Theory Critique
A Critique of Two Theoretical Models: Crabb and Hawkins
Amy E. Yesalavich
Liberty University
COUN 507-B09
Dr. Alan Cheney
May 27, 2012
Summary
Psychology has been primarily viewed as a methodical system that seeks empirical evidence to explain nature, while theology is often viewed as reasoning based on man’s eternal destiny as discussed in biblical teachings. Falsities are held within both of these historical beliefs. Psychology often “considers questions for which empirical evidence is not available, or even possible,” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 125). Theology must not “ignore the fact that man is solidly a part of nature,” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 125). By drawing attention to facts that conflict with common views, Entwistle is able to express the commonality found in the disciplines. He states that psychology and theology mutually seek an “interest in understanding the ambiguity and mysteries of human behavior,” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 51). Because of these crossing interests, a mutual comradery can be established between the two disciplines. The book, Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors (1977), written by Lawrence J. Crabb Jr. is a text that agrees with this relationship and explores the context of this comradery in regards to the field of counseling. To date, there are several techniques that have been used to integrate Christianity and psychology. Crabb (1977) dissected these attempts and categorized them into four distinct approaches labeled: separate but equal, tossed salad, nothing buttery, and spoiling the Egyptians (p. 33-47). The separate but equal method does not truly encapsulating integration. This approach sees biblical principles and psychological principles as holding certain truths; however the relationship between the two is not observed. Biblical ideals in this attempt are only used for spiritual and theological problems,
Amy E. Yesalavich
Liberty University
COUN 507-B09
Dr. Alan Cheney
May 27, 2012
Summary
Psychology has been primarily viewed as a methodical system that seeks empirical evidence to explain nature, while theology is often viewed as reasoning based on man’s eternal destiny as discussed in biblical teachings. Falsities are held within both of these historical beliefs. Psychology often “considers questions for which empirical evidence is not available, or even possible,” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 125). Theology must not “ignore the fact that man is solidly a part of nature,” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 125). By drawing attention to facts that conflict with common views, Entwistle is able to express the commonality found in the disciplines. He states that psychology and theology mutually seek an “interest in understanding the ambiguity and mysteries of human behavior,” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 51). Because of these crossing interests, a mutual comradery can be established between the two disciplines. The book, Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors (1977), written by Lawrence J. Crabb Jr. is a text that agrees with this relationship and explores the context of this comradery in regards to the field of counseling. To date, there are several techniques that have been used to integrate Christianity and psychology. Crabb (1977) dissected these attempts and categorized them into four distinct approaches labeled: separate but equal, tossed salad, nothing buttery, and spoiling the Egyptians (p. 33-47). The separate but equal method does not truly encapsulating integration. This approach sees biblical principles and psychological principles as holding certain truths; however the relationship between the two is not observed. Biblical ideals in this attempt are only used for spiritual and theological problems,
References: Crabb, L. (1977).Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping and caring Christians become capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Entwistle, D.A. (2010). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration (2nd ed.). Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books. Hawkins R. (n.d.). Hawkins’ model for guiding the counseling process. [PowerPoint slides] Retrieved from Liberty University website: http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15703732-dt-content-rid-83006788_1/courses/COUN507_B09_201230/COUN507_LUO_8WK_DEV_ImportedContent_20110314121124/COUN507_LUO_8WK_MASTER_ImportedContent_20110224012633/Strategy%20for%20Intervention%20Presentation/index.html