Integrative Approaches To Psychology And Christianity

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A Review of Entwistle’s Text: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Liberty University Online Relating Psychology and Christianity Summary The book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity (2004) by David Entwistle presents the reader with a numerous key questions concerning the possibility of integration with two ostensibly divergent disciplines: psychology (science) and theology. These two disciplines are discussed as Entwistle’s idea of two books of God and the integration of them both. There are five models of integration focused on as well. These models include: enemies, spies, colonialists, neutral parties, and allies as subjects of One Sovereign. Each of these models has a different angle of belief…show more content…
After reading this text, I found myself wondering exactly where I go when I am dealing with an individual who does not know for sure where they stand. Although this is the basis for Entwistle explaining how to implement this integration, the lack of said knowledge would make this attempt difficult at best. There seems to be areas within these two ideologies of science and providence that are blurred. This can be seen in the five models of integration that Entwistle speaks of. In particular, when speaking of Spies, the lines are not as clear as they do not accept the tenets of Christianity but see activities such as prayer or forgiveness as useful to the secular world. Because of this area of debate, the idea of absolutes is not possible. Without absolutes, how can we actually give someone guidance on how and where to go in their lives? Without a spiritual path that is laid out and definite, where does someone with a troubled soul go? I am grateful for the door that the book opens by illustrating how the two worlds of psychology and Christianity can be married yet as in any marriage, there is always areas that are not…show more content…
This would be my first step on how to proceed in providing help. The preceding step would to speak the truth in love. The next step would evolve into a spiritual conversation from a biblical perspective. My counseling would be rooted in these basics as well as perpetuating their spirituality. Professionally, I would be sure to stay in the mode of awareness and understanding. These would guide my questions and my advice. My steps would be based upon the steady and procedural steps of ultimately integrating psychology with Christianity. My conversation would be rooted in my faith as well as my knowledge and analysis of my client’s emotional and spiritual well-being. Another aspect to enhance my counseling would be to share and develop my skills through collaboration with colleagues or other persons of interest in the client. This tactic would prove beneficial to all parties involved. Other changes I would make would involve persistent and accurate documentation and continuous reflection. This is paramount to future success and being able to monitor the progress of the client. Reflection will also enable me to adjust my counseling techniques to better serve the clients’
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