Part 3: Four Models of Christian Counseling (Christian Psychology) In Part 1, we showed that Christian Counseling can mean very much, or very little, depending on the counselor.Counselors radically differ in the way they try to hold three things together: Theology (our understanding of God), Psychology (the way we answer questions related to Varying levels of education, and 2. It buries significant clarities that the Bible provides beneath superficial ambiguities that psychology attempts to explain. 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. 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 Insufficiency of Scripture - Clover Sites If you believe in God, you know he works through every being in the world. Christian Psychology Eric L. Johnson This 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. John Macarthur says that The Hebrew word translated simple comes from an expression meaning an open door. It invokes the image of a naive person who doesnt know to shut his mind to false or impure teaching. So when such a man submits to scripture, it can make him wise. Johnson traces the emergence of the modern Christian psychology movement initially to the writings of Christian philosophers Soren Kierkegaard, and later to C. Stephen Evans.6Eric L. Johnson,Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal(Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007), 10; Johnson,Five Views, 36. The questions that personality theory tackles are interesting subjects for general scholarship. 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 social, cultural, historical, and individual differences between Hebrew herdsmen and Corinthian cosmopolitansand between both of them and contemporary American readerscan hardly be exaggerated. compiled by Heath Lambert, that there are chapters on bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, dissociative identity disorder, etc. 4. P.J. )IE%C?2h'gA jMf0$l4PWMlP]OulqcBTx'iA'r+D8vk! ACBC Theology Exam - Association of Certified Biblical These examples illustrate that there is a spectrum of diversity amongst Christian psychologists. Yet at the same time, CP strives to be ecumenical, diverse and pluralistic in all of its endeavors. Psychology For comparison purposes, contrast the explanation of Roberts and Watson regarding the Sermon on the Mount with a standard evangelical commentary, such as D.A. Contrast Langbergs perspective with Psalm 18:2, The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Or with Jesus, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria, 1995), 96-150, esp. >TSG' *J'm -'#g-CTj,_HSAan$p75@C `^\w|:D|]cCg!m#R9:F . However, only one aspect (relationship) of her three is supported by commentaries and theological works. 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. Biblical truth seemed insufficiently applicable. But we should be agnostic about personality theories. Langberg notes that later on in the counseling process, the use of the Scriptures will be introduced (125, 127), but not initially. (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 affirm a form of the sufficiency of Scripture, but explain this doctrine in such a way as to actually view the Scriptures as insufficient for soul care.31A 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. For example, see P.J. The gospel message of Jesus Christ is noticeably absent throughout the entire case. If the goal is to form a biblical psychology, why is familiarity in contemporary psychology needed? However, he errors in concluding that this makes the Bible lessauthoritativeregarding subjects where is it reveals less content. and believe that the Scripture needs to be supplemented by the teachings and traditions of the church. See Stuart Scott, A Biblical Counseling Approach inCounseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. FT 3 It also helps individuals in enhancing positive traits and feeling a sense of purpose in life. 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. Watson, A Christian Psychology View in Christianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nd ed. There is no need for insights from renown intellectuals. C. Stephen Evans, as quoted by Johnson,5 Views. C. Stephen Evans challenge for Christians to develop a uniquely Christian approach to psychology while continuing to participate actively in the broader field means that unbelievers may be influenced by Christian psychologists with the gospel of Christ and biblical truth (Matt. 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. ACBC Exam Study Guide - First Baptist Church of 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. Psychology WebDescribe the sufficiency of Scripture. In the integrationist model, biblical theology and some principles from secular psychology are integrated together.14For an overview of integration, see Stanton L. Jones, An Integration View inChristianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nded. With these differences in mind, a basic conclusion can be drawn that all Christian psychologists are, to some degree, those who practice a form of integration, but as systems of counseling, integration and Christian psychology are distinct.22As will be demonstrated later in this essay, Christian psychology looks similar to integration in actual counseling practice. 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. Third, Christian psychology differs from integration in respect to the goal of the system. 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). 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). 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 According to Crabb (2013), maturity consists of both spiritual and psychological maturity that results in obedience and character growth (p. 25). 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. (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. Even the term Pauline therapy seems oddly modern when seeking to do biblical exposition regarding the sanctification model revealed in the Pauline epistles. An appreciation of differences nourishes a godly disenculturation from the assumptions of ego- and ethno-centricity. 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. 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. 4:15, Phil. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001), 135. Wouldnt this task be better pursued by theologically informed and biblically trained pastors with experience in wise pastoral care? 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). Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God, A Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. 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). That view rests on the massive assumption that explaining the differences between people provides the key to counseling. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. (IVP Academic, 2010), 10-11. Christian psychologists acknowledge the impossibility of truly objective, value-free research.12Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 154-5. Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. Roberts and Watson,Five Views,150. 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. 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/. 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. two 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). 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). 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matt. This task of retrieval is two-tiered. Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. For example, Siang-Yang Tan and Larry Crabb both affirm that man has certain psychological needs for security (love) and significance (meaning/impact), but these conclusions arise from the influence of Maslow and needs psychology, rather than the Bible.32Tan,Counseling and Psychotherapy, 329; Crabb,Effective Biblical Counseling(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977), 61-71. 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. Finally, Christian psychology suffers from weaknesses in actual counseling practice. Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 158-64. Packer,A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life(Wheaton: Crossway, 1990). Johnson rightly notes that the Bible contains lesscontentthat directly applies to subjects like mathematics or the natural sciences versus subjects like the nature of God and the polity of the church (173). See Eric Johnson, ed., Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. Christian Counseling | Psychology Today Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, as cited in Wayne Grudem,Systematic Theology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 1204. Since the broader field of psychology and professional mental health is largely secular, Christian psychologists often maintain licensure, accreditation, and memberships in professional societies that require certain secular commitments. Most troubling is the fact that Crabb claims the Holy Spirit spoke audibly to him and led him to these passages and conclusions (67-68). We first briefly explain the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, then apply it to the area of counseling and psychology. The stated goal of CP is to form or recover a unique, truly Christian psychology by studying the Scriptures and works from Christians in church history. We can confidently proclaim that Scripture is not confusing or mystifying sure there are things that are hard to fully comprehend, but as a whole, it isnt a puzzle. 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. . It would be terribly nave to assume that there will ever be only one Christian psychology in this age. When you see a therapist, you are receiving Gods healing in the form of therapy. Roberts, Outline,Care for the Soul, 135. It applies to all situations of our experience (216). 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. Christian psychology has also shed light on the all-too ignored problem of presuppositions in psychological systems. Grudem writes, the Bible does not support any restriction on the kinds of subjects to which it speaks with absolute authority and truth (94).
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