Table of Contents
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to determine what the best approach is when it comes to forming a relationship between psychology and the Christian faith. Through thorough analysis of the studies of the different processes to the connection among psychology and Christianity, it can be determined that the Allies version represents this relationship. The paper will discuss the methods of knowing that are appropriate for Christians. As well as going into detail about the Allies model including the Allies view of the two-book concept and both strengths and weakness of the Allies model. After examining the different models, it seems the Allies model not only captures the relationship between psychology and Christianity the model is also the only model that appropriately combines both psychology and theology.
Integration: Allies Model
Analyzing the connection between psychology and Christianity is extraordinarily essential for integration purposes. Especially when it comes to counseling because some people need help to stay on or even start the path God laid out for them. The integration of psychology and Christian faith is also necessary to live life the way God intended His children to live. Psychology and Christianity are both critical, and it should be discovered to merge the two successfully. Only when the two are successfully joined can people find missing pieces of themselves and help others find those pieces as well. After examining the different models, it seems the Allies model not only captures the relationship between psychology and Christianity, the model is also the only model that appropriately combines both psychology and theology.
Methods of Knowing
There are four different methods of knowing that Entwistle (2015) describes: appeals to authority, logic, empiricism, and revelation and interpretation. Appeals to authority comprise all information that has been passed down from person to person by parents, instructors, and mentors but it is up to the individual to determine if the authority giving the data is dependable (Entwistle, 2019). For intense if a child attends church and hears about God through Sunday School they will need to decide if they believe what the Sunday School teacher is telling them or if they do not believe that God is real.
127 our experts are availableright now
Logic is defined as a person’s reasoning to acknowledge a bit of information as genuine or fake (Entwistle, 2015). When using logic, a person should do their own research to conclude if what they have been given is in fact authentic. Empiricism is information received from a person’s sensory experiences (Entwistle, 2015). Meaning knowledge stays with a person when they experience a sensory feeling associated with an occurrence. Finally, revelation and interpretation is a technique of understanding stemming from an individual’s private experiences (Entwistle, 2015). So, a person learns by what has happened to them and the way they experience certain situations.
The Allies Model
The Allies model acknowledges that all truth is known through God, who is Sovereign over all matters (Entwistle, 2015). This model sees God’s word as being the truth. It shows two specific entities, psychology and Christianity, coming together to achieve success in reaching a commonplace aim. It recognizes that numerous methods can be used to study the world in general, and people (Entwistle, 2015).
This version also acknowledges that psychology itself is a unique subject. The Allies models emphasize the significance of forming a Christian worldview from which to approach all of life, which includes psychology (Entwistle, 2015). Entwistle (2015) claims that people in psychology must be vigilant to the beliefs of the world. He gives this warning as he believes that worldly ideals will in fact affect the form wherein psychology will acquire complaint from the ones practicing from a Christian perspective.
Two Books Concept
The Allies model views the “two books” concept as concise and believes that the books need to be read in know-how and aptitude of varying strategies. But, entirely counting on Christian knowledge must be prohibited as this will cause readers to follow more current expectancies approximately objectivity and neutrality and may doubtlessly harm a character’s understanding of human behavior (Entwistle, 2015).
The Allies version is based totally at the belief that God’s truths are within the book of God’s word, or Scripture, and the book of God’s Works, or creation (Entwistle, 2015). The Allies model is contingent that appropriate psychology can be observed in Christianity but does no longer include the belief that psychology and Christianity are mutually extraordinary as the Enemies model perceives (Entwistle, 2015).
Strengths
There are strengths when it comes to making Allies model stand out towards all other models. One strength is that though the Allies model does include having a Christian worldview a person is not obligated to use Christian only lens when it comes to viewing the conduct of human beings (Entwistle, 2015) Allies version can see the world in many
different kinds of views, which can be extremely useful in psychology. Another strength of the Allies model is it is more worried with whether the spiritual exercising is theologically proper (Entwistle, 2015). This can be extremely helpful for someone who is just learning the Bible and wants to follow God path. Sometimes a person reads the Bible but does not correctly interpret what God is reveling through it and the person can think they are not a true follower of Christ because they misunderstood something.
Limitations
Apparent contradictions between psychology and theology suggest that we need to reconsider our reasoning and data to see if we can identify logical, methodological, interpretive, or other errors in our thinking. One of our first obstacles is defining exactly what assumptions are constitutive of a uniquely Christian approach to psychology (Entwistle, 2015).
Reconceptualizing Christianity without belief in a literal incarnation and resurrection, and without acknowledging God as the Creator of the universe would fundamentally alter the central tenets of the faith. One of the problems that has plagued faith-learning integration is our collective failure to adequately define the core convictions of Christian faith, and to recognize the insights that can be found in the distinctive expressions of the faith expressed by diverse branches of Christianity.
Conclusion
It is our Christian obligation to examine Christian theology in the sort of manner that we are devoted in searching for and following the truths of God’s word, making use of the specific techniques of theology in complete recognition of their limitations (Entwistle, 2015). Overall, the Allies model presents the most solid case that integration is in fact possible between psychology and Christianity.
Ultimately, the Allies model allows for both God’s Word and Works to be seen through both Christian faith and psychology. When both work in harmony, greater good may be accomplished together than may be accomplished by either alone. The model’s weaknesses are minimally limited to human faults alone and its methods of knowing for a Christian are what is found in scripture and what can be truthfully be discerned from nature.
It is important to remember that well-articulated theology is worthless unless it makes a tangible difference in how one lives (Entwistle, 2015). When we allow God to work within and through us, we can reach full potential. Jeremiah 29:11 (English Standard Version) states ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Reference
- Entwistle, D.N. (2015). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration (3rd ed.). Cascade Books. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com/reader
