|
Review Summary: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity |
Date: 2008-09-05 |
|
| |
|
Details: I have enjoyed and benefitted from reading this book. It is a very helpful resource for the Christian practitioner who desires to help one's clients through psychological means that are consistent with one's Christian values and theology. |
| |
|
Review Summary: A Brief Abstract |
Date: 2008-03-10 |
|
|
| |
Details: In Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity David Entwistle (2004) discusses the integration of theology and psychology. One purpose of this book is to ground the discussion about this relationship in the context of worldview and philosophical issues that are prerequisite to integration, but which are rarely discussed in books of integration (Entwistle, 2004, 7). As one is able to see this book dives deeply into the principles of both theology and psychology. When one hears the word psychology more than likely they think of a secular science. This book illustrates that when psychology first began it was not founded on secular principles; it was later psychologist who created such secular theories. Wundt merely looked at how God had put the machinery of the mind together (Entwistle, 2004, 48). 'Freud's belief that psychopathology was caused by anxiety-motivated repression was popularly misconstrued as a tacit recommendation to rid ourselves of our inhibitions and unleash our darker impulses. Yet a fair reading observed in the free associations of his patients, rather than to sanction the contents as something to celebrate' (Entwistle, 2004, 49). The foundation of the book is to truly understand these two disciplines (theology and psychology) and to properly understand the integration.
Another aspect about this book is worldviews. Everyone has a worldview-a window through which he or she views the world, assumptions and beliefs that color what he or she sees (Entiwistle, 2004, 67). As one is able to see a worldview can alter one's perspective. The worldview helps the person to understand their perspective on how they choose to believe something. If one has a distorted worldview, then this will distort their thinking.
The book concludes by stating the chapter titled 'Truth and Two Books'. This title sounds almost unorthodoxy. Since our understanding will reflect theology and psychology rather than directly and perfectly reflecting scripture or creation, we must then look at the relationship between theology and psychology as interpretive disciplines (Entiwistle, 2004, 260). As one is able to see there is an extreme importance of the integrative of both psychology and theology. 'Finally, those who see integration as faithful reading believe that the origin of truth is in God's action in word and deed. Since our ultimate allegiance is to God, and since He is the author of both books, it is assumed that truth can be found through the study of the book of God's word and God's work' (Etiwistle, 2004, 275). This is basically stating that it is not enough for one to understand the word of God; it must be put to action. This book basically covers the integration of theology and psychology to be a mixture of two distinct disciplines which can be used to glorify God. In conclusion, one's worldview can also aid or distort one's perception of these two disciplines. Therefore it is imperative to have a sound worldview which has a firm foundation upon God's word in order to have the proper integration of theology in psychology.
(Written by Joy Mays)
Note: Another interesting development in psychology has been the provision of Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling. I have found this clinical guide to be very helpful: The Therapist's Clinical Guide to Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling: The Definitive Training Guide for Clinical Practice |
| |
|
Review Summary: Intellectually addresses psychology and religion |
Date: 2007-11-01 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: I am currently in a graduate counseling program, and by far this is on my short list of favorite texbooks. Entwistle's arguement validates psychology as a science, the pursuit of truth, and the realization that psychology and Christianity do not have to be at odds with one another. Yes, this book is not an easy read, but Entwistle expertly addresses a debate that all counseling students of a religious background must grapple with. |
| |
|
Review Summary: don't buy this |
Date: 2007-06-28 |
|
| |
|
Details: i had to read this for a class and barely made it through... and I still have no idea what I was reading about. The subject is interesting, but book itself is not. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Not bad for a text book |
Date: 2007-05-17 |
|
| |
|
Details: A little hard to get into because of the time spent on the philosophical viewpoints and theories but gets better as you get to the middle when you really start to see the different theories and attempts to integrate psychological and christianity. The different models of integration are well presented. |
| |
|
out of 6 Reviews
