Intergrative Approaches

A 4-MAT Review System: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity
Entwistle, D. (2010). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Summary
Entwistle (2010) in this book addresses the question: Is integration of Psychology and Theology Necessary or even possible. The Book of God’s Word (scripture) and the Book of God’s Work (creation) provides more insight as to how or if this question can be fully answered. Throughout history has been conflict and power struggle; with faith and religion (Theology) on one side and intellect and discipline (psychology) on the other. Entwistle (2010) states “to understand the roots and supporting factors of any conflict, it is necessary to comprehend the worldviews of the adversaries, and to understand the history of the conflict”(pg156). He discusses five integration models enemies, spies, colonist, neutral parties and allies as subjects of One Sovereign; these models give various ways to interpret the relationship between theology and psychology. The enemies’ model sees no connection between theology and psychology (keep separate). The spies’ model is seen as espionage (only take what is needed or is useful). The colonist model only seeks to conquer and take over. The neutral parties see psychology and theology as separate but equal (having good qualities on both sides). The allies as subjects of One Sovereign sees God as all truth and both theology an psychology as having insight and truth working together to help heal clients as a whole. Carter and Narramore (1979) initially noted that “All truth is Gods Truth” in the book Integration of psychology and Theology: An Introduction; however science (psychology) felt as though you could only believe things that could be observed and measured. Through the study of psychology we seek to understand human behavior (Works of God), through Christian theology we strive to comprehend what it means to be human (Word of God), the only way to be an effective Christian counselor it to seek a in-depth understanding of both an integrate the knowledge to help our client. One thing we must understand is for integration to truly take place we must obtain a full understanding of both of Gods books; we must be able to interpret both with truthfulness. This includes but is not limited to continuing to develop a Christian understanding of humans nature, discussing subjects that don’t agree on both sides (homosexuality, demonic possession), working together to heal the whole person even if our methods are different. It is difficult but not impossible to understand those whose beliefs and methods are different from ours. Farnsworth (1982) suggested the process of integration is one of “discovering God’s truths through theology and psychology, verifying the accuracy of the findings and relating them and applying them in one’s life” (pg 308-319). Even though there are various methods used to help our clients God created them all. As Christian counselors we must embrace both of Gods books study them more for understanding and by prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit give our clients the best care possible. Concrete Response As I read this book a situation with my ex- finance came to mind. I was saved and at the time he wasn’t but we were still friends. He really could not understand my Christian faith, and I could not understand why he was not fully committed to our relationship. So I guess in reality I could not understand his psychology (his bad human behavior) and he could not understand my theology (my religious belief, my connection with God). One thing we have been taught in our church is you cannot be unequally yoked and I do believe that, but he wanted to be a part of my life again. There were some people who said “He has not changed and he is not saved so he should not be a part of your life”. I told them we are taught to love people into Gods kingdom, and to forgive; so I disregarded those who did not have Gods true heart. Through prayer and by the leading Holy Spirit I was lead to give him another chance. He had never been given a true understanding of what it meant to be saved. I did not understand until later that his lack of commitment to the relationship stemmed from his disconnected relationship with his father. As a result of forgiving and digging deeper to get a true understanding of his behavior, he dedicated his life to God, got saved and is working in ministry today. We are also back together and discussing marriage. I was recently lead by God to declare a major in professional marriage and family therapy , I must say I was not sure why God lead me in this direction but it is becoming clearer day by day. I have started to have people approach me and just start to talk to me about the things they are dealing with and asking me to pray for them. My pastor recently stated it’s great to give your clients a understanding of how their minds work but just make sure you tell , about how important their relationship with God is above all else. Reflection This book has given me a clearer realization of the responsibility a Christian counselor has when it comes to treating our clients as a whole. The Word of God and the Works of God, gives us the tools combined to carry out our duties. But the question that keeps coming to mind is, “How can you ensure you are helping your client without inflicting more harm?” We as Christian counselors must do the research spiritually and mentally to make certain we cover all of our bases. What does trouble me about this book, is who is to say what an accurate definition of integration is and what it encompasses, until the two fields theology and psychology come together and create a working definition, we will not have a concrete view of what integration of the two really is. Another question that comes to mind is,” How our worldview affects our interpretation of the Word and Works?” If our world view is determined by our beliefs, experiences, assumptions (maybe true or false), and parental rearing, then how are we to draw the line so that these factors do not affect how we interpret the disciplines. When a concrete definition is finally agreed upon, “Will our Christian foundation remain one that reflects the complete truth of God’s word?” All of these questions raise valid points that must be discussed at length. These are questions that will keep the lines of communication open between the two disciplines and will help stimulate integration.
Action
The first steps I take would be to make sure I have thoroughly reviewed the Word and The Works of God. I would make sure I have a functional definition of integration as it relates to merging theology and psychology. Once I have a clear definition I can clearly state to my clients what my Christian counseling method is based upon. I will also make sure that my world views do not dictate the methods I use or are alter my interpretation when helping my clients. I will do this by having a well written out guideline and a method to follow with each client. These guidelines and methods will cater to the individual needs and concerns (spiritual and psychological) of each client. As Christian counselors we must keep dialogue open and discuss how both Word and Works can partner in healing the whole client. To help with this I would attend seminars for continuing education in both fields to stay abreast of new discoveries and improvements developed to enhance both disciplines. These steps will keep my counseling grounded in God’s Word and Works; while praying for and being lead by the Holy Spirit as I counsel my clients

Works Cited
Carter, J. N. (1979). The Intergrationof psychology and theology:An Introduction . Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Entiwistle, D. (2010). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christanity: An Introduction to World view issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration. Eugene: Wipf and StockPublishers.
Farnsworth, K. (1982). The conduct of integration. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 308-319.

Cited: Carter, J. N. (1979). The Intergrationof psychology and theology:An Introduction . Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Entiwistle, D. (2010). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christanity: An Introduction to World view issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration. Eugene: Wipf and StockPublishers. Farnsworth, K. (1982). The conduct of integration. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 308-319.