Abstract
Christianity has been a driving force of the Western world. However, there is another predominant force and it is science. Faith and science are the two fundamental parameters of the modern civilized world. D N Entwistle amalgamates these two features of civilization and indicates that the only true development of the human mind comes from the merger of these two disciplines. Thus, the focal point of this paper is to evaluate and review D N Entwistle’s Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, published in 2004.
This book is an attempt to integrate the apparently opposite positions of psychology and Christianity. It is an attempt to amalgamate these two elements. The author then works with five fundamental models that lead to integration. These models can be enumerated as allies, neutral parties, colonialists, spies and enemies. These models are exploded as One Sovereign and through these models he establishes the alignment of the two different subjects in one domain.
In accordance to the enemies model the two subjects, psychology and Christianity, are regarded as conflicting elements and thus should be kept part. On the other hand the author defines the spies’ model as a situation where psychology and Christianity interact with each other in accordance to favorable conditions. The colonial model takes control of the other subject establishing one over the other.
Whereas, in the neural model recognition is mutual and there is an element of understanding between psychology and Christianity but there is a limit if boundary and that boundary should not be crossed. Lastly, in the concept of model of the allies it is regarded as model that is One Sovereign and both psychology and Christianity are working together in order to help and provide common good for the people.
The author also makes it a point to clarify the concept that there are fundamentally two books of God. One is Works and the other is Words and the job of psychology is to work on the context of Works, whereas, the objective of Christianity is to work on the elements of Words. Thus, in accordance to the author the amalgamation of the two disciplines are well established and verified. In the context of practical use as a Christian counselor it is important to read and understand these two books of God and use it for the good of the people.
The author even indicates that there are chances that one would find the two concepts as opposite disciplines and it would appear that these two are conflicting with each other. However, if one reads through the two books with more intensity the reader would be able to see the alignments between the two. The author made it is point that reader should interpret the two books with much care and only then the proper meaning would be revealed.
Concrete responses
From my personal experience it can be stated that I happened to observe a clear symmetry between Christianity and psychology. The Christian oriented group that was attended was held in St. Wilshire Community Church on Friday, 6 pm. It was a Christian Single Mom group. The majority of the mother’s in this class lost or was widowed from their husband’s in a traumatic way. The fundamental intention of this group was to give them hope through the learning of Christian faith. This group consisted of mainly women who were lively and caring for their children. It was inspiring to learn that though these women wet through unthinkable misery in life, they chose life and love over melancholy and were very optimistic. (Grasmick, 2007)
This one-hour group was aligned towards Bible study but there were much individual inputs. Here, along with the learning of Christianity, the members shared their stories and inspired each other with their feelings. The environment was warm and welcoming and the essence of the conversation made every participant feel safe and protected. Person to person communication carried on even after the end of the study hour, as they were all comfortable with the surroundings.
It was an environment that bridged personalities and all the women became very close. It was a family-like attachment and everybody shared her snacks. (Darling, 2004) Thus, this mode of group meeting was comparatively lifeless and looked more of a therapy rather than a process of inspiration and self belief development.
Reflection
I feel this book is really helpful. Not just for individuals but also for the nation as a whole. The nation is becoming multicultural day by day and it is good for the nation. However, there are many differences among the cultures. Under such parameters I feel it is important to look closely in terms of religion and psychology. In my personal experiences I have come across other cultures that are not receptive towards Christianity. Thus, for there to be a true multiracial and multicultural society, social barriers must not impede any individual at the same time, there should be enough channels for them in society to take responsibility for their lives without sacrificing their heritage or culture.
When there is a loss of history and heritage, the tragedy is that people loss the opportunity to build a society that does not only recognize but also celebrates differences. Thus the amalgamation between psychology and Christianity becomes the dominant and major feature of the nation. It is the responsibility of a Christian to make the others understand the value of being good neighbor. (Jansen, 1993) I have seen that the use of psychology is very effective in making people understand the value of coexistence and Christianity as a major help in this approach of nation building and peaceful social life.
Action
To me the context where the book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, could be best applicable is when one corporate house is going through a complete change or reconstruction and there is an immediate need of a moral boosting tool. This book serves the purpose and not only that this book serves the purpose with “a spoon full of sugar” to get the needed “medicine go down” and yes- it is “in the most delightful way”.
Thus, as the first action, I would recommend such a book to all my friends, known and semi known persons. Understanding this book is vital for the betterment of the self, the society and the nation and thus the fundamental action would be to practice the teachings of the book for self development and for a better tomorrow. The Bible states that law is regarded as a schoolmaster and it helps the mass to reach Christ and the entire process is justified by faith. Here the schoolmaster is psychology and faith is Christianity.
Reference
Darling, C. (2004). Understanding stress and quality of life for clergy and clergy spouses. Stress and Health, 20(5), 261-277.
Entwistle, D. N. (2004). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity. NY: Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Grasmick, H. G. (2007). The Effects of Religious Fundamentalism and Religiosity on Preference for Traditional Family Norms. Sociological Inquiry, 60(4), 352 – 369.
Jansen, W. 1993, ‘Creating Identities: Gender, Religion and Women’s Property in Jordan’, in: M. Brügmann, S. Heebing, D. Long & M. Michielsens (eds), Who’s Afraid of Femininity? Questions of Identity. Amsterdam & Atlanta, GA: Editions Rodopi.