand my stance and reframe the image of God and his role in my life.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book can be a little difficult to read, but the depth of insight buried in its pages is worth the effort.

Entwistle believes that psychology and Christianity are two different approaches to “understanding and studying human behavior” (Entwistle, 2015, p.1). The big question found in integration revolves around truth. Can secular man come to a truthful conclusion? Does a Christian man always reach a truthful conclusion? People have argued for the incompatibility or irreconcilability of psychology and Christianity with each other (Entwistle, 2015). Entwistle (2015) proposes that the integration of secular and sacred thinking is imperative for the success of understanding human nature.
There have been many times where science and Christianity have been at odds. Early in church history, the Roman Catholic church was primarily in control of science as it interacted with the ecclesiastical views of nature (Entwistle, 2015, p. 23). Going along with the opposition of science ran the support of its advancement when it aligns or benefits the views of the church. Entwistle (2015) credits the birth of psychology in science and infers that the early religious hostility to science foreshadowed the “later theological reaction to psychology” (p. 23).
A major strain on the relationship of science and faith has been Darwin’s theory of human origin, how the Christian church has responded to this is as varied as the church herself. Some denominations work to make scripture match scientific theories; while others, look to defend the historical interpretation of scripture (Entwistle, 2015, p. 31). There has been no final decision regarding evolution and the universal church. The viability of Darwinism in the church depending greatly on the church’s interpretation of scripture and beliefs towards science. In today’s culture science and Christianity are seen more and more as compatible (Entwistle, 2015).
Psychology is a new scientific field, first being recognized in 1879, but has deep roots in philosophy, religion, and medicine which all have concern in human nature (Entwistle, 2015). The church has been a large part in developing care for the mentally ill and early church fathers laid deep foundations for modern-day counselors seeking to incorporate a holistic biblical worldview (Entwistle, 2015). There has not been a blanket acceptance of psychology, specifically psychotherapy, and many leaders in psychotherapeutic models have not embraced the realm of a person’s spirituality with their psychological care.
A person holds specifics beliefs about the world, how it works, and people, why they do what they do. Depending on what environment, culture, religious influences, experiences, and other influences impact a person determines the development of their worldview. These views shape how we interact with the world. These are inseparable parts of a person, as they have learned these elements to be true through interaction and experience. Every person desires to understand and gain knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge can be through human means, limited by human understanding, and by revelation, indirectly through the world around us and directly by God making himself known “in word or deed” (Entwistle, 215, p. 110). There is debate regarding the need for both natural and supernatural worldview to solve the problem of the soul, human nature. Entwistle (2015) argues for the need of both worldview to have a holistic view of ethics and morality. Man is created in the image of God, theology shows the proclamation of the origin and redemption of human nature through scripture (Entwistle, 2015).
A core goal of Entwistle (2015) is to outline six models of how “people think about the book of God’s Word and the book of God’s Works as a means for learning about human beings” (p. 168). His six models are: Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Rebuilders, Neutral Parties, and Allies (Entwistle, 2015, p. 167). Enemies are those opposed and always fighting the integration of psychology and faith. Spies look to religion for elements to pick for psychological benefit without any theological implication. Colonialists approach from the opposite angle of a spy, they seek to grab keep pieces from psychology to apply within orthodox theology. Rebuilders see psychology as something which the world has taken for their own. They work to retake influence, through active involvement in psychology, and use scripture to weigh every assumption. Neutral parties do not seek to eliminate one approach, but allow each approach to exist, uniquely in its own sphere of application. Allies are the final model and seek to bring both psychology and theology together under the umbrella of all truth being of God. (Entwistle, 2015).
In integration which mode has preeminence in a dispute? In Entwistle’s writing, “God’s Works may be of benefit as we seek to understand His Word, and the truths of His Word may help us better understand the truths found in His Works” (2015, p. 293). Integration works theoretically, while application in practice requires continued research, application of good theology and good psychology by each practitioner. Clinicians must be “theological and psychological investigators” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 302). Ultimately, truth never contradicts itself, regardless the source.

[KCAMES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Read

The topics were challenging and encouraged critical thinking and reflection. Personally, I found things that I would like to further develop and reflect on. I will use some of the questions for journaling because I want to be clear to myself about my thoughts and understanding.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I challenging read but a valuable be one. I recommend brushing up on key philosophy terms before reading. Also, read the introduction. It tells you the purpose of the book. Without that you may be confused by the author's train of thought.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave a good perspective on different models of how individuals view the world around them. A long read that could of been condensed but I enjoyed new perspectives on how to integrate different models into counseling.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a necessary book for Christians and psychologists alike.

[Joshua Turrentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for school a while back, and I loved it. I only rented it at first, but I loved it so much I decided to go ahead and buy it.

[Herald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was ok, I think

[marcos]

Dr. Heller

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided an introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations of Christianity and psychology and discussed different models of integration. The author laid a foundation for me that caused me to critically examine my own worldview. He pointed out that “Christians and non-Christians can draw correct or incorrect conclusions”. He asserted that bad Christian thinking is even worse than bad secular thinking. This allowed me to enter into the pages of the book with more awareness of the possibility of my own poor thinking and how my worldview can cause me to draw conclusions that are sometimes incorrect. Entwistle posed the question of how Christianity can relate to psychology and how Christians can use secular knowledge to love God and to love one’s neighbors. He asserted that all truths are God’s truths so when we find truths in secular thinking, we can be sure that they are also God’s truth. The concern comes from people’s ability to know truth objectively and without it being determined through personal beliefs and worldviews. Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that seeks to understand the nature of knowledge and the limitations and possibilities of knowledge, and it also examines factors that distort people’s perception of truth. The author asserted that knowledge should be used for good and that certain criteria pertaining to moral and intellectual virtues will assist Christians in making appropriate use of knowledge. I would also like to point out that people who bash thinking that does not align with their own are no better than those they go against. In the end, as another review pointed out, I found this book extremely mundane. It was effort to turn the pages. I realized this even more after McMinn's book on integration. I did not like Entwistle's style of writing.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book provided excellent teaching on philosophical theories. However, in chapter 9, Entwistle unashamedly attacks the character of John MacArthur and any other "Christian combatant" for the sake of his argument that Christian Psychology is a "correct" form of practice. If Entwistle wrote from an objective point of view, I would have taken him more seriously, however you can almost feel the unbridled hatred Entwistle has towards many modern theologians. Entwistle accuses MacArthur of faulty assumptions, yet his own assumptions are dripping with emotional arguments about how everyone else is wrong rather than presenting multiple perspectives as unbiased as possible. While I don't agree with everything MacArthur says, he is arguably today's most predominant theologian and many of his exegetical interpretations are well within hermeneutical bounds. I was required to finish this book for a college course, but after this particular chapter Entwistle's rapport diminished to the point that his additional arguments had no weight and I disengaged from his teachings.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a Protestant Psychologist, and I give him a tip of the hat for being slightly more objective toward the Church than I feel most Protestants give the Church. Nonetheless, each chapter was very informative and helpful. I replied to certain choice questions and felt that the questionnaire at the end of each chapter was a very good feature of the book not merely to reinforce what was learned but to reflect on it as well. The person who does not use the questionnaire is not using the book to the best of their ability. I believe the models of integration as well as the earlier and more philosophical chapters of the book are the stronger points to the book, although I wish the author would have given some kind of formula for making the work of integration smoother in a more concise manner rather than spread in bits and pieces throughout the book.

[Rachel Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is LOADED with amazing philosophy and information about integrating faith and psychology. While I had to read it very slowly, paying attention to the definitions and descriptions of different philosophical points of view lest I find myself lost, I ended up doing a lot of soul searching for myself about my worldview and how that will and should apply to my interaction with not just psychology, but all science. Enwistle very carefully and responsibly gathered together scholarly information and then suggests how to apply integration to psychological practice. One of the hardest textbooks I've ever read academically and yet the single most transformative for my personally.

[Colyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

scholastic and detailed. it is not an easy read but if you want to personally define the integration of psychology and theology this is a must read.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on worldview issues, philosphical foundations and models of integration.

[Daniel Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Integrating Christianity and pscyhology