christian psychologist regarding the insufficiency of scripture for counseling
The Bible proclaims the opposite. Yet at the same time, CP strives to be ecumenical, diverse and pluralistic in all of its endeavors. This See Grudem, 93-5; John Armstrong, The Authority of Scripture inSola Scriptura: The Protestant Position on the Bible, Don Kistler, ed. The Biblical Counseling Coalitions Confessional Statement nuances the complex mind-body issue as follows: We believe that biblical counseling should focus on the full range of human nature created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). and believe that the Scripture needs to be supplemented by the teachings and traditions of the church. C. Stephen Evans, as quoted by Johnson,5 Views. In another edition (Christian Psychology7.1 (2013)), Brent D. Slife, board of reference member for the Society of Christian Psychology, co-authored an article on Theistic psychology with Mormon psychologist Jeffrey Reber. Johnsons admission is exceedingly confusing and ultimately, telling. 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. Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. 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). Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. 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. WebSince the Bible is sufficient for all of life, should we rule out psychology in counseling? Grudem writes, the Bible does not support any restriction on the kinds of subjects to which it speaks with absolute authority and truth (94). Evangelicals sought to redress the churchs weakness by engaging in psychotherapies. Scripture always has been sufficient and always will be. The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. Christian psychology has also shed light on the all-too ignored problem of presuppositions in psychological systems. See Stuart Scott, A Biblical Counseling Approach inCounseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. 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. 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. 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. Scripture does not teach a sliding-scale of authority which varies depending upon the amount of information revealed on any given topic. That view rests on the massive assumption that explaining the differences between people provides the key to counseling. 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. Christian psychologists have been more careful than other Christian thinkers regarding worldview commitments and their impact on psychological conclusions. 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. Solid exegesis and interpretation of the biblical text is absolutely necessary for Christian psychologists to achieve their goal of developing a truly Christian psychology. 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. 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 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. Biblical redemption is re-defined as emotional acceptance and unconditional love (58, 128). 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, 2012), 157-83. here in Hebrew can be translated whole or complete or sufficient; the idea that this is so comprehensive that it can completely cover all aspects of the issue at hand. The journal was previously titled,Edification. 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. In another edition (Christian Psychology7.1 (2013)), Brent D. Slife, board of reference member for the Society of Christian Psychology, co-authored an article on Theistic psychology with Mormon psychologist Jeffrey Reber. 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. As one example, see C.S. 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. 4 0 obj This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. Goodreads. 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. 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. Even the term Pauline therapy seems oddly modern when seeking to do biblical exposition regarding the sanctification model revealed in the Pauline epistles. However, her overall approach to counseling is surprisingly secular. 2nd ed. Gods Word is the only infallible rule of faith for believers. Not only do Christian psychologists struggle in areas regarding the Bible, the movement provokes concern in regard to the ecumenical emphasis it articulates. 4. 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). 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. 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. However, he errors in concluding that this makes the Bible lessauthoritativeregarding subjects where is it reveals less content. Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 158-64. The contents demonstrate Gods intention to restore the broken relationship between Himself and sinful humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior through the regenerating work of the Spirit, applying the reconcilling work of Jesus Christ . This includes therapists. Langberg,Counseling Survivors, 55, 57, 105, 150, 158. 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. 3:10), it is clear that the abuse of Christ mentioned in Isaiah 53 is because of our transgressions and our iniquities as He accomplishes redemption, not because He was a victim of senseless abuse. Christian psychology differs from classic integration by drawing distinctions in regard to goal of the system, the manner of integration, and the use of secular psychological research. WebThe main differences between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a counselor are: 1. The therapeutic practice often centers on regular conversations between a counselor and a client, known as talk-therapy.. Webintegrationist or Christian Psychologist regarding the insufficiency of Scripture for counseling. At best, the Bible has an accessory role, rather than a foundational, functional control over the counseling process.46In the same work, this case is handled from a biblical counseling viewpoint where the Bible does have such a functional control. Cornerstone scored highly on our 2021 user survey, with 78% reporting that the services received were very good or excellent.. She rightly notes that the mental health professional ought to bear in their person a representation of the character of Christ and that character must shape the therapist, the client and the relationship between them.44Ibid., 111. 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. The Bible is always and finally authoritative, even when it reveals less content or seems less relevant on any given subject. Rather than this being an argument against a Christian psychology (Jones, 1986), these differences will contribute to its richness and fruitfulness. Johnson, Foundations, 218. 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). Evans,Soren Kirkegaards Christian Psychology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990). FT 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. But Christian psychologists use the term psychology in a broad, general sense, referencing any study, insight, or reflections regarding the human condition. 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. The statement of faith of the society consists of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. Privacy Policy. She writes, The work of Jesus in this world resulted in redemption. :k Iu?8'>"I4 ?p]`E\A;~{Y? 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. 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. Psychologys cultural, social, and pragmatic authority proved too strong. , Eric says that the biblical counseling movement constitutes an egregious misunderstanding of the form of the Bible. Eric Johnson claims that the basis for the doctrine of Sufficiency of Scripture only has to do with the debates between the Catholics and the men who stood against them during the Reformation. 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. 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. Currently, we are seeing a growing realization among therapists, both secular and spiritual, that human spirituality is a source of great strength. The best integrationist thinkers are troubled by the current mass psychologization of the Christian faith. However, only one aspect (relationship) of her three is supported by commentaries and theological works. Scripture can restore the soul scripture can transform a person. compiled by Heath Lambert, that there are chapters on bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, dissociative identity disorder, etc. Describe the sufficiency of Scripture. This perspective may help people to recognize how the Scriptures speak insightfully and powerfully regarding human nature, though it does not sound like a modern-day psychology textbook. Ed. 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. Gods Word reveals truth, giving us discernment. 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). Christian psychology incorporates both psychological theories and theological approaches to talk therapy by using biblical concepts with psychotherapy practices. Excerpted from Integration or Inundation? in Power ReligionThe Selling out of the Evangelical Church, 205-207. 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 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. 31 They hold to the primacy of Scripture, but deny it in many of their works by reading into Scripture certain psychological terms, concepts and theories. David Powlison, Cure of Souls (and the Modern Psychotherapies), The Journal of Biblical Counseling 25, no. The statement of faith of the society consists of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. 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. There is no other method for hearing Gods voice today. But where does it come from? Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. 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. There is no need for insights from renown intellectuals. Scripture Alone. the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 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. Their conviction of the deficiency of Scripture logically mirrors an inadequate perception of how the sufficiency of Scripture works in practice. (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. WebRelate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. These sessions may include exploring troubling thoughts, fears, and personal history. 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. Instead of portraying the biblical vision of people first to the church and then to psychologists, integrationists imported secular visions into Christianity. As a movement, CP seeks to understand both the nature of human beings (psychology) and appropriate practices to address life problems (psychotherapy). (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. We have to have a source of wisdom to turn to, an authority in which we submit to. stream This passage shows just how sufficient Scripture is for counseling. To be quite frank, there is a level of nervousness among some in the biblical counseling When you see a therapist, you are receiving Gods healing in the form of therapy. 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. >TSG' *J'm -'#g-CTj,_HSAan$p75@C `^\w|:D|]cCg!m#R9:F . 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. He does not take exception to 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. 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. 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. We first briefly explain the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, then apply it to the area of counseling and psychology. Personality theory, psychopathology, health, and therapeutic change have replaced biblical anthropology, sin, grace, holiness, and sanctification. In the same work, this case is handled from a biblical counseling viewpoint where the Bible does have such a functional control. 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. )IE%C?2h'gA jMf0$l4PWMlP]OulqcBTx'iA'r+D8vk! 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. But the conversion process has gone the wrong way. 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. Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, is the practice of attempting to heal a persons emotional and mental problems. He again confuses justification with sanctification in application of this text to what he calls modern Judaizers (55-7). Development of Problems and Personal Need Personality theory is even a distraction because it directs attention to the wrong questions. 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. 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. I. Johnson,Foundations, 218-9. 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. 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 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 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 doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is in danger of being eclipsed. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. x[k_Ro3nbS`t(R|c\ %j83!z~R`JWzf(kcS#M;+Z0Vn&MMwWo)cI6m-uZczAM/^U9gon>qp_pBQy>7L9byL=vgX}5fNkBS,kt9~5;d=uq2$Vy.Kx?5SuU8~j3L}5MxxUrMkl|bI2r&?wEBC59:TV^uu+ 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. Eric Johnson is a Christian psychologist who adamantly claims that the Bible is not sufficient for counseling. Biblical redemption is re-defined as emotional acceptance and unconditional love (58, 128). Christian Web Hosting, Many Christian psychologists will affirm that the Bible is authoritative, inerrant, and inspired. Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. 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. 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). 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). Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. ACBC Essays Volume 1. For example, Roman Catholics teach that Mary was conceived without original sin but this is not found anywhere in scripture. The society publishes a journal,Christian Psychology, to promote articles written from a CP perspective. Biblical truth seemed insufficiently applicable. 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. See Eric Johnson, ed., Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. Advocates of Christian psychology endeavor to accomplish two main goals through the CP movement. Counseling Survivors, 45-51. 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.