Psychology allows people to analyze different parts of cognitive thinking and human behavior. While these process are important to understand humans, they also aid in helping Christians understand how God created us. There are many psychological processes that help deepen understanding of God, but a specific aspect of psychology that can be analyzed is emotional regulation. Scientifically, emotions are positive or negative experiences that are associated with a particular pattern of physiological activity (316). One can look back on their own life and think of times where they were very happy and times where they were very sad.…
4-MAT Review System: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Keyanna Hawkins Liberty University A 4-MAT Review System: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Summary…
Summary In David Entwistle book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration, is what the title tells us. What he has done with his book is give the reader a comparison of how both religion (God), and science (Psychology) go hand in hand with each other. Mr. Entwistle takes God words and teaches and uses them with models that psychology has taught us and combined them together and gave impeccable reasons why both of these fields are actually the same thing. For instance, as a Godly person because of religion we know that everything is done for the good of God and He is the creator of everything.…
As I was reading this article I was angry and felt as if i would not agree with anything said, however, once I regarded the time period and allowed myself to be open to the opinions of others, I began to see some similarities. They were few, but similarities nonetheless. I agree with Macarthur in the aspect of some psychologists disregarding the ability to be assisted by prayer, reading the Bible and meditation with God. I believe that those things are important and vital to finding peace and well as strength through mental and emotional difficulties. Practicing “Christian” Psychologists should never advise against them or promote activity that go against Biblical teaching.…
The two chapters for this week’s readings explored two of the five major views on the integration of Christianity and psychology. The Levels-of-Explanation approach is presented by Thomas G. Plante, and the Integration approach is explained by Mark R. McMinn. It seems that the two authors have quite distinct approaches when it comes to reconciling the relationship between psychology and theology in clinical practice. Plante (2012) appears to see theology as a supportive supplement to psychology. In that sense, he appears to prioritize psychology over theology when it comes to his clinical work, evident in his frequent reference to the importance evidenced-based practice interventions.…
For many decades, psychology and Christianity have been viewed as two fields that are mutually exclusive. Through the perpetual changes that both have gone through from pre-modernity, modernity, and post-modern thinking, researchers and theologians are working to find an appropriate and functional synthesis to bring the two together. Integration can be very difficult because psychology and Christianity have different worldviews. The goal of psychology is to fully understand the human mind, whereas Scripture teaches that humans cannot fully understand themselves. Psychology as a science has been said to have a dehumanizing effect as it encourages people to be normal and well-adjusted.…
Summary Mark McMinn the author of “Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling” goes into great depth in explaining the integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality in counseling. McMinn first published his book in 1996 and since then he has updated and revised it in 2011 with reliable information that can be used by the counselor (McMinn, 2011). McMinn starts in the first chapter stating, “this is a book for those wanting to investigate the frontier of interdisciplinary” (McMinn, 2011, p. 9). With this being said, it is important for counselors to be able to integrate on the foundations for this book psychology, theology, and spirituality into their sessions with the client.…
From a biblical counseling perspective, there is section of psychoanalysis could be related to scripture. However, Freud’s deterministic view of humanity conflicts with the Bible’s teaching about redemption and renewed life. The core structure of psychoanalysis can be provide an insightful view of human personality when aligned with scripture. The relation between id, ego, and superego can explain a Christian tendency to want to obey God’s will, but struggle to…
The first chapter of the book focuses on people’s thoughts and perceptions on the idea of integrating psychology and theology. One of the main points discussed in this chapter was how Christians view the integration of these two disciplines. The said that Christians are often hesitant to use psychology, because they fear that if they turn to psychology for help, then they are saying that the…
The age of the brain and mind has ushered in a host of new disciplines, set to unveil some of the mysterious processes of the brain. Cognitive science, in particular, is an interdisciplinary area of study - combining psychology, anthropology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, and philosophy – that focuses on the mind. A subdivision of cognitive science, called the cognitive science of religion, explores the connection between religious experience and the mind. As Christians, we must critically evaluate these areas of study, seeking truth and understanding. My response to Dr. Barret’s essay will focus on the practices, as well as, the Christian interpretation of cognitive science of religion.…
Science is in everything, including religion and lack thereof. In this paper I will show how scientism is tied in with the aspects of religious faith and atheism. First and foremost science is defined as the analytical and empirical basis for understanding reality, truth is either analytically understood or empirically verifiable. Also the main arguments that will be discussed deal with the finely tuned universe, the teleological argument, the theory of pragmatism and biological evolution. Scientism helps support atheism in the sense that with what I said earlier, science deals with analytical and synthetic statements.…
This field uses psychology as a means in order to delve into the wellbeing of individuals, more often than not, using religion and spirituality. Davis (2008), author of an important psychology handbook says that, “Psychology, and in fact all of society, is embracing spirituality, accepting faith as a once-again legitimate source of knowledge” (p. 21). This underlines how new scientific fields have emerged and applied notions of spirituality and religion in their methods of interacting with individuals. People and society as a whole are being challenged by concepts such as an afterlife, a superior deity, the largely debated ‘evolution vs. intelligent creator’ phenomenon, etc. Unlike many countries, Canada does not have an official religion, and rather accepts religious pluralism, the diversity of beliefs.…
To believe in God is to end our alliance with death (Seymour et al 125). Christian Education has enhanced Human Development for several years. For several decades, religious education has relied-over relied upon developmental psychology as a way to articulate the doctrine of sanctification and its corresponding effects upon the individual throughout the human cycle. In addition to the humanistic theories, education have use Erick Erikson’s eight psychosocial stages to understand the human journey to wholeness and maturity…
When professor Dalgish gave us this subject, some of the things were passed in my mind instantly. During four weeks, I took prof. Geiling and Prof. Dresser’s classes. Prof Geiling was talking about psychology and mental diseases by what modern people suffered. Prof. Dresser taught us about Christianity and who Jesus is, and why he does matter us.…
Over the past few years I have struggled to figure out what my own religious value system was built upon. Particularly during the past four years at Bradley University, I have become more intrigued with discovering my spirituality. In order to build my ethos in this discussion I am obligated to address issues and make decisions that I have avoided for so long, but I believe that this process will ultimately be beneficial to both my audience and myself. Picking whether I believe in science or religion as my way of knowing is what makes this process most difficult.…