ENTWISTLE
Admittedly, Entwistle’s book on integration is a difficult read; however, it is also one of the “standards” in the field of integration and is full of solid information. For the purposes of this short course, it is important that you get the big picture and find answers to the big questions rather than fully grasp all of the underlying points and supportive arguments. It is encouraged that you re-read this book after you finish this course and when you can more carefully read.
Therefore, take the following suggestions as you read Entwistle.

Chapter 1

In the first section, why did Entwistle argue that there should be no dichotomy, or artificial separation, between sacred and secular knowledge? If you understand the contrast between Tertullian’s position and Blamire’s position, you will grasp a core idea in Chapter 1.
In the two sections in which Entwistle lists objections to integration (“What Has Psychology to do…” and “Further Objections”), be able to identify some objections and Entwistle’s answers.

Chapter 2

In Chapter 2, Entwistle explains that, throughout history, the church (early in church history, that often meant the Roman church) both opposed the findings of science but, at the same time, provided the foundation for the development of science (there is an order to the universe, etc.).
Breeze through Chapter 2, though you may want to make sure you understand why Darwin had a lasting influence on some ongoing skepticism of “science” by some theologians—a purely naturalistic universe, or allowance for supernatural?

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 reviews the historical responses from the broad Christian community to the emerging discipline of psychology up to the present evangelical response. This chapter provides some helpful background to your understanding of the models of integration (Chapters 8–12), but does not demand a word-for-word reading.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4, on worldview, is an important chapter. Read it for solid understanding. However, the section on “Worldview Sampler” provides an overview of major worldviews, so you could read that section more quickly as long as you see the discussion in the broader context. The rest of that chapter must be read more carefully. Be able to answer basic questions such as: “How are worldviews developed,” “How do worldviews guide one’s understanding but also distorts one’s vision,” and “What are the important questions that worldviews should ask and answer.” Make sure you understand why one’s worldview will impact many integrative issues such as what you accept as truth, how you identify counselee problems, what you offer as solutions, etc. Your worldview, as a counselor, will also determine which models of integration you accept and reject.

Chapter 5

The Chapter 5 discussion on epistemology is also very important. In the first few sections, Entwistle puts the pursuit of knowledge (or truth) into a historical context. He lays a foundation, but you could read those sections quickly. Make sure you understand why he argues that fully knowing the truth will always be limited due to human limitations (worldviews can be distorted, humans are finite creatures, sin has marred one’s thought process, etc.). The most important part of Chapter 5 starts with the section “Of Madness…,“ and you need to make sure you understand the major ways of knowing—logic, empiricism, revelation, etc.—and see that discussion in the context of discovering truth about human behavior from both the perspectives of science and theology. Which ways of knowing would each discipline support and which ones might each one reject? For the purpose of this course, the section on hermeneutics is important only in that, while one holds to the truth of Scripture, one may not always arrive at the true truth due to one’s errors in thinking and interpretation. It might be helpful to review the seven points under “A Theocentric Unified Model…” since that will help you see the guiding interpretive principles to which most evangelicals hold.

Chapter 6

The Chapter 6 discussion on metaphysics primarily contrasts the natural worldview with the supernatural worldview. Can all of human problems find a materialistic solution or is there more? Entwistle argues for the necessity of the supernatural worldview to provide a basis for ethics and morality. While the chapter has helpful information in a thorough look at integration, for the purpose of this course, it is suggested to not read the chapter carefully. The application to integration can be found in the paragraph starting with “Naturalism and supernaturalism lead to …” on page 109 in the 2010 edition (just before the Questions for Reflection section).

Chapter 7

In the chapter on philosophical anthropology, pay most attention to the first sections (through the section on “Psychology and Theology: Variations on a Theme”). Be able to explain the basic assumptions of both psychology and theology, what each can contribute to your understanding of human behavior, and what each one may not be able to contribute. The rest of the chapter explains the rubric of human behavior as having biological/psychological/social components and how both psychology and theology would address these components. Skim over those sections

Chapters 8–11

These chapters explain the five models of integration that Entwistle proposes (originating in Niebuhr’s Christ and Culture models and eventually Carter and Narramore’s reformulations). It is suggested that you read Chapter 8 fairly carefully since it provides an overview of the models. You can find more detail in Chapters 9–10 if you need more explanation. It is suggested that you spend some time with Chapter 11 in which Entwistle details his model-of-choice: the Allies model. Spend most of your time in that chapter in the first sections (up to the “Towards a Definition…” section ). The information in that “definition” section is covered in the lectures, so you may not have to carefully read that section.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12 wrestles with the question of how you handle apparent conflicts between psychology and theology: for instance, on the topic of homosexuality. Entwistle explains several ways to address these problems (levels of explanation view, etc.). While this material is important as you further explore the concept and implications of integration, it is recommended that you thoroughly read this chapter when you have time to re-read the book and re-consider Entwistle’s main points.

Chapter 13

In Chapter 13, Entwistle offers some application comments (what integration should look like in the counseling office). Entwistle also explores how you can analyze a few representative psychological theories from a biblical worldview. As for Chapter 13, it is recommended that you thoroughly read this chapter when you have a chance to revisit Entwistle (perhaps in your summer reading).

In sum, after having read Entwistle using the above suggestions, you will be able to explain the following in your paper:
The concept of truth: both psychology and theology seek truth
• Why have they been enemies in the past, and why do some counselors still see them as enemies?
• How do to the two systems seek truth differently?
• What epistemology does each system accept/reject?
• How can each discipline contribute to truth in ways that the other may not be able to?
• Why is “all truth is God’s truth” an important tenant in the Christian worldview?
• What is meant by the “two books”?
Why is the concept of worldview so important to both psychologists and theologians? What are the implications to counseling for a therapist’s worldview?
What are the main elements of the models of integration? What are the implications for integration (and counseling) if one identifies with one model over another

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