...4-MAT Review Paper Juli J. McFarland Liberty University Summary In his book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David Entwistle introduces the complicated connection between psychology and theology. The connection between psychology and theology is a topic of great argument. (Entwistle, 2010) Some scholars believe it is a great idea to connect psychology and theology, while others believe it would be harmful to do so. Entwistle focuses on the similarities of psychology and theology, instead of their differences. Psychology focuses on finding the cause of behavior through biological and environmental methods as well as past experiences. Theology focuses on the cause of behavior being linked to sin. Psychology focuses on healing through theories. Theology focuses on healing through Christ. Even though psychology and theology have different methods they have similar goals to achieve overall wellness. Entwistle stated that both psychology and theology focus on the cause of behavior and healing. (Entwistle, 2010) Psychology and theology also both contain truth. Entwistle believes “All truth is God’s truth.” (Entwistle, 2010) Psychology and theology are not so different and both can be combined to help achieve overall wellness in the lives of others. Entwistle made a point that theology and science have been embattled throughout history. Entwistle explains that how a person views the world determines how they view the truth in their lives. Entwistle also emphasizes...
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...4- MAT Review 2: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Liberty University Jennifer Hooker McMinn, Ph.D., Mark R. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011) 4- MAT Review 1: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Summary McMinn utilized psychology, theology and spirituality in order to assist people in enhancing different aspects of their lives. McMinn made it clear that it is important for the counselor to be strong in their own spirituality, so that they will be able to properly help the client in their process. (McMinn, 2011) McMinn addresses the different precautions counselors should take and also the limitations. Counselors express when it comes to incorporating their own spirituality into their counseling session, it can be challenging, due to the fact that they may not feel that confident about the knowledge they have about the bible. As a result counselors will often omit the use of God’s word in their counseling sessions because they do not want to confuse the client or interpret the message differently. McMinn has provided the guidance for the counselors who wish to strengthen spirituality within the counseling sessions, as well as within themselves. There are many benefits that come with incorporating Christianity into counseling sessions, but some of the main elements that can help to enhance the client’s life are, they can gain a better sense of self, a better understanding of human need and limitations and also...
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...4-MAT Book Review Jayne Kelley Liberty University In his book Dr. Wright begins by reciting a personal dilemma from the time when he was a youth pastor at his church. Throughout the book, he uses a Christian perspective on counseling reciting scenarios from his life to demonstrate the different concepts of counseling. Dr. Wright uses these situations. To teach the proper responses, to different crisis situations. When reading these situations, he wants us to “consider two important questions: How would you feel? What would you do or say?” (Wright, 2011, p.10). Wright describes how Jesus was an exemplary model of being compassionate, acceptant of others, giving people worth, meeting their needs, using the right word, emphasizing the right behavior, teaching others how to accept responsibility by providing hope, encouraging people, and emphasizing peace of mind (Wright, 2011, p. 17-21). Using scripture Wright guides us towards the biblical response to crisis situations. He teaches us that listening is an important part of counseling paying attention to not only what is being said, but also to how it is being said. Listening to the tone of voice as well as watching body language to interrupt the message you are receiving. He emphasizes speaking at the right time and knowing when to keep quiet. It is important to consider your responses, instead of making a hasty statement is not knowing how it will affect the other person. Thinking through your responses prevents you from...
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...Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling 4-MAT Review 4-MAT Review: McMinn Summary Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Mark McMinn (2011) discuss the integration of psychology and spirituality including impacts of such in our daily lives both personally and professionally. According to McMinn (2011) there are three essential categories that must be considered within counseling; psychology, theology, and spirituality. To incorporate the three categories, the book down into further sections including prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption including “what if” sections with descriptions of circumstances and the corresponding results, what works and what doesn’t within the sessions. By beginning with an active and healthy prayer life personally, the counselor is able to pray for the client both inside of and outside of the counseling sessions. McMinn (2011) discusses the importance of ethical issues of using prayer which is the source of growth in spiritual lives, promoting a relationship with God rather than promoting health. According to McMinn (2011) prayer must only be used after consent given and the potential effects considered as some forms of prayer may be detrimental to the client. Scripture use within counseling can be considered a self-help book enabling personality and behavioral changes. McMinn (2011) discusses the use of Scripture to support...
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...4-MAT Book Review Esther Gooding Liberty University Table of Contents Summary of book ------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 Concrete Responses -----------------------------------------------------------------------------4 Reflection -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Application ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Reference ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Grading rubric ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Summary Reaching Out was published by Doubleday Dell Publishing Group in 1986. It was written by Henri Nouwen and offers counsel in the three movements of the spiritual life. The book simplifies the relational of humanity with the living God. Nouwen (1986) explores these three movements as spiritual growth and development. This he indicated will bring people closer to God. The first movement is from loneliness to solitude. Loneliness is an inner struggle for all humans. It is a feeling that no matter how many people are around you, you still feel alone or lonely. Loneliness is to be embraced, to look at it as a phase on the journey of life. The lonely person must have the courage and the faith to follow the path from loneliness to solitude. The illustration about the New York subway was very intriguing...
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...4-MAT Review on Entwistle COUN 506-B16 June 03, 2012 Liberty University Dr. Angel Weaver Abstract In the literature of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity written by author David Entwistle (2010), explains Christianity, and psychology being integrated with one another. David Entwistle says that “Primarily psychology and Christianity are perceived by many people to be in opposition” (Entwistle, 2010). Both psychology and Christianity address both the experiences in human life and angles from different views. The writer also explains, “Christianity being based on the Word of God. Psychology is based on worldly views; it is an empirical foundation, so it does not allow faith to make any adjustments in its teachings.” (Entwistle, 2010) Christianity is based on the belief in Jesus Christ, which takes faith and understanding, the Bible is the teachings and laws that God wants us to abide by, and is the foundation of all truth. The writer of the book states that, “Psychology uses empirical methods of study while theology studies human interpretations of God’s Word.” (Entwistle, 2010) We take a look at the integration of the behaviors. The book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity’s sole purpose is to help the readers understand combining the disciplines of psychology and Christianity. Even though the two always seem to pull against one another, the author gives great examples and issues...
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...Friends, though it may not be sounding good for some, I need to keep on reminding us this horrible place I visited 20 years ago, because I don't want anyone to end up in HELL. If we do not accept JESUS as our personal LORD and SAVIOUR, we will not go to Heaven, but end up in HELL!!!HELL is a DEAD-END. Once you go, you will be there for all eternity - there is no escape!!!God never intended anyone to go there. He made hell for satan and his fallen angels. There are numerous scriptures from the Bible on HELL.Revelation 20:15 - And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.2 Thessalonian 1:9 - Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;Revelation 21:8 - But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore-mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 19:20 - And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.Daniel 12:2 - And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and...
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...Entwistle presents an argument in favor of integrating psychology and theology (2011). His argument starts with a definition of integration and a discussion on how to integrate. He differentiates between counselors who simply spew information vs. counselors who truly understand and apply spiritual concepts (p.32). His argument starts with an historical perspective. He compares two ancient cities: Athens and Jerusalem. Athens represents reason, while Jerusalem represents spirituality (Entwistle, 2010). He argues, using the comparison of each city’s knowledge source, that “All truth is God’s truth” (Entwistle, 2010, p.13). Entwistle believes that both psychology and theology must be employed in a counseling setting because both are God’s truths. This thought process is the basis for the rest of the text. In order to accept that all truth is God’s truth, and therefore accept that theology and psychology are both truths, Entwistle recommends examining our own worldview. Worldviews are not innate. The way in which we view our world is based on our experiences, education and culture. Our worldview greatly influences our ability to integrate the two disciplines (Entwistle, 2010). One must be secure in a solid base of spirituality before integration with psychology can occur. Again, Entwistle emphasizes God’s sovereign truth in both psychology and theology (2010). Entwistle then discusses five models of integration. Christ against Culture, or combatants, believe psychology has...
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...4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson Laura Romine Liberty University Abstract Authors Leming and Dickinson (2011) bring the discussion of death, dying and bereavement into the 21st century. Focusing the reader’s attention with a renewed perspective in thanatology, authors help redefine, perpetuate conversation, and add relevance to the topic harmoniously. Orienting the reader to individualistic theories that reach beyond universal attentions, Leming and Dickinson (2011) guide the discussion into a new era of defining a natural, yet, unavoidable topic. A re-education of sorts, thanatology is revived in accordance to contemporary day and time. Keywords: spirituality, death, dying, bereavement, suicide 4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson Leming & Dickinson (2011), pen about the manner of dying, death and bereavement supported by research and contemporary social theories. Emphasizing experiential knowledge which reinforces concepts of death, dying, and bereavement, a social-psychological tactic was employed throughout the four chapters. Life span comparisons expanded the reader’s perspective. Not to leave out other approaches, concepts are advanced through biological, philosophical and anthropological edifications as well. These systems reveal the interactivity of behavior and subjectivity within the subject matter. Summary Chapter one develops death and dying through the lens of human development and educational theories. Approaching death and dying by means of...
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...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY 4-MAT Book Review 1 Submitted to Dr. Thomas Hutchinson in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of LEAD 510 Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership by Rooshawn Pratt April 1, 2016 ABSTRACT Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches, is a book that takes an observation of leadership in its current state and it looks to improve leadership for the future. The authors Robert Banks and Bernice Ledbetter, take a look at all areas of leadership, use their experiences in the work place, weave in faith to create a beautiful evaluation to help us become better Christian leaders for today and the next generation. This book “is a summary of academic approaches and concrete experiences. It is a fruit of biblical investigation and reflection on our own experiences. It is exercise in cultural analysis and theological exploration.” This book takes a different approach compared to other books o leadership. Banks and Ledbetter show us how using our faith in leadership can be beneficial and even necessary. “This book surveys the evolution of understanding about leadership and asks important questions about faith and leading that are necessary to consider if leadership is to have a future.” This book asks all the right questions to make us ponder on our role as leaders and how we are utilizing our faith in our role as leaders. They use an example of one of our greatest Christian leaders, The Apostle Paul and...
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...4-MAT Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Liberty University McMinn, Ph.D., Mark R. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (1996) 4 MAT Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Abstract Christian counseling is all about integrating psychology, theology and spirituality into counselor and clients lives. Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling gives insight into how these three perspectives can be used to help individuals identify certain aspects of their lives that might be enhanced when the counselor includes spirituality into their counseling sessions. We also see how important it is for the counselor to be in touch with their own spirituality so that they can lead by example. Many counselors have a hard time addressing their own faith, with their clients. They question whether it is acceptable to talk to their clients about their Christian beliefs. Therefore, many times spirituality will fall by the wayside in the counseling session. McMinn (1996) gives us ways in which the counselor can integrate their spirituality into the counseling sessions and promote Christian guidance, into their clients lives. The goal of the Christian counselor is to promote mental and spiritual growth, so that the client can draw from their faith and look to God for guidance. McMinn (1996) allows us to see that we need a healthy sense of self in order to overcome our obstacles (p. 47). One way we develop...
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...A 4-MAT Review System: Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Summary The book that will be reviewed in this paper is Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, which was written by David N. Entwistle. This book was meant for secular, spiritual, and Christian counselors. Entwistle wrote this book to teach these counselors how they can successfully integrate psychology and Christianity together. It is important to do this because there is a history of conflict that exists between science and religion as well as supernaturalism and naturalism. Science, being naturalistic, believes in things that can be observed and measured which conflicts with religion, which is super-naturalistic, since most things relating to it cannot be observed or measured. Thus began the conflict of science and religion. Entwistle (2010b) spoke of the conflict Galileo had because he believed in the science experiments he had conducted. These experiments taught that the universe does not revolve around Earth, the heliocentric model, however this conflicted with the church and its religious beliefs since they believed in the Aristotelian model (Entwistle, 2010b). After pushing for his beliefs in his books, he received punishment after the second book was released. Entwistle (2010a p. 8) also brought to our attention the question asked by Tertullian, “What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” This is asking us if there is harmony that exists between the church and teaching...
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...4-Mat Review 4- MAT Review 2: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Liberty University Diane Jaynes McMinn, Ph.D., Mark R. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011) 4- MAT Review 1: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Summary McMinn used psychology, theology and spirituality in the process of supporting individuals with improving distinctive facets of their lives. For a counselor to be effective, McMinn stated throughout the book that it is very imperative that the therapist be fervent and resilient within their personal piety. (McMinn, 2011) McMinn talks about the numerous defenses therapists need to take and he also discussed limitations that counselors face. It can be perplexing for Counselors to articulate their own spirituality when integrating it into their counseling session (McMinn, 2011). Therapist also feel that sharing their spirituality can also be difficult, for the reason that they may possibly feel unsure about their Bible knowledge (McMinn, 2011). And as a solution therapists will just not use anything from the Bible in their counseling sessions since the counselor surely does not want to muddy the waters any more for the individual or elucidate the meaning contrarily (McMinn, 2011). Guidance has been made available by McMinn to any therapist that desire to increase spirituality within their clients therapy sessions, and at the same time, increase their own spirituality (McMinn, 2011). When integrating Christianity...
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...4-MAT Book Review Instructions The 4-MAT review system is a way of responding to readings that requires the learner to interact with new ideas on several levels. You will write a 4-MAT Book Review of Leming & Dickinson's book, Understanding Dying, Death, and Bereavement. Your paper must follow current APA format (title page, APA headers, introduction section, body of report divided with APA Level 1 (and possibly Level 2) headings, citations, formal Conclusion section, and a separate page for References. The paper must be at least 10 pages (not counting the cover and reference page). First person writing is acceptable throughout parts 2, 3, and 4 of your book review. Use the following format in preparing your 4-MAT Book Review: 1. Summary: Summarize what you have read as if you were the author condensing the book into 4 pages. This section is not a commentary or listing of topics, but rather an in-depth, yet concise, insightful examination of the content. 2. Concrete responses: In at least 2 pages, relate a personal or professional life episode that this book connected to within your own life experience. Relate your story in 1st person, describing action, words, and emotions you remember. In the teaching style of Jesus, this is a do-it-yourself parable, case study, or confession. You will remember more of what you have read when you make this critical, personal connection. This is your chance to tell your story and make new ideas found in the book your own...
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...Nouwen 4-MAT Book Review 1 Nouwen 4-MAT Book Review Quinton Neighbors Liberty University Nouwen 4-MAT Book Review 2 Summary Reaching Out The Three Movements of The Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen, published on November 20, 2013. The author lays out three dimensions of spiritual movements in the Christian life. Each one proceeding from the previous one to make a simple but profound process for the reader to understand. Explained first as the spectrum of loneliness to solitude. Next, hostility to hospitality, and finally illusion to prayer. The needs of loneliness manifest its in the quest for messianic completeness in other things to fill the void. This has many implications as violence, resentment, and other reactions to having such flawed idols are being used to fill the gap. On the other hand, the author presents Christ as the point of wholeness that we as humans long for. Our innermost selves are filled by this to become receptive to inner talk, the world and others. The immovable wholeness in Christ is the axiom in which the heart solitude provides loving faith filled responses. Going further into solitude is an process of inner stability in Christ, that plants seeds of hospitality instead of the natural hostility our world has created. Hospitality is defined as a biblical term of open freedom of space so that strangers can be invited as friends. Balanced in heart solitude and freedom from attachment to things either material or immaterial makes the space for a good host...
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