Discussion Board Forum 4Below is a brief overview of Integration view and a Transformational Psychology view. Jones (2010) definition of integration is an: “Integration of Christianity and psychology (or any area of “secular thought”) is our living out-in this particular area- of the lordship of Christ over all of existence by our giving his special revelation-Gods true Word- it’s an appropriate place of authority in determining our fundamental beliefs about and practices toward all of reality and toward our academic subject matter in particular”(p.103). Followers of the integration view are also known as an integrationist; believe that “Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord of all life” however they understand that scripture does not provide all of the answers when it comes to understanding humans fully.
They believe that bible has a limited scope but offers perspective on values, ethics, and morality. Integrationists are aware of the tension between biblical truth and the fields of science, however, want to expand their secular understanding with loyalty to scripture and Christian convictions. Followers of the integration view conduct psychology with high standards and in a way that honors God and places the lord over their work while using wisdom from scripture and tradition. Johnson (2010) describes the transformational view as Psychology and Christianity being a single act of science by a spiritually transformed psychologist (p.200). Followers of the transformation view believe that the person determines the process and product with honesty and is grounded in reality and faith, therefore, minimizing the need to distort the truth. God is the ultimate source of wisdom, and He created the world by wisdom so people must be spiritually grounded when using their God-given abilities to study and gain knowledge. There is a relational paradigm where followers believe that doing psychology well is a form of love of God and also love of neighbor and helps people grow spiritually along with providing soul care.
Spiritual disciplines that foster union with God and good character in Christ are essential to doing good psychology. The final belief is that everything is for the Love of God. Science is a single unifying act that mingles both acts of faith and act of observation reflection on creation into one, by loving God in the object of science and the object of science in God. The objective of the transformational view is focused on the person and the process while the goal is union with God which by love glorifies God.
Now that I am familiar with the five views I feel more connected with the Christian Psychology view in regards to integration. I initially felt more aligned with this view and decided to secure my thoughts. It is, however, difficult to choose just one view because I appreciate and agree with the different aspects of all five views. The connectedness is a reflection of one’s beliefs and viewpoints. I feel connected with this view because followers of the Christian psychology view believe that people “are created in the image of God, and thus have intrinsic value or dignity, or respect-worthiness” (Watson, 2010, p. 151).
Followers of this view use the Bible as the foundation for how to live ethically and happily, it also provides strategies for improvement and wellbeing in many areas of one’s life such as thought, character, emotions, and actions. The Bible provides a Christian framework that is learned through scripture and can then be applied to current psychological circumstances. Jesus’ teachings along with Christian tradition give us insight that can benefit the psychology field. Powilson’s (2010) states that “Christian faith is psychology” (p.245). Psychology is all around us, so Christians need to practice psychology because of our faithfulness, worldviews, and religious tradition; this will assist other and the field while also demonstrating our love for the Lord. This Christian Psychology view fits in with both of Entwistle’s Rebuilders and Allies model. Rebuilders use Christian theology, tradition, and scripture when forming views and when assisting people to become more Christ-like focusing on soul care, the creation, fallen nature, and purpose.
Followers of the rebuilders’ model respect modern psychology but feel that psychology needs to be rebuilt based on Christian beliefs with scripture as the foundation. Followers of the allies’ model live to honor God and believe that both psychology and theology are subjects of God. Entwistle, (2015) states that the allies “model recognized that all truth is known by God who is Sovereign over all things.
Various methods can be used to learn about the world in general and humans in particular” p.182). Followers of the allies’ model believe that God is the creator and sustainer of all things to include psychology, humans, and behavior, for this reason, both disciplines should serve him. Allies have allegiance to God and believe that his word is the foundation. They apply methods of psychology to serve, praise, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and declare the truths of God. If I had to choose one from the two models, I would choose the allies model because my views are more aligned with this model.
ReferencesEntwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.Johnson, E.
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