Mary Ellen Garcia
Liberty University
Summary In the literature of Integrative Approach to Psychology and Christianity written by author David Entwistle (2010) he explains the relationship between Christianity and Psychology. Historically, there have been analyses regarding how both the theology of Christianity may or may not integrate with Psychology. David Entwistle says that “some people see Christianity only as a religious belief and psychology as a profession with very little overlap between them” (Entwistle, 2010, p.10). Entwistle offers information that demonstrates how both psychology and Christianity are designed by God and that God is the author of all truth (Entwistle, p 150). The author explains the foundation of Christianity is based on the belief in Jesus Christ as well as the bible scriptures that coincide with the teachings of the Lord in faith and truth. Entwistle also states that the “empirical methods have been central to the development of psychology as a science” (Entwistle, p. 79). The book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity’s purpose is to assist the reader to better understand the simple combinations of both disciplines. There are various models that demonstrate the integration of the two disciplines and interpret them through our worldview. Entwistle states that “after exploring worldviews, human finitude and frailty, the place of virtues in seeking knowledge, and various means of seeking knowledge, we must ask ourselves how these all fit together” (Entwistle, p. 88). Entwistle wants the reader to explore the integration as well as the differences as they are filtered in our limited understanding and develop those concepts as the principal function of what the worldview is on the two disciplines. Entwistle explains that through epistemology we can assess our own personal beliefs and arrive to an assumption that is truthful or possibly correct. (Entwistle, 2010).
References: Entwistle, D. (2010) Integrative approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundation, and Models of Integration, (2nd edition). Eugene, OR: Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers. Holy Bible, King James Version, United States of America: American Bible Society.