Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity by Charles Anthony Dawson: Book Analysis
A 4-MAT Review System : Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Charles Anthony Dawson
Liberty University
Abstract
The author, David N. Entwistle and his book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity (2004), brings about several questions to the reader when you look at psychology and Christianity. When you take two disciplines psychology and theology and define both you can walk away with mixed emotions from both perspectives. Psychology is defined as “the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, "the understanding of behavior" is the enterprise of psychologists†(American Psychological Association). Theology is defined as the study of nature and God and religious truth (answers.com); the study of religious faith, practice, and experience, especially the study of God and of God’s relation to the world (Merriam-Webster).
Entwistle approaches the integration of psychology and Christianity with human nature and functioning, but from different directions, with different assumptions, methodologies, and goals ( Entwistle, 2004). Can the science of psychology and Christian theology be integrated into a sound discipline? Both of these explore the mind of humanity and human nature of man. However, as a Christian can we adjust our thought process on a scientific approach, take the worldview, and use it for our good of integration. The bible and psychology is like oil and water it just cannot be mixed together but based on opinion and the worldview a mixture of the two can come together. I truly think that as a professional in counseling we can utilize scripture in the process of psychology. I believe that when you deal with the concept of the mind , and human emotion and
Charles Anthony Dawson
Liberty University
Abstract
The author, David N. Entwistle and his book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity (2004), brings about several questions to the reader when you look at psychology and Christianity. When you take two disciplines psychology and theology and define both you can walk away with mixed emotions from both perspectives. Psychology is defined as “the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, "the understanding of behavior" is the enterprise of psychologists†(American Psychological Association). Theology is defined as the study of nature and God and religious truth (answers.com); the study of religious faith, practice, and experience, especially the study of God and of God’s relation to the world (Merriam-Webster).
Entwistle approaches the integration of psychology and Christianity with human nature and functioning, but from different directions, with different assumptions, methodologies, and goals ( Entwistle, 2004). Can the science of psychology and Christian theology be integrated into a sound discipline? Both of these explore the mind of humanity and human nature of man. However, as a Christian can we adjust our thought process on a scientific approach, take the worldview, and use it for our good of integration. The bible and psychology is like oil and water it just cannot be mixed together but based on opinion and the worldview a mixture of the two can come together. I truly think that as a professional in counseling we can utilize scripture in the process of psychology. I believe that when you deal with the concept of the mind , and human emotion and
References: (Entwistle, 2004) Entwistle, D. n. (2004). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity. Wipf and Stock Publishers.