Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Liberty University
Jacqueline Langford
4-MAT Review: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Abstract
The integration of psychology and theology has become a hot topic since psychology began to integrate into a new part of society. Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity argue ways that one can embrace psychology into the Christian world. The church has always been a dominant part of society. As Christians we all have precise worldview. Our worldview is based upon the Christian belief system. As Christians we yearn for ways to use our abilities to do good things that please our Lord and Savior. Psychology is not integrated into our worldview to increase sin but to be a source of guidance. The goal is to abolish sin and give support to individuals who want live happier and meaningful lives. Many people view psychology and theology as mortal enemies. Psychology’s main goal is to put human experiences as the main focus, while theology put God as its main focus. Faith is at the center of theology and the bible is where the teachings come from. As it relates to Psychology no Christian views are valued. David Entwistle explains that Christian Counselors teach and counsel from the bible and their Christian teachings (Entwistle, 2010).
Entwistle book explain in great detail how our worldview influences our way of thinking which includes psychology and theology. Entwistle states that, worldviews are not chosen but they are made up of our experiences, education, and culture (Entwistle, 2010). Much of the book talks about the various models that involve integration. There are five paradigms that Entwistle discuss in this book (Entwistle, 2010). Enemy paradigm is the first paradigm that the author addresses. Enemy paradigm deals with rivalry and failure to value other people’s point of view.
Two different types of Enemies paradigm exist (Entwistle, 2010). The first
References: Entwistle, D. N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock.