christian psychologist regarding the insufficiency of scripture for counseling

Development of Problems and Personal Need Research and respond to the arguments of at least one integrationist or Christian 4:15, Phil. Research and respond to the arguments of But a proper handling of the text of Scripture is actually a weakness of the movement. While Jesus does identify with people in their suffering (Heb. First, CP is built upon a faulty view of the Scriptures. As one example, see C.S. While Gods understanding of human nature is the goal of a Christian psychology, given human finitude and the existence of distinct Christian traditions, the Society welcomes those working from any perspective within the historic Christian Church.37Society for Christian Psychology, Amplification of the Mission Statement, [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. Roberts and Watson write: Much of the foundational work in Christian psychology will therefore require a careful rereading of Scripture, in the light of some of the great Christian psychologists of the subsequent past (Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, Kierkegaard), by people who are familiar with contemporary psychology and can therefore sniff out a biblical psychology that effectively speaks to current circumstances.10Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 155. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. WebDescribe the sufficiency of Scripture. In contrast, Christian integrationists seek to examine and extract psychological and psychotherapeutic principles and insights from many sources, including the modern psychologies.17two examples that demonstrate this practice are, Stanton L. Jones and Richard E. Butman, Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 1991) and Mark R. McMinn and Clark D. Campbell, Integrative Psychotherapy: Toward a Comprehensive Christian Approach (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007). SeeEdification3.1 (2009) andEdification6.2 (2012). The best integrationist thinkers are troubled by the current mass psychologization of the Christian faith. Everythingin Scripture comes to us as authoritative communication (emphasis original),The Doctrine of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2002), 92. This stands in contrast to the moral darkness where men stumble and are unable to clearly see truth. Even more important, personality theory turns out to be absolutely unnecessary for effective counseling. Integrationists have challenged Christian psychologists regarding the possibility of achieving such a unique, singular Christian psychology,40Jones,Five Views, 184-7.and even Eric Johnson himself seems to concede that the whole CP project is destined to fail as the inevitable and happy result of human finitude.41Johnson,Foundations, 218-9. Scriptures authority increases in proportion to the extent that Scripture explicitly addresses a particular topic.27Ibid., 171-2. The journal was previously titled,Edification. 2nd ed. . Eric L. Johnson,Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal(Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007), 10; Johnson,Five Views, 36. Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 2: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 270-81; P. J. Watson, Ronald J. Morris, Taylor Loy, Michael B. Hamrick, Beliefs about Sin: Adaptive Implications in Relationships with Religious Orientation, Self-Esteem, and Measures of the Narcissistic, Depressed, and Anxious Self,Edification: Journal of the Society for Christian Psychology1 (2007): 57-67. Again, God works through everyone. While the traditional Rather, Scripture addresses all of human life, as only God himself has a right to do. The Anabaptists, the radical Second, Christian psychologists are more sensitive to the anti-Christian worldviews and methodologies of modern psychological research and thus are less likely to utilize this research compared to integrationists. Stephen Evans, as quoted by Johnson,5 Views. Currently, we are seeing a growing realization among therapists, both secular and spiritual, that human spirituality is a source of great strength. Conclusion For example, Tan includes a whole section on modern psychologies in his workCounseling & Psychotherapy(Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011); and the Society of Christian Psychology purposes to read, learn from, and interact with the psychological knowledge of other communities (obviously the modern), Society for Christian Psychology, About the Society [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. 2 (2007): 536. Johnsons admission is exceedingly confusing and ultimately, telling. Editors Note: This weeks mini-series on the Grace and Truth Blog focuses on understanding the DSM and its categories from a biblical worldview.In our first article, Nate Brooks provides an overview of the purpose, usefulness, and limitations of the DSM. For comparison of the Roman Catholic doctrine of justification in comparison to the Protestant (biblical) view, see Grudem, 727-9 and James G. McCarthy,The Gospel According to Rome(Eugene: Harvest House, 1995), 21-124. Carson, Mathew inExpositors Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelin, ed. The most telling aspect of any system of soul-care is ultimately how one goes about helping people with counseling problems. They most often do not believe that the Bible is. Furthermore, with this more general definition of psychology in mind, rich resources of insight regarding human nature may be re-discovered in works like those of the English Puritans, who wrote deeply and biblically about the human condition.23For an introduction to the Puritans in regard to soul-care, see Timothy Keller, Puritan Resources for Biblical Counseling,Journal of Pastoral PracticeIX/3 (1998): 11-44; Richard Baxter,A Christian Directory: The Practical Works of Richard Baxter Volume I(Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria, 2000); J.I. The case presented in this work is hypothetical, but still help for demonstrating how various Christian approaches to counseling flesh out in actual counseling practice. It applies to all situations of our experience (216). While Mormon doctrine is inconsistent with the doctrinal statement of the Society, this level of cooperation between two scholars representing vastly different theological systems raises additional concerns regarding the ecumenism of Christian Psychology as a movement. Hence, the followers of CP identify many authors throughout Christian history who wrote about the human condition and contribute to a Christian understanding of psychology. While the Scriptures are clear that a relationship with God through the Person of Christ is a persons source of hope, strength, encouragement and stability in the day of trouble, Langberg notes that the clients relationship with God needs to be explored to see whether or not that can contribute to his stability at this time.47Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. The Word is just as relevant to our lives now as it was to the lives of the people who lived during the time it was being written. Scripture is perfect. There are vast differences between a Protestant and Catholic understanding of salvation alone, with dozens of other significant theological differences which render any sort of compatibility impossible.39For comparison of the Roman Catholic doctrine of justification in comparison to the Protestant (biblical) view, see Grudem, 727-9 and James G. McCarthy,The Gospel According to Rome(Eugene: Harvest House, 1995), 21-124. Roberts notes, Christian psychology stresses the antecedent presence of psychologies in the Christian tradition prior to the twentieth century, and thus does not identify psychology with the scientific and professional psychology of the twentieth century. Robert C. Roberts, A Christian Psychology Response to Integration inChristianity & Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nded (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 136. John Frame writes, Theologians who try to play down the importance of Gods authoritywhether to avoid patriarchalism, to promote freedom of human thought and choice, to allow great latitude to science and philosophy, or whateverhave lost something that is central to biblical revelation. Christian Web Hosting, Many Christian psychologists will affirm that the Bible is authoritative, inerrant, and inspired. Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. Catholics do not adhere to. 3:16-17), it would be backward to expect the Scriptures to conform to modern psychological terminology and categories anyway. Her re-telling of Isaiah 53 re-casts sin against God as psychological hurt, comes dangerously close to making God the Father the abusing father of Christ, turns Jesus into a victim of abuse, and makes the gospel primarily about Jesus being abused so that He can identify with the abuse of others (150-153). Furthermore, her limited use of the Scriptures in counseling as revealed in her book, Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse, reveals a commitment to the therapeutic gospel. This latter term goes beyond simply being Christlike to actually assuming something of a parallel role with Christ in the redemptive healing process.49Ibid., 79, 108, 123, 128, 134, 137, 158. Furthermore, her limited use of the Scriptures in counseling as revealed in her book, Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse, reveals a commitment to the therapeutic gospel. 139-40; Frame,The Doctrine of the Word of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010), 145-82, 216. He again confuses justification with sanctification in application of this text to what he calls modern Judaizers (55-7). Watson, A Christian Psychology View in Christianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nd ed. WebWhile most Christian counselors profess belief in the inspiration of the Bible, many seem reluctant to trust the Scripture to speak authoritatively to their counseling profession. >TSG' *J'm -'#g-CTj,_HSAan$p75@C `^\w|:D|]cCg!m#R9:F . A Biblical Assessment of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Combine biblical truth with psychological findings to create systems for understanding and helping people, Form a uniquely Christian psychology (view of human nature) based upon the Bible and works from Christian authors in church history, Needed because Scriptures only form general framework. %PDF-1.3 However, a Christian psychology will also be critically informed by other relevant sources of psychological truth, particularly its own reflection, research, and practice, but also the psychological work of other traditions (e.g., secular psychology), philosophy, human experience, and the other human sciences. Gods Word reveals truth, giving us discernment. In other contributions to the series, Howard Eyrich addresses what to do with a diagnosis brought Christian psychology rightly observes that true psychology is not so much the professional, modern, scientific discipline that is thought of today but simply refers to the study of human beings. Likewise, Crabb struggles with proper exposition of three key passages which form the basis of his book,The Pressures Off.36In his book,The Pressures Off, Crabb confuses justification with sanctification in his interpretation of two key passages: Romans 7:6 and Hebrews 7:18-19 (27). /)JtIJ!-y)+D4$ N,/)jqf!ym4,4@f)]b}^/{*]@E Lqu\0pEu"I>c( Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, as cited in Wayne Grudem,Systematic Theology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 1204. In 2004, the Society for Christian Psychology was founded to promote the development of a distinctly Christian psychology (including theory, research, and practice) that is based on a Christian understanding of human nature.9Society for Christian Psychology, About the Society [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. Integrationists underestimate the Bible. That is essentially what a psychology (and its allied psychotherapy) is.2Robert C. Roberts, Outline of Pauline Psychotherapy inCare for the Soul: Exploring the Intersection of Psychology and Theology, Mark R. McMinn and Timothy R. Phillips, eds. While it is true that the Bible addresses some topics in more detail than others, the Bible always carries with it final, ultimate authority in all of the matters it addresses. For comparison purposes, contrast the explanation of Roberts and Watson regarding the Sermon on the Mount with a standard evangelical commentary, such as D.A. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 101-28. Biblical truth seemed insufficiently applicable. Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. For example, integrationists repeatedly cite the Bibles failure to offer a personality theory. It is clear. Scripture always has been sufficient and always will be. Christian Psychology (CP) is a unique form of psychology which seeks to develop a distinctly Christian model for understanding the human condition. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010); Siang-Yang Tan, Counseling & Psychotherapy (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011). Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. Many difference interpretive approaches to the Bible have arisen within the Christian communityconsider the diverse subgroups within the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox communion (regional, ideological and institutional), as well as the slightly more obvious subtraditions that make up the Protestant communionand it would be unworthy of a Christian psychology to downplay these differences. Goodreads. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. Biblical redemption is re-defined as emotional acceptance and unconditional love (58, 128). Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. Then, there is what the writer has dubbed the Conservative Protestant Christian Counseling Orthodoxy 28:19-20).25C. It would be terribly nave to assume that there will ever be only one Christian psychology in this age. The center of gravity and interest for even the most careful and theologically astute integrationists is psychology. While Mormon doctrine is inconsistent with the doctrinal statement of the Society, this level of cooperation between two scholars representing vastly different theological systems raises additional concerns regarding the ecumenism of Christian Psychology as a movement. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. While diversity can provide wonderful opportunities of mutual learning, understanding and communication, it seems that CPs commitment to this level of ecumenism will render its initial goal of developing a singular Christian psychology unlikely. Christian Psychology is a unique form of psychology which seeks to develop a distinctly Christian model for understanding the human condition. It is a set of practices for making the transition from unhealthy to healthy traits, behaviors, desires and emotions. Contrast Langbergs perspective with Psalm 18:2, The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Or with Jesus, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. stream It requires the comprehensive study of the Bible as a primary source for true psychology, but also requires the careful reading of major theological and philosophical works of church history. See Stuart Scott, A Biblical Counseling Approach inCounseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. That view rests on the massive assumption that explaining the differences between people provides the key to counseling. Because it God-breathed, written by the very Omniscient God Himself, it is eternal. Rather than this being an argument against a Christian psychology (Jones, 1986), these differences will contribute to its richness and fruitfulness. Johnson, Foundations, 218. Advocates of Christian psychology endeavor to accomplish two main goals through the CP movement. Rather than this being an argument against a Christian psychology (Jones, 1986), these differences will contribute to its richness and fruitfulness. Johnson, Foundations, 218. Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2016), 4452. Their approach and technique is essentially secular. Carson, Mathew inExpositors Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelin, ed. His work in and through you [the therapist] in this world will also result in redemption.50Ibid., 134. However, her overall approach to counseling is surprisingly secular. New Way of Thinking #3: God Works Through Everything and Everyone, Including Therapists. As the title implies, Evans develops Kirkegaards psychology of human beings through a careful study of his works. Society for Christian Psychology, Amplification of the Mission Statement, [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. Roberts explains: Christian psychology starts with the ideas and practices already established by centuries of Christian tradition, and it develops psychological concepts and practices from these with a minimum of reference to or influence from the psychologies of the twentieth century.16Roberts, Outline,Care for the Soul, 135. Langbergs 3 fold view of the image is a key premise to her approach for understanding and ministering to those who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse. Roberts notes, Christian psychology insists on the priority of a deep knowledge of the psychology that is distinctive of Christianity as a prerequisite to the integration of modern professional and scientific psychologies into Christian thought and practice. Roberts,Five Views, 136. One, unique Christian psychology not possible, Needed but a solid, uniquely Christian psychology must be established first, Findings must be compatible with Scripture and may need to be redeemed or reinterpreted for Christian purposes, Prefer a Christian science of psychology by doing own research utilizing uniquely Christian approaches and methodologies. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). For example, Roman Catholics teach that Mary was conceived without original sin but this is not found anywhere in scripture. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 202-210. Instead of portraying the biblical vision of people first to the church and then to psychologists, integrationists imported secular visions into Christianity. uYTCQP_8TV,Z?U : )xPHH HzmZ4%}(k&w-n0BP; ) (4~oIjCm%d /oPoR*GEE Scripture Alone. m~=WWc*oK;>>J>vZ38$e*DCB7"8!w d)@1;vX |=X?=1o^CQE^{]UP;l O:ey]tPW@0(w,z,e;Nc3tpIH "UoVVGP;^N. Is it compatible with a Christian worldview? The integration movement has thought that the gold mine of significant truth for counseling was in the secular psychologies and psychotherapies. But we should be agnostic about personality theories. When Christian psychologists refer to the development of a uniquely Christian psychology, they mean a comprehensive understanding of the nature of human beings from a Christian viewpoint. WebSufficiency of Scripture The Scriptures are sufficient to equip us for a life of faith and service. Robert C. Roberts, Outline of Pauline Psychotherapy inCare for the Soul: Exploring the Intersection of Psychology and Theology, Mark R. McMinn and Timothy R. Phillips, eds. Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. Frame notes, Scriptures authoritative content is not religious as opposed to secular, not about matters of salvation in contrast with other matters unrelated to salvation. The Statement later denies that infallibility and inerrancy are limited to spiritual, religious, or redemptive themes, exclusive of assertions in the fields of history and science (Article XII). The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. Johnson, Foundations; Dan Allender, The Healing Path (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2000); Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III, The Cry of the Soul (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1994); Neil Anderson, The Bondage Breaker (Eugene: Harvest House, 1990); Larry Crabb, Inside Out (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1987); Larry Crabb, The Pressures Off (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2002); Diane Langberg, Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1997); Diane Langberg, A Christian Psychology Approach in Counseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. Packer,A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life(Wheaton: Crossway, 1990). 4 0 obj For example, two editions of the journal featured a focus on Catholic Psychology and Eastern Orthodox Psychology.38The journal was previously titled,Edification. The sufficiency ofScripture dictates that the Bible contains all that we need to know what we need to believe, and how we are to live before God. The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is in danger of being eclipsed. Research and respond to the arguments of at least one integrati Despite what early psychologists, like Freud, and anti-psychology Christians believe, psychology and spirituality are complimentary, not antithetical. Excerpted from Integration or Inundation? in Power ReligionThe Selling out of the Evangelical Church, 205-207. In his book,The Pressures Off, Crabb confuses justification with sanctification in his interpretation of two key passages: Romans 7:6 and Hebrews 7:18-19 (27). While Jesus does identify with people in their suffering (Heb. The Bible and Psychology, by Randy Alcorn, Psychology: Servant or Master?, by Randy Alcorn (concise, with biblical references), 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. The current breakout of psychology into the evangelical mainstream began in the minds and practices of Christian psychotherapists impressed with that relative weakness and strength. Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 158-64. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> If the goal is to form a biblical psychology, why is familiarity in contemporary psychology needed? If a solid biblical and theological foundation could be established based upon an affirmation of Scriptures sufficiency and authority for counseling, coupled with a more careful exegesis of the text applied to both counseling theory and practice, perhaps the vision of Christian Psychology could be achieved. WebThe main differences between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a counselor are: 1. For an explanation of the fallacy of empiricism as a reliable epistemological system and the importance of presuppositions for interpretation, see John Frame,The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 1987), 123-6, 140-1. In the end, he seems to be more committed to diversity and dialogue for its own sake rather than to serious biblical and theological scholarship of soul-care material from Scripture in order construct a truly Christian psychology. Keith Palmer serves as an ACBC Fellow, Board Member, and associate pastor of Grace Bible Church in Granbury, TX. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012); Gary W. Moon and David G. Benner, Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls (Downers Grove: IVP, 2004); Leanne Payne, The Healing Presence (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995); Robert C. Roberts, Spiritual Emotions: A Psychology of Christian Virtues (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007); Robert C. Roberts, Outline of Pauline Psychotherapy in Care for the Soul, Mark R. McMinn and Timothy R. Phillips, eds. Christian psychologists prefer to do their own research based on a distinctly Christian psychology and methodology, while integrationists believe that much of secular psychology can be redeemed for Christian counseling purposes.19Ibid., 134. But the conversion process has gone the wrong way. The society publishes a journal,Christian Psychology, to promote articles written from a CP perspective. Ed. Scripture Texts: Matthew 5:18, 24:35 John 10:35, 16:12-13, 17:17 2 Timothy Scripture is God-breathed, so it is without sin, error, or corruption. In a third text, Galatians 4:3-9, he confuses the Galatian heresy of the Judaizers with what he calls the law of linearity (35-36). Yet Paul freely recited Exodus stories to urban Greeks and then said, These things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction (10:11). Gods Word is.
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