Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity allowed me to understand the past occurrences of psychology and theology. The book displayed the religion and confidence that psychology and Christianity should combine for it to possess a higher understanding and permitting the client a higher probability of healing. So as to do this there should be an entire understanding of every element in and of itself. Entwistle’s (2010) book presented all the facts from history as it has formed society these days. As he mentioned these historic events, it shows simply how the knowledge today may be a reflection or reaction of what happened then. Christianity has invariably had an enormous impact on world history and the way the planet is viewed. The author makes it clear that God offers humans reality and honesty in His Word. When consideration of his works is given his Word has begun to demonstrate an impact on the planet.
The Word of God is the Bible that God created as a guide to living life in the way that God designed to be the best for humankind. Theology and Psychology do not appear to be to be compatible however they are similar when it involves the appreciation and comprehension that enables a person’s life to be meaningful. The planet is filled with individuals that have many abilities to share. God created us in his image therefore that makes each of us distinctive in our own sense. We all have things of our own to share and contribute to the world around us. Theology and Psychology are earnestly applied in human character and human purpose. The author identifies within the book that there are not any dissimilarities between the holy and therefore the worldly person when it involves the truth. Within the hearts of men, good and evil exists; it is our human nature. All are born into sin, being sinful is inevitable.
The author makes a sensible argument when he wrote this book. The incorporation of psychology and theology makes for a nice combination in helping individuals with an assortment of issues. He emphasizes the magnitude within the ever-evolving worldviews towards the last part of the book and the author even provides an example for all to pursue. It would be helpful when aiding clients or daily interaction with others. The practice of integrating the approaches between psychology and Christianity is the result that has taken complete type from psychology and the reality that God has given to humankind (the Bible).
The theories, worldviews and sinful intentions that are established throughout the society can offer certain obstacles for the combination of psychology and Christianity from individual and business views. The main goal of secular psychology and Christianity is to assist people to prevail over any problems or circumstances in their lives. Any recipients of the secularisms and Christianity itself ought to look past their pictures and target the task that helps man through the troublesome times in their lives. The application of theology and psychology will turn out miracles in individual’s lives. It appears as if the aim of this book is to supply universal steerage toward the advancement of humanity’s overall state of being.
Concrete Responses
This information I gained from this book helped me to put a puzzle together that relates to my parent’s marriage. Psychology tries to explain why we as humans do what we do to each other. Christianity shows us how God wants us to treat each other. God gives us a better way.
When I think back to what I witnessed as a child during my parents’ marriage and subsequent divorce was that when God was in the midst of our home, the relationship that my parents had was strong. When God was no longer the center of our lives my parents relationship fell apart and ended in divorce. The impact and the emotional pain of my parents’ divorce are still with my siblings and me to this day.
The psychological and spiritual support that my parents’ needed at that time was not available to them. I remember my Mother saying that she felt like they were abandoned by our church when our family needed their support the most. Our family separated from our church after my parents divorced and it was many years later before any of my family sought out a church home again.
I think we as a society know better now. When you know better you will do better. There is more psychological and spiritual support for families that are in crisis now. I can see the value of what I want to do as a profession, and how I want to help families even more clearly now.
Reflection
The questions that I actually have for the author of this book are:
How do we convince those in need of counseling services to decide on a Christian counselor versus a secular counselor?
How will the concept of Christian counseling grow and flourish in the secular world?
I would think that possibly the best means of promoting Christian counseling would be through word of mouth. “ For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” Acts 22: 15 (NKJV) It is important that we are passionate witnesses for God. Many people will rely on word of mouth when they are in search of a professional person or service.
I did not feel that this book was well laid out. It appears to be too academically weighted which means it might reach a wider audience if the words, theories and ideas were a touch more simplistic. I found myself having to look up particular words in order to fully understand what was being discussed. It was quite distracting and time consuming. Somebody with less education than myself would most likely have a troublesome time reading and understanding this book.
Although it is academically heavy, I actually found that it is a resourceful tool and filled with insight regarding the planet and the way we can view theology, psychology and Christianity. Upon finishing the book, I actually gained an abundance of information and would suggest it to others.
Action
When I become a Christian counselor, my approach to reaching my clients will be to consistently depend on the power of prayer, the Holy Spirit and God’s truth in scripture to enable them to make positive changes in their lives.
I will want to share my own personal experiences to help my clients to relate to me and to trust me and to help them to understand that I experience the same challenges as they do in life. Hopefully, I can be an example of love, compassion, understanding, and proof of happier days on the other side of whatever the problem might be that they are dealing with.
Humbling myself before my clients will enable me to serve them as if I were serving God. “ As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4: 10 (NKJV) Serving others with the only purpose of reflecting God’s love and bringing them into His presence could be an invaluable experience that I want to be a part of.
There are a great deal of people in this world of strife that are hurting and in need of comfort and peace. I would like to become someone that God can use to bring this about for his people that he loves so dearly.
