christian psychologist regarding the insufficiency of scripture for counseling
There are some Christians who disagree that the Bible should be used to help us solve our counseling-related problems. Finally, Christian psychology suffers from weaknesses in actual counseling practice. 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. Packer,A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life(Wheaton: Crossway, 1990). Though the stated goal of CP is to construct a true psychology from the text of Scripture, Christian psychologists often read their own psychology into the biblical text. For example, Stan Jones and Richard Butman write, Too much of what passes for integration today is anemic theologically or biblically, and tends to be little more than a spiritualized rehashing of mainstream mental health thought. But integrationists do not provide vigorous and perceptive biblical categories both for explaining people and for stemming the psychologizing tide. and believe that the Scripture needs to be supplemented by the teachings and traditions of the church. WebThe main differences between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a counselor are: 1. Solid exegesis and interpretation of the biblical text is absolutely necessary for Christian psychologists to achieve their goal of developing a truly Christian psychology. Biblical counseling: Biblical counselors rely exclusively (or nearly so) on the teachings of the Bible, rather than on researched psychological principles; some may view Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2016), 4452. Writers who promote CP or write from this viewpoint include Dan Allender, Neil Anderson, Larry Crabb, Eric L. Johnson, Diane Langberg, Tremper Longman III, Gary Moon, Leanne Payne, Robert C. Roberts, Siang-Yang Tan, and P.J. He is quick to say that the Bible is sufficient for the study The therapeutic practice often centers on regular conversations between a counselor and a client, known as talk-therapy.. Even more important, personality theory turns out to be absolutely unnecessary for effective counseling. These examples illustrate that there is a spectrum of diversity amongst Christian psychologists. Roberts handling of the Pauline vocabulary for psychotherapy (sanctification) in his article Outlines of Pauline Psychotherapy represents a much stronger interpretation of the biblical text (Care for the Soul, 137-44). For a more biblical approach for counseling abuse survivors which exemplifies a proper handling of the Scriptures, see Laura Hendrickson, Mariana and Surviving Sexual Abuse in Counseling the Hard Cases, Heath Lambert and Stuart Scott, eds. 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. The statement of faith of the society consists of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. 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 deep-seated commonalities between people are far more crucial to counseling than the extensive variations between people. But where does it come from? See Eric Johnson, ed., Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. Not only do Christian psychologists struggle in areas regarding the Bible, the movement provokes concern in regard to the ecumenical emphasis it articulates. 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. 4:15, Phil. Christian psychology is a relatively new movement, but its followers rightly point out that a uniquely Christian understanding of persons began with the writing of the Bible itself and was later developed by various authors throughout church history.3Eric L. Johnson, A Brief History of Christians in Psychology inPsychology & Christianity: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, Ed. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010); Siang-Yang Tan, Counseling & Psychotherapy (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011). Research and respond to the arguments of at least one If the goal is to form a biblical psychology, why is familiarity in contemporary psychology needed? (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). 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. Then, there is what the writer has dubbed the Conservative Protestant Christian Counseling Orthodoxy Their state licensing frequently requires that they not proclaim Christ as the one and only way to heaven, or that Scripture is completely sufficient for properly dealing with all areas of life. I. Johnson,Foundations, 218-9. Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. For In order to compete with secular studies that are laden with secular worldview assumptions, Christian psychologists endeavor to develop their own body of psychological research from a Christian point of view. If youve been impacted by our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31. 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. 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. First, CP is built upon a faulty view of the Scriptures. In Crabbs understanding, the gospel message is psychologized such these psychological needs are met through the gospel. The implication of that phrase is that its truthfulness produces a comprehensive righteousness in those who accept it. There is no need for additional revelations. The Bible proclaims the opposite. compiled by Heath Lambert, that there are chapters on bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, dissociative identity disorder, etc. Watson, A Christian Psychology View in Christianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nd ed. In Crabbs understanding, the gospel message is psychologized such these psychological needs are met through the gospel. Langberg notes that later on in the counseling process, the use of the Scriptures will be introduced (125, 127), but not initially. 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. Gods Word is. (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. Instead of portraying the biblical vision of people first to the church and then to psychologists, integrationists imported secular visions into Christianity. 2 (2007): 536. . WebIn Christian counseling, the Christ of the Bible will not be an appendage, a tack on for surviving life in the fast lane. He will be the center as well as the circumference of our 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). Research and respond to the arguments of at least one integrati The church was weak where psychology was strong. Langberg,Counseling Survivors, 55, 57, 105, 150, 158. 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. 28:19-20).25C. 139-40; Frame,The Doctrine of the Word of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010), 145-82, 216. The key difference [between integration and Christian psychology] is how much we claim we can construct of a complete psychology from the Scriptures and Christian tradition and resources.20Stanton L. Jones, An Integration Response to Christian Psychology inChristianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nded. A full explanation and critique of the insufficiency view as held by Christian psychologists and integrationists is beyond the scope of this essay, but may be found in two works by Heath Lambert:A Theology of Biblical Counseling(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 35-59; and Introduction: The Sufficiency of Scripture, the Biblical Counseling Movement, and the Purpose of this Book inCounseling the Hard Cases, Heath Lambert and Stuart Scott, eds (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2012), 1-24. 7T4\aQ\"MLa}GQBJ9/IvfA1sT`{:(0nCudH|pFwF3 ?,*-!UTXe 29}hg%,B6mhX@7x 1ZE^cu?fvQPa5IDjKC,7SUEgiByg@,dv~U_*$a%lj3wh4fM7k'VKe:8H{l3[()=?E7B[a#V-4'U29EGB~ E|' -m(P,-diTTB ZU UoKAW",Y- &RzK.WfF~aRl|1~*iV"=b The society publishes a journal,Christian Psychology, to promote articles written from a CP perspective. Langberg notes that later on in the counseling process, the use of the Scriptures will be introduced (125, 127), but not initially. Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2012), 25-56. 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. uYTCQP_8TV,Z?U : )xPHH HzmZ4%}(k&w-n0BP; ) (4~oIjCm%d /oPoR*GEE As will be demonstrated later in this essay, Christian psychology looks similar to integration in actual counseling practice. 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. 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. 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. For example, Johnson considers Augustine the first great Christian psychologist, Ibid., 12. Worse still, secular commitments of this nature may render these biblically mandated pursuits unethical in ones professional context. This 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). When dealing with problems such as abuse and injustice, believers should be zealous in searching the Scriptures for ways to act in a God-pleasing manner. In other contributions to the series, Howard Eyrich addresses what to do with a diagnosis brought Rather than this being an argument against a Christian psychology (Jones, 1986), these differences will contribute to its richness and fruitfulness. Johnson, Foundations, 218. 2nd ed. Roberts and Watsons explanation of the Sermon on the Mount amounts to a surface-level inspection of healthy traits for well-being, rather than a serious exposition of the text.35Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 158-64. The integration movement has thought that the gold mine of significant truth for counseling was in the secular psychologies and psychotherapies. 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. Integration and Christian Psychology Comparison Chart. Collectively, these are the non-conservative approaches. However, he errors in concluding that this makes the Bible lessauthoritativeregarding subjects where is it reveals less content. Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, as cited in Wayne Grudem,Systematic Theology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 1204. Scripture always has been sufficient and always will be. For example, Roman Catholics teach that Mary was conceived without original sin but this is not found anywhere in scripture. A lack of direction and a lack of purpose is depressing but confidence and joy can be found in knowing answers to some of life biggest questions. 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. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). Describe the sufficiency of Scripture. See Stuart Scott, A Biblical Counseling Approach inCounseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. 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. 7. P.J. Because it God-breathed, written by the very Omniscient God Himself, it is eternal. Research and respond to the arguments of This passage shows just how sufficient Scripture is for counseling. Ironically, Roberts states at the beginning of his article that Christian psychologists strive to develop their psychology with a minimum of reference to or influence from the psychologies of the twentieth century (135). Their approach and technique is essentially secular. Furthermore, some integrationists conclude that extracting one unified system of psychology from the entirety of the works of church history seems impossible, a conclusion that, ironically, even some Christian psychologists seem to acknowledge.21 Responding in part to integrationist Stanton Jones critique of CP along these lines, Christian psychologist Eric Johnson writes, Finally, it must be conceded that this book has so far been somewhat misleading. he Bible is the standard by which God will judge every person. Compare her conclusions with standard theologies and works: Grudem, 442-450; Lambert,Theology, 184-91; Anthony Hoekema,Created In Gods Image(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986); Millard Erickson,Christian Theology(Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), 517-536; Jay Adams,A Theology of Christian Counseling(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), 118-120; Louis Berkhof,Systematic Theology, New Com. 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. Observations and descriptions of individual differences are, of course, extremely valuable in making counselors mature and case-wise. /)JtIJ!-y)+D4$ N,/)jqf!ym4,4@f)]b}^/{*]@E Lqu\0pEu"I>c( Rather, Scripture addresses all of human life, as only God himself has a right to do. It is properly called psychology because it is a set of concepts by which the nature and well-being of the psyche are understood, by which healthy and unhealthy traits, behaviors, desires and emotions are identified and to some extent explained. Rather than this being an argument against a Christian psychology (Jones, 1986), these differences will contribute to its richness and fruitfulness. Johnson, Foundations, 218. WebCrabb (2013) states that the goal of counseling is to free people to better worship and serve God by helping them become more like the Lord (p. 24). The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is in danger of being eclipsed. It is clear. While Roberts may simply be employing these terms in order to better communicate to a psychologically-informed audience, these terms are not neutral, and are being imposed upon, rather than derived from the biblical text. Any alteration would soil or muddy the clarity. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 202-210. Eric L. Johnson, A Brief History of Christians in Psychology inPsychology & Christianity: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, Ed. While Christian psychology has much to commend, it also suffers from several weaknesses. However, only one aspect (relationship) of her three is supported by commentaries and theological works. The gospel message of Jesus Christ is noticeably absent throughout the entire case. Eric Johnson writes, So if we define psychology broadly as a rigorous inquiry into human nature and how to treat its problems and advance well-being, Christians have been thinking and practicing psychology for centuries.5Ibid., 14. Grudem writes, the Bible does not support any restriction on the kinds of subjects to which it speaks with absolute authority and truth (94). The Bible is always and finally authoritative, even when it reveals less content or seems less relevant on any given subject. Is it compatible with a Christian worldview? Christian counseling is effective for spiritual enrichment, strengthening ones relationship with God, and overcoming or managing mental health issues like depression. For example, see P.J. 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. Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. In his book, Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal. Like the levels-of-explanation, transformational, and integrationist approaches, CP avoids anchoring its counseling in the Bible.45Lambert, Theology, 57. Scripture shows us the right way to live. Effectiveness. For 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. Watson.8Johnson, 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. He again confuses justification with sanctification in application of this text to what he calls modern Judaizers (55-7). It uses a pay-per-session model with prices that range from $58 per session to $184 per session, depending on the qualifications and experience of the counselor. 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. It is also confusing that Christian psychologists state that it is people who are familiar with contemporary psychology who are required to do the work of extracting psychology from the Bible and other Christian works. For example, Johnson affirms that, the Bible has ultimate authority over all of psychology and soul care, but later admits that the Bibles authority also varies depending on the subject matter. What do people in Irian Jaya and in New York City suburbs have in common? He is quick to say that the Bible is sufficient for the study of doctrine and for salvation but not about serious counseling topics. Psychology contains exegetical riches of great specificity and practicality for understanding and transforming human functioning. While no comprehensive, systematic Christian psychology work has yet been produced, the authors previously mentioned have all offered contributions toward this goal.11As one example, see C.S. CP desires to develop a unique Christian psychology (understanding of people) and psychotherapy (how to help people) while continuing to participate actively in the broader field.42Johnson,Five Views, 36. HORTON: This is where a quote from Calvin is so helpful. John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God, A An appreciation of differences nourishes a godly disenculturation from the assumptions of ego- and ethno-centricity. However, her overall approach to counseling is surprisingly secular. WebDescribe the sufficiency of Scripture. While the traditional Amazon. Gods Word is a lamp in dark places. Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. 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. Of course, even at a level of generality, biblical control beliefs are helpful. Stanton L. Jones, An Integration Response to Christian Psychology inChristianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nded. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. At first glance, Christian psychology does not seem to be distinct from integration, but there are three key differences. 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.
Telemundo Houston Reporteros,
A Pat On The Back Greeting Country,
Articles C