Journal Article Review

Each review must be at least 3–5 double-spaced pages,excluding the title and reference pages (the reference page citing only the article being reviewed). The assignments will include a summary, an interaction with the article, and an application for how the information provided can be used in a clinical or church setting. Each Journal Article Review must be completed in current APA format.Each Journal Article Review will be submitted via SafeAssign (aplagiarism detection tool) for grading.

These are just some previous reports on this same book. Entwistle4-MAT

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Entwistle,D. (2004). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: Anintroduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, andmodels of integration.

ConcreteResponse

Inreviewing the history of Christianity and science as it played intothe interaction of Christianity and psychology, Entwistle (2004)notes, “Owing to examples like Galileo, the church… is oftenportrayed as anti-scientific, stuck in its narrow-mindedecclesiastical view of reality in which any evidence that appears tobe at odds with the prevailing view of scripture is simply dismissed”(p.25). The truly unfortunate thing is that Christians in generalhave brought this sentiment upon themselves by failing to use theintellect God gave us in correlation with our faith. Rather, faithhas often been seen to trump reason without any consideration of howthe two might actually work together.
This unreasonable hostilitytoward religion was brought home to me on a personal level during aclass on Shakespeare at a local community college. The professor wasovertly atheist and I was overtly (but not outspokenly) Christian,especially in my homework. Our interactions were congenial andrespectful, but one day he responded to another student with thewords “All Christians are morons!” I don’t think he evenrealized the dichotomy of his words with the excellent interactionsand grades he afforded me; it was simply ingrained in him to beanti-religious. Though I was not offended, I was certainly madevividly aware that we can expect nothing less than deeply ingrainedhatred from a world that does not know God. As John 16:19 (NKJV)states, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own.Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of theworld, the world hates you.”

Reflection

Entwistletakes a dim view of our ability to “know” without doubt. Hestates, “At best… we can be tentatively certain about ourconclusions” (2004, p. 90). What about the work of the HolySpirit? Throughout the entirety of the book and most obviously inthis section, he fails to take into account that the Spirit of Truthlives within the redeemed and teaches us all things (John 14: 16-17,26; also reference 2 Timothy 2:25; 1 John 2:3; 5:20; and 1Corinthians 2:10-16). While the ability to truly “know” isrestricted to those who have a personal relationship with Christ,nevertheless I believe it is biblically sound to state that if we areopen to the Spirit of Truth we can know absolute truth about our Godand about our world without doubt.
Entwistle also claims that,”God has given us two books, the book of His world and the bookof His works” (2004, p. 275) and subtly implies that only whenthe two books are viewed as equal in authority will there besufficient protection from error in our discoveries and conclusions.Where in Scripture does God allow for or endorse any source of truthapart from the Word of God? While I understand and agree withEntwistle’s concerns that interpretation of scripture is oftenconfused with the word of scripture (2004, p. 27), placing any sourceof knowledge above God’s word is both unbiblical and unwise. Theworld around us is tainted by sin, the Word of God is not. It alonehas been preserved by the Spirit as the source of knowledge thatreliably reveals the truth of God to us (reference John 10:35b “theScripture cannot be broken”; 2 Timothy 3:15-16; and Psalm19:7-11).

Action

Despitemy disagreement with Entwistle’s “faithful reading”approach, the warnings for the “prima scriptura” approachare worth noting (2004, p. 274-275). Although I will always placeGod’s written word in its rightful place of authority, I will workdiligently to ensure I am not confusing the validity ofinterpretation with the authority of the written word. Proverbs 11:14notes, “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Inaddition to seeking out wise counsel, I will endeavor to diligentlyemploy proper scientific methods in the discovery and verification oftheories and will humbly submit findings for peer review. I willchoose to present a humble, charitable and teachable spirit whenconfronted with disagreement and I will diligently work toconsistently improve my relationship with Christ and seek the wisdomof the Spirit of Truth in all matters both personal andprofessional.
In a footnote, Entwistle (2004) states, “thechief difficulty [with integration]… is that few of us areadequately trained in both theology and psychology” (p. 5). Mydegree in Biblical Studies has provided foundational theologicaltraining and my current pursuit of formal education in ProfessionalCounseling will lay the foundation for understanding psychology. Iwill seek to build on these foundations and continue learning in bothareas through formal education, reading of theological andpsychological publications, searching the scriptures and observingthe world around me.

Spring2014

Integrative Approaches to Psychology andChristianity

Author – David N. Entwistle

Abstract
Thebook “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity” byDavid
Entwistle, is a tightly packed explanation of therelationship between Christianity
(theology) and psychology. Through most of history there has been many a heated
debate overthese two topics being integrated. Entwistle presentsinformation that shows
how the two are both designed by God andthat God is the author of all truth (Entwistle,
150). Entwistle attempts to walk the reader through various investigatedclaims and the
tensions that ensue from these arguments.
Wetypically go through life looking through our own lens of how thingsshould
be based on our own worldview. How we see thingsand interpret them are filtered
through our limited understandingof the world. “Worldviews function somewhat like
eyeglasses” (Ibid, 56). This concept is held tothroughout the book.
The author wants the reader to understand howpeople learn and determine their
view of truth. Entwistleintroduces the term epistemology. This is “an exercise of
intellectual virtue” (Ibid, 76). These virtues includehonesty, humility, respectfulness,
compassion, etc. Hepoints out the necessity of these virtues in order to better help us
evaluate ourselves.
Entwistle presents his five models ofrelationship between psychology and
theology. These modelsare first given a lens through which to view this relationship.
The two books of God, as introduced by Francis Bacon, are God’sWord and God’s
Works. These two books, the Bible andcreation, are our two sources of truth (Ibid, 136).
Eachof the aforementioned models are examined through the lens of thesetwo books. A
problem arises when either side (psychologyor theology) is unwilling or unable…

SUMMARY

DavidEntwistle’s book, IntegrativeApproaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction toWorldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models ofIntegration, publishedby Cascade Books in 2010 is an analysis of the integration ofpsychology and Christianity, organized in four sections. First, theauthor examines the historical context of the integration ofpsychology and Christianity, and then provides its philosophicalunderpinnings, followed by a section that explores various models ofintegration. Entwistle concludes by proposing his preferredintegrative solution. The following provides a brief summary ofEntwistle’s four sections.

Entwistle(2010) launches into the first section with a reference toTertullian’s famous quote, “What indeed has Athens to do withJerusalem?” (p. 8). However, the author quickly answers thequestion by introducing his primary presupposition that “All truthis God’s truth,” in other words, “wherever and however truth isdiscovered, its author is God” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 13). Entwistle(2010) then unfolds a historical context of theological integrationwith references to Augustine, the Middle Ages, and medievalScholasticism prior to transitioning into a history of psychology.

Thesecond section lays a philosophical foundation for integration,critical for an orthodox perspective of integration, by probing thetopics of worldview, epistemology, metaphysics, and anthropology.First, Entwistle (2010) introduces the concepts of worldview and thenidentifies four ingredients of a Christian worldview – creation,fall, redemption, and consummation. Second, a discussion onepistemology ensues with an investigation of its history,perspectives on certainty, and relevant methodologies (Entwistle,2010). The author suggests four epistemological methodologies thatsupport integration, which include logic, empiricism, revelation, andhermeneutics (Entwistle, 2010). Next, Entwistle (2010) tacklesmetaphysics by exploring the origin of the world and the topic ofsupernaturalism, followed by analysis of the reality of ethics andbeauty. Entwistle (2010) concludes by focusing on both psychologicalanthropology, which includes biology and behaviorism, as well astheological anthropology that includes humanity’s finiteness,fallenness, and its imagoDei.

Entwistle’s(2010) third section explores five models of integration ofpsychology and Christianity, which include the Enemies, Spies,Colonialists, Neutral Parties, and Allies models. The Enemies modelassumes that psychology and theology are incompatible (Entwistle,2010). The Spies model rests on either psychology or theology andselectively extracts elements from the other discipline to furtherits position, which places orthodoxy at risk (Entwistle, 2010). TheColonialists model attempts to maintain orthodoxy, but borrows frompsychology (Entwistle, 2010). The Neutral Parties model viewspsychology and theology as completely independent, but acknowledgescertain parallels (Entwistle, 2010). Finally, the Allies model relieson the “unity of truth,” which presupposes that all truthoriginates from one sovereign God (Entwistle, 2010, p. 147).

Inthe final section, Entwistle (2010) argues that the Allies model isthe most appropriate integrative solution based on the presuppositionthat God’s truth exists in both “God’s Word (Scripture)and…God’s Works (creation)” (p. 205). Accordingly, since God isthe sovereign creator of all subjects, the disciplines can cooperate(Entwistle, 2010). Finally, the author furnishes a framework toresolve integrative conflicts between the disciplines such asGalileo’s famous heliocentric theory controversy (Entwistle, 2010).Specifically, solutions for interdisciplinary conflict result from asensitive approach toward the differences between fact andinterpretation (Entwistle, 2010).

REFLECTION

Entwistle’sgreatest strength may be his ability to encapsulate hundreds of yearsof conflict between two disciplines in a rather concise and objectivemanner. Entwistle (2010) also shines brightly in supporting theAllies model of integration and masterfully resolving many potentialintegrationist conflicts through his “quest for faithful reading”view of disciplinary integration (p. 243). However, one wonders ifEntwistle’s desire for friendly integration may overemphasize thedetails of reconciliation at the risk of minimizing the gospelmessage. Specifically, Entwistle (2010) attempts to balance thepriority of theology and psychology by suggesting the primacy oftheology due to its influence on one’s worldview, butsimultaneously suggests neither have primacy because God is thesource of all truth. It appears Entwistle’s logical high wire actof commensurate priority is unnecessary and may even be risky. Bysuggesting the possibility that neither have primacy, the riskincreases that one may minimize the fact that a Christian worldviewmust specifically understand humanity as a new creation in Christ orthe entire system fails. Alternatively, a misunderstanding of God’struth of psychology does not automatically cause the system to fail.In other words, although Entwistle references Millard Erickson’ssuggestion that general revelation is critical, Erickson (2007) alsonotes the antecedent nature of a “new birth,” which is a“supernatural occurrence” within individual Christians (p. 958).Without question, Entwistle would agree with Erickson’s “newbirth” assertion, but it is bothersome that the author extends solittle effort in emphasizing this specific cornerstone of histheoretical foundation.

REFERENCES

Entwistle,D. N. (2010). Integrativeapproaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction toworldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models ofintegration.(2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: Cascade.

Erickson,M. J. (2007). Christiantheology.(2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

IntegrativeApproaches to Psychology and Christianity allowed me to understandthe past occurrences of psychology and theology. The book displayedthe religion and confidence that psychology and Christianity shouldcombine for it to possess a higher understanding and permitting theclient a higher probability of healing. So as to do this there shouldbe an entire understanding of every element in and of itself.Entwistle’s (2010) book presented all the facts from history as ithas formed society these days. As he mentioned these historic events,it shows simply how the knowledge today may be a reflection orreaction of what happened then. Christianity has invariably had anenormous impact on world history and the way the planet is viewed.The author makes it clear that God offers humans reality and honestyin His Word. When consideration of his works is given his Word hasbegun to demonstrate an impact on the planet.

Read more:http://www.ukessaThe Word of God is the Bible that God created as a guide to livinglife in the way that God designed to be the best for humankind.Theology and Psychology do not appear to be to be compatible howeverthey are similar when it involves the appreciation and comprehensionthat enables a person’s life to be meaningful. The planet is filledwith individuals that have many abilities to share. God created us inhis image therefore that makes each of us distinctive in our ownsense. We all have things of our own to share and contribute to theworld around us. Theology and Psychology are earnestly applied inhuman character and human purpose. The author identifies within thebook that there are not any dissimilarities between the holy andtherefore the worldly person when it involves the truth. Within thehearts of men, good and evil exists; it is our human nature. All areborn into sin, being sinful is inevitable.

Theauthor makes a sensible argument when he wrote this book. Theincorporation of psychology and theology makes for a nice combinationin helping individuals with an assortment of issues. He emphasizesthe magnitude within the ever-evolving worldviews towards the lastpart of the book and the author even provides an example for all topursue. It would be helpful when aiding clients or daily interactionwith others. The practice of integrating the approaches betweenpsychology and Christianity is the result that has taken completetype from psychology and the reality that God has given to humankind(the Bible).

Thetheories, worldviews and sinful intentions that are establishedthroughout the society can offer certain obstacles for thecombination of psychology and Christianity from individual andbusiness views. The main goal of secular psychology and Christianityis to assist people to prevail over any problems or circumstances intheir lives. Any recipients of the secularisms and Christianityitself ought to look past their pictures and target the task thathelps man through the troublesome times in their lives. Theapplication of theology and psychology will turn out miracles inindividual’s lives. It appears as if the aim of this book is tosupply universal steerage toward the advancement of humanity’soverall state of being.

ConcreteResponses

Thisinformation I gained from this book helped me to put a puzzletogether that relates to my parent’s marriage. Psychology tries toexplain why we as humans do what we do to each other. Christianityshows us how God wants us to treat each other. God gives us a betterway.

WhenI think back to what I witnessed as a child during my parents’marriage and subsequent divorce was that when God was in the midst ofour home, the relationship that my parents had was strong. When Godwas no longer the center of our lives my parents relationship fellapart and ended in divorce. The impact and the emotional pain of myparents’ divorce are still with my siblings and me to this day.

Thepsychological and spiritual support that my parents’ needed at thattime was not available to them. I remember my Mother saying that shefelt like they were abandoned by our church when our family neededtheir support the most. Our family separated from our church after myparents divorced and it was many years later before any of my familysought out a church home again.

Ithink we as a society know better now. When you know better you willdo better. There is more psychological and spiritual support forfamilies that are in crisis now. I can see the value of what I wantto do as a profession, and how I want to help families even moreclearly now.

Reflection

Thequestions that I actually have for the author of this book are:

Howdo we convince those in need of counseling services to decide on aChristian counselor versus a secular counselor?

Howwill the concept of Christian counseling grow and flourish in thesecular world?

Iwould think that possibly the best means of promoting Christiancounseling would be through word of mouth. “For you will be Hiswitness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” Acts 22:15(NKJV) It is important that we are passionate witnesses for God. Manypeople will rely on word of mouth when they are in search of aprofessional person or service.

Idid not feel that this book was well laid out. It appears to be tooacademically weighted which means it might reach a wider audience ifthe words, theories and ideas were a touch more simplistic. I foundmyself having to look up particular words in order to fullyunderstand what was being discussed. It was quite distracting andtime consuming. Somebody with less education than myself would mostlikely have a troublesome time reading and understanding this book.

Althoughit is academically heavy, I actually found that it is a resourcefultool and filled with insight regarding the planet and the way we canview theology, psychology and Christianity. Upon finishing the book,I actually gained an abundance of information and would suggest it toothers.

Action

WhenI become a Christian counselor, my approach to reaching my clientswill be to consistently depend on the power of prayer, the HolySpirit and God’s truth in scripture to enable them to make positivechanges in their lives.

Iwill want to share my own personal experiences to help my clients torelate to me and to trust me and to help them to understand that Iexperience the same challenges as they do in life. Hopefully, I canbe an example of love, compassion, understanding, and proof ofhappier days on the other side of whatever the problem might be thatthey are dealing with.

Humblingmyself before my clients will enable me to serve them as if I wereserving God. “As each one has received a gift, minister it toone another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1Peter 4:10 (NKJV) Serving others with the only purpose of reflectingGod’s love and bringing them into His presence could be an invaluableexperience that I want to be a part of.

Thereare a great deal of people in this world of strife that are hurtingand in need of comfort and peace. I would like to become someone thatGod can use to bring this about for his people that he loves sodearly