Integrating Theology and Psychology through Respectful Dialogue

Running head: ENEMIES OR FRIENDS: LEARNING FROM COMBATANTS There will be abundant times and places in life wherein someone will disagree with your position on religion and psychology. Despite that, a disagreement can be a learning experience for everyone involved. Even those who are in the category of following the Enemies model, where theology and psychology are at war. Enemies Model Loosely based on Christ and Culture written by Richard Niebuhr, there are several model that are presented, one being the Enemies model. Someone who holds to the Enemies model would hold to the belief that theology and psychology do not integrate, they are two separate entities. An individual either believes in the view of human mechanistic or the spiritual view. Within the Enemies model, there are two sub-sections, Secular Combatants and Christian Combatants. The Secular combatant is an individual who holds a secular and/or agnostic worldview within the study of psychology. A Christian Combatant is one who holds a spiritual worldview in which they view psychology. Although the Secular Combatant and the Christian Combatant do not believe in the same base of authority, they both hold the view that theology and psychology are mutually exclusive. (Entwistle, 2015). Learning from the Secular Combatant It is easy when someone of a different worldview confronts you with their ideas and philosophies, especially at times when it feels disrespectful. But there is a significant amount you can learn from someone who has opposing views. One thing I really came to appreciate, that I learned from a Secular Combatant, is how to really listen and understand another person’s worldview, without becoming defensive, even when they hold a view so opposite from my own. According to the scriptures, we are to listen to others, not just to respond, but to truly hear them. James 1:19 states, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (New International Version). In Proverbs 18:13 it says, “To answer before listening- that is folly and shame.” (New International Version). Another thing to learn from a Secular Combatant is how to defend one’s own worldview. There are some individuals who never have their faith and views truly challenged. Later in life, there are times of communication and conflict with opposing views, like maybe that of a Secular Combatant. These conflicts can help one form and truly learn how to defend their own views, or maybe question whether or not their views are logical or not. In times when an individual’s views are truly challenged, sometimes they find that they do not truly believe what they thought they did. Or that they cannot soundly defend their views and beliefs. Another thing that I learned from a Secular Combatant, is how to be a better follower of God. Although at face value that seems like an odd statement, from my interactions with Secular Combatants is the perception of Christianity to many Secular Combatants. Knowing first-hand the perception of many Secular Combatants, it has made me realize things that I was doing wrong, or things that would be received poorly by others. I think many Christians can learn from people with opposing worldviews and beliefs. There is much to be learned from both Secular Combatants and Christian Combatants, not only about others, but also about themselves and their own walk with God. Regardless of whether someone believes that theology and psychology are incompatible or not, there is always a lesson to be learned from others.