Review Of Entwistle’s Integration Of Psychology And Theology Essay

Starting with differentiating that which is wholly a biblical worldview and vigilantly avoiding the â€Å"roadblocks† that the readers might mistake as something else other than the essentials of Christian beliefs, the author, Dr. Entwistle (2004) nudges in graduated measures to a clearer understanding of where he intends his reader to reach: which is the integration of these two distinct paradigms. For the author, looking at psychology and/or human behavior and its complexities as a faithful Christian, human individuals are understood as well as coined by different terminologies other than their biblical counterparts (Entwistle, 2004). To arrive to a common understanding of the fundamentals of Christianity and to relate that to social science is not an impossible task at all despite the â€Å"wide chasm† that had been erected by certain schools of thoughts coming from either side. Presuppositions or philosophical conceptualizations are the pillars of any worldview, and to successfully establish a new one requires that changes or reinforcements be made at this plane. The integrative approaches were framed at this level so as to remove mental oppositions as they arise every time in one’s thoughts. When this is not adequately laid down, no audience can align their thoughts or understanding with what the author (i. e. , David Entwistle) tries to convey (Entwistle, 2004). According to the author, social science and the basic principles of the Bible do not antagonize scientific findings, in most occasions. They do not come in conflict with each other in most of the ideals. For instance, the psyche or soul and its make up; rather science in a way confirms (as if it needs confirmation) what the Bible long declares (Entwistle, 2004). The issue then is not accepting a secular psychology nor accepting a liberal theology; rather it is the accepting of psychology as a discipline science. Narrowing it down, psychology simply tries to study the human mind and how it functions. The Christian mind is the focus of most of the New Testament doctrine and principles. Its sanctification and renewal is one of Christianity’s lifelong primary objectives; and it is definitely God’s objectives as well as declared clearly in the Scriptures. It is His will for the people’s lives to have their minds changed or renewed. In this standpoint, science very well is able to relate its findings with how the mind works and how man relates these workings in his milieu and/or community (Entwistle, 2004). Dr. Entwistle puts aside every seemingly combatant view against psychology in general, and against seemingly narrow Christianity as well; so as to remove doubts to the a feasible and possible integration of psychology and Christianity (Entwistle, 2004). Declaring pitfalls of immature faith and pop psychology which respectively, easily captivate enthusiasts and followers alike, the approaches that the author actually took was to set aside what competing worldviews were there and faithfully move to abide to the demands of the Scriptures at the same time embracing the plausible scientific evidences that are emerging in psychology and examining these in the light of a complete revelation of the message of the Scriptures (Entwistle, 2004). Much appreciation goes to the scholarly work of Dr. Entwistle. His wide grasp of Scriptures and doctrines of the Christian faith is very impressive. It is with the impression that the author has a deep thirst of the things of God and of the beauty of His plan of salvation. Equally, his search for the basic functioning of the mind and behavioral activities of individuals are evident throughout the accounts in the book (Entwistle, 2004). What bothers me about this book is that Dr. Entwistle must have kept his philosophical discussions to a minimum so that his audience or readership will be able to digest at that level. There are theological questions that are not satisfied just by going through the presuppositions (Entwistle, 2004). Though this is essentially a requisite, still, major doctrines in the Christian faith cannot be sufficiently addressed within the pages of his book. Just like when he mentioned about â€Å"Athens and Jerusalem† right from the beginning of his treatise. The author should be careful about discussing the two kinds of wisdom that he proposed through the â€Å"locations† he mentioned. The Jerusalem that he talked about in his book as referred to by Tertullian is not representative of a thorough grasp of the Christian faith that is balanced and sound (Entwistle, 2004). Another thing is that no matter how important the contribution of Psychology is to the understanding of human behavior, to say that it can help our Biblical understanding is an affront to the admonition and declaration in 2 Timothy 3:16 that the Scriptures is complete and enough for it is able to deal with the entire man. Though I do admire the work and breakthrough of psychology and its scientific procedures providing an honest and realistic proof to many of the realities of human activities, the important integrative approach is still to present both as important in their own right and yet the Biblical picture elevated to its rightful place. I guess that is what Dr. Entwistle actually really wanted (Entwistle, 2004). Another thing that bothers me is that, how many Christian counselors are prepared to help their clients sort the distinctions and similarities between psychology and the Christian faith? This is important because basic to therapy success is that when therapist and client share similar worldviews, the therapy may then advance (Entwistle, 2004). To come up with the balanced worldview (an integration in other words), the balance between the realms mentioned, including the true frame of human individuals and the true nature of God (or theology) are properly considered (Entwistle, 2004). Thoroughly accepting the fact that there is no contest between the natural and the spiritual; only that troubles arise when one realm is overemphasized at the expense of another. This thin line or slight tension between the two levels is best expressed in the personhood of Jesus Christ, who was a perfect man as well as God. If we start to equate ourselves with that notion (which is usually happening) and we start to think that we are balanced, then we surely lack understanding or real self-awareness of the fact that we are deeply and seriously out of balance and this is one reason why we need help.

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European Treaties - Case Study Example Lisbon retains the present categories of legislative acts (regulations, directives, decisions), rather than using the categories of framework decisions, decisions and conventions in the Constitution5. The Lisbon Treaty also says explicitly, for the first time, that a country has the right to leave the European Union, something that has always been so under international law, but which has not been formally stated in a European Treaty before. In so doing, the Member States of the European Union have created the largest, and indeed the only, voluntary multinational democracy in human history6. Another major change is the procedure for conferring jurisdiction on the European Union courts to rule on patent disputes between private parties would, in the Reform Treaty, remain (as at present) unanimity in the Council and national ratification, whereas the Constitutional Treaty provided for qualified majority voting in the Council and co decision with the European Parliament7. The provisions for an 'emergency brake' on certain criminal law measures (allowing a Member State to block decision-making on criminal procedure or substantive criminal law, where voting will take place by a qualified majority) would be altered to make it explicit that European Union leaders must act by consensus if the issue is referred to them. The provision on social security for migrant workers, which would also be made subject to qualified majority voting and which also contains a similar emergency brake, would be altered to provide that European Union leaders could decide not to take action on a proposal; a declaration would also confirm that the EU leaders must act by consensus if the issue is referred to... Treaty Of Lisbon: Amendments to the treaty on European Union, House Of Commons Library, 24th January 2008, retrieved on 12th January 2009. Hilary White, Ireland to Hold Second Lisbon Treaty Referendum: Prime Minister Confirms, Lifesitenews.com, 22nd December 2008, retrieved on 13th January 2009. http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/dec/08122202.html

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Edward and Adam role play Essay Example for Free

Edward and Adam role play Essay The piece did not have a title. As it was an assignment we didnt name our play. It is called Edward and Adam role play, because in this scenes we show when Edward has just been captured and he meets Adam for the first time. Edward is really confused, and when Adam try to calm him down, he thinks that Adam is an Arab whos there to beat him up again.  AIM OF THE PIECE: I think that the main aim of the piece is to show how two men kept in captivity would react when they meet for the first time. Adam is an American doctor, while Edward is an Irish journalist. Edward, is steady and thoughtful. A hard-living, hard-driven man, he is tormented by the regret that he has pushed away his wife and not taken the time to know his children, and now never may. He is a complex, charismatic, charming and irritating man, whose best weapons against despair and self-pity are quick jokes, biting humor and a healthy awareness of his failings. When Edward is being taking into the cell he tries to fight back, by spitting at the Arabs. The reaction of the Arabs is shown with violence, and Edward get beaten up. When Adam sees what is happening he tries to help the new arrived, but he gets beaten up as well. When Edward wakes up, he ears the voice of a stranger, that stranger is Adam, who is trying to reassure him that everything is fine. Edward first response is trying to get away from the chains, and trying to find a way out of the jail. When he finally realises that hes locked up with a stranger, he starts screaming that hes Irish, and that hes country is neutral. In all this time Adam is trying to interrupt him, but Edward completely ignores him, until then he starts asking questions. What he hears, hes not what he expected. In fact he has been told that he would stay in the cell for an indeterminate time. In the scene there isnt much movement as they are both suppose to be chained up. The only movement we get in the scene is when Adam starts exercising, and tell Edward that he should do something as well, to keep his mind full. Edward is still really confuse and want to know more about his new friend. He keeps on asking questions, and they start to know each other better. The scene finish up when Adam tells Edward that hes not alone as he has got him to watch over him. We of course choose this ending by the title of the play. PRESENTATION: The piece has been presented well, and my partner and I have done a good job as the piece was understood by everyone in the audience. As we werent able to use the stage once more, we used another space in the room. We planned the scene carefully, and we decided to have Adam sitting down lining against the wall, reading the Koran. When Edward is coming in we have both of the characters trying to fight back the Arabs but as both get beaten up they faint. When Edward wakes up, hes very scared as he founds out that he is chained. For a moment he thinks hes dreaming, but when he realizes that that is reality, we can feel the stress and the fear coming out of his voice. Adam is tries his best to welcome him in the cell. But how can you make someone welcome when you are kept in chain? Edward is really stressed and keeps on asking more questions as he wants to know more about what its happening. After a while Adam start getting exercising, but this only makes Edward more confuse and makes him ask more questions. When the two men get to know each other more, Edward start to relax, and they start to talk normally and calmly, about everyday things, such as family, sports, jobs and so on.  For most of the scene the two men are sitting down lining on the wall, talking.  In this scene we had a big contrast between two different men, such as Adam and Edward.. Adam, is very calm, kind, and tries to reassure Edward. While Edward is very aggressive, as hes just been captured, and in first place he thinks that Adam is an Arab, and he doesnt trust him. STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES: The piece strength as weaknesses as well. Once again I think that my partner and I have done a good job, because we have done a original piece, which I think has impressed the audience, as we have explored the inner side two men who meets for the first time in a situation of hostages. We wrote a script of the piece so that we would have been able to remember the piece. I think that the main strength of this piece is that I had the opportunity to work with the same partner, and we put very good ideas together. Some of the weaknesses of this piece were that we couldnt act the piece on the stage, I think that it would have been more effective as we would have had more space, and we could have used the lights as well.  PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED: The major problem in acting this piece was that I was suppose to calm down a man who has just been captured and thrown into a cell. I had to be very patient into the play as Edward kept on interrupting, and kept on asking questions.  Looking back at the play I think that I have done a good job into acting Adam, and I also enjoyed it.