Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity

A 4-MAT Book Review System:

Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity

Brenda Copp

Liberty University

A 4-MAT Review System: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity

Summary

In his book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David Entwistle (2010) provides a historical overview on faith and science that lays a foundation for his discussion on integration. First, he presents the historical survey that verifies Christianity and science have been both allies and enemies throughout the centuries. He follows this with the philosophical foundations and integration models. Finally, he presents a conclusion based on this foundation of science, augmented in a Christian worldview, demonstrated through ecclesiastical and philosophical diversity that creates a tension between faith and science (p. 32 - 33).

In section one, Entwistle (2010) proposes the dialogue between psychology and Christianity is multifaceted. Its interaction is inevitable because of the mutual interest and understanding between human behavior and healing human brokenness (p. 51). He cites historical examples and concludes that “all truth is God’s truth,” and “wherever and however truth is discovered, its author is God” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 13).

In section two, Entwistle (2010) presents an in-depth discussion of worldviews, epistemology, metaphysics, and anthropology. He summarizes that worldviews: 1) are learned (not chosen), 2) focus and distort understanding of self and the world, 3) are shaped by a Christian understanding of creation (fall, redemption, and consummation), allowing pursuit of knowledge from diverse sources and a holistic viewpoint, and 4) unavoidably affect the view of psychology, Christianity, and integration (p. 63 - 67).

In the third section, Entwistle (2010) identifies five models of integration: Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Neutral Parties, and Allies...