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. /)JtIJ!-y)+D4$ N,/)jqf!ym4,4@f)]b}^/{*]@E Lqu\0pEu"I>c( Nate Brooks dives into anthropology and psychology in light of cognitive behavioral therapy. However, Christian psychologists note that integration is very difficult and seem to be more sensitive to the need to establish a uniquely Christian psychology first before pursuing additional insight from non-Christian systems.18Roberts 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. 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. stream Robert C. Roberts explains: The discipline I am calling Christian psychology is the conceptual and clinical exploration of our [Christian] tradition for its psychological resources. But a proper handling of the text of Scripture is actually a weakness of the movement. See Eric Johnson, ed., Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. Scripture can restore the soul scripture can transform a person. Kierkegaard referred to some of his writings as psychology. Evans, inspired in part by philosophers like Kierkegaard, challenged Christians in the area of psychology to develop their own theories, research and practice that flow from Christian beliefs about human beingswhile continuing to participate actively in the broader field.7Johnson,Five Views, 36; Several contemporary authors identify themselves as Christian psychologists or participate in the broader movement. In counseling practice, CP looks surprisingly secular, where Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ do not functionally inform and drive the counseling process. Conclusion 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. Webbiblical counseling movement, have defended Scriptures suffi-ciency against Christian counselors who advocate an insufficiency position concerning Scriptures relationship to When you see a therapist, you are receiving Gods healing in the form of therapy. While Christian psychology has much to commend, it also suffers from several weaknesses. 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. See Grudem, 93-5; John Armstrong, The Authority of Scripture inSola Scriptura: The Protestant Position on the Bible, Don Kistler, ed. % 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. This passage shows just how sufficient Scripture is for counseling. 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. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 101-28. They most often do not believe that the Bible is. 7. It applies to all situations of our experience (216). Christian Web Hosting, Many Christian psychologists will affirm that the Bible is authoritative, inerrant, and inspired. (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria, 1995), 96-150, esp. 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. This includes therapists. The church was weak where psychology was strong. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). 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. 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. 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. Their conviction of the deficiency of Scripture logically mirrors an inadequate perception of how the sufficiency of Scripture works in practice. Then, there is what the writer has dubbed the Conservative Protestant Christian Counseling Orthodoxy 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. Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. 139-40; Frame,The Doctrine of the Word of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010), 145-82, 216. Roberts and Watson,Five Views,150. The best integrationist thinkers are troubled by the current mass psychologization of the Christian faith. 4. The gospel message of Jesus Christ is noticeably absent throughout the entire case. 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). 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). 7T4\aQ\"MLa}GQBJ9/IvfA1sT`{:(0nCudH|pFwF3 ?,*-!UTXe 29}hg%,B6mhX@7x 1ZE^cu?fvQPa5IDjKC,7SUEgiByg@,dv~U_*$a%lj3wh4fM7k'VKe:8H{l3[()=?E7B[a#V-4'U29EGB~ E|' -m(P,-diTTB ZU UoKAW",Y- &RzK.WfF~aRl|1~*iV"=b A full explanation and critique of the insufficiency view as held by Christian psychologists and integrationists is beyond the scope of this essay, but may be found in two works by Heath Lambert:A Theology of Biblical Counseling(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 35-59; and Introduction: The Sufficiency of Scripture, the Biblical Counseling Movement, and the Purpose of this Book inCounseling the Hard Cases, Heath Lambert and Stuart Scott, eds (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2012), 1-24. Observations and descriptions of individual differences are, of course, extremely valuable in making counselors mature and case-wise. An appreciation of differences nourishes a godly disenculturation from the assumptions of ego- and ethno-centricity. For an explanation of the fallacy of empiricism as a reliable epistemological system and the importance of presuppositions for interpretation, see John Frame,The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 1987), 123-6, 140-1. While Jesus does identify with people in their suffering (Heb. While the traditional Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. Society for Christian Psychology, About the Society [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. The center of gravity and interest for even the most careful and theologically astute integrationists is psychology. Scripture is God-breathed, so it is without sin, error, or corruption. In more recent years, psychologists have begun recognizing that our spirituality impacts our lives, but have yet to say it is imperative for life. Langberg notes that later on in the counseling process, the use of the Scriptures will be introduced (125, 127), but not initially. >TSG' *J'm -'#g-CTj,_HSAan$p75@C `^\w|:D|]cCg!m#R9:F . 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. 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. This is a significant assertion.28John 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. 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. The Bible is always and finally authoritative, even when it reveals less content or seems less relevant on any given subject. But we should be agnostic about personality theories. Third, Christian psychology differs from integration in respect to the goal of the system. 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. Some prefer to view themselves as Christians who do counseling. Is it compatible with a Christian worldview? 3 It also helps individuals in enhancing positive traits and feeling a sense of purpose in life. The integration movement has thought that the gold mine of significant truth for counseling was in the secular psychologies and psychotherapies. These examples illustrate that there is a spectrum of diversity amongst Christian psychologists. First, Christian psychologists seek to form their system of Christian psychology primarily from the Bible and works from church history, with only minimal reference to systems of modern, secular psychology.15Roberts 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. Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. Advocates of Christian psychology endeavor to accomplish two main goals through the CP movement. 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. Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. 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. Rather than this being an argument against a Christian psychology (Jones, 1986), these differences will contribute to its richness and fruitfulness. Johnson, Foundations, 218. The most telling aspect of any system of soul-care is ultimately how one goes about helping people with counseling problems. But Christian psychologists use the term psychology in a broad, general sense, referencing any study, insight, or reflections regarding the human condition. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 185. The statement of faith of the society consists of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. Christian psychologists affirm a form of the authority, necessity, sufficiency, and primacy of the Scriptures, yet they define these qualities of Scripture in such a way as to actually undermine them.Johnson,26Foundations, 167-95. 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. However, her overall approach to counseling is surprisingly secular. 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. Gods Word reveals truth, giving us discernment. 2nd ed. For a critique of this therapeutic version of the gospel, see David Powlison, The Therapeutic Gospel,Journal of Biblical Counseling25/3 (2007): 2-7. 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. . Scripture shows us the right way to live. 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. 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/. It buries significant clarities that the Bible provides beneath superficial ambiguities that psychology attempts to explain. The role of invisible discerner of the thoughts, intentions, motivations of the heartthat role is reserved for God alone, specifically the person of the Holy Spirit. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 185. This book is an expanded version of the 2000 Psychology and Christianity: Four Views, edited by Stanton Jones and Eric Johnson. Watson, A Christian Psychology View in Christianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nd ed. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001); Robert C. Roberts and P.J. (IVP Academic, 2010), 10-11. 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). 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. Research and respond to the arguments of Ed. It would be terribly nave to assume that there will ever be only one Christian psychology in this age. In the same work, this case is handled from a biblical counseling viewpoint where the Bible does have such a functional control. Other ways include the Levels-of-Explanation approach, Integration, Transformational Psychology, and Biblical Counseling. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. He again confuses justification with sanctification in application of this text to what he calls modern Judaizers (55-7). This observation is important for understanding CP since its authors often refer to Christian writers in church history as psychologists.4For example, Johnson considers Augustine the first great Christian psychologist, Ibid., 12. 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. Evangelicals sought to redress the churchs weakness by engaging in psychotherapies. In counseling theory, CP is plagued by a commitment to ecumenism and struggles to accurately interpret and apply the biblical text. 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. I. Johnson,Foundations, 218-9. 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. 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. Second, Christian psychologists strive to develop empirical research pursuits that derive from a distinctly Christian worldview. 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. The social, cultural, historical, and individual differences between Hebrew herdsmen and Corinthian cosmopolitansand between both of them and contemporary American readerscan hardly be exaggerated. But the Bible addresses in practical detail the significant things good counseling must address. However, he errors in concluding that this makes the Bible lessauthoritativeregarding subjects where is it reveals less content. It would be terribly nave to assume that there will ever be only one Christian psychology in this age. See Eric Johnson, ed., Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. Finally, Christian psychology suffers from weaknesses in actual counseling practice. In counseling practice, these secular commitments often mean there is a reluctance to be overtly Christian in counseling through prayer, through utilizing the Scriptures or through presenting the gospel to clients who may not be saved. Keith Palmer serves as an ACBC Fellow, Board Member, and associate pastor of Grace Bible Church in Granbury, TX. Wouldnt this task be better pursued by theologically informed and biblically trained pastors with experience in wise pastoral care? Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. 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. 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. 2 (2007): 536. 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 always has been sufficient and always will be. Though Christian psychology rightly notes the need for proper presuppositions, it stumbles out of the gate in the area of bibliology. First, CP is built upon a faulty view of the Scriptures. It mistakes the fascinating but superficial for the significant. Scriptures authority increases in proportion to the extent that Scripture explicitly addresses a particular topic.27Ibid., 171-2. The authority to prescribe mental health medication. 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 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. Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. Personality theory, psychopathology, health, and therapeutic change have replaced biblical anthropology, sin, grace, holiness, and sanctification. Since the Word of God is divinely inspired and without error, it truly reveals God and guides man. If the goal of CP is a uniquely biblical psychology based upon historic Christianity, efforts of this nature are confusing and illustrate that the actual developmental work of the movement is often pointed in the wrong direction. 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. Life is full of chaos and it can be hard knowing which way to go but Scripture can show us the right path. Worse still, secular commitments of this nature may render these biblically mandated pursuits unethical in ones professional context. First, the central goal is to produce or retrieve a Christian psychology. While Christian Psychology commendably sets out to rediscover a truly Christian view of persons and rightly sounds the alert regarding the unbiblical worldview assumptions of secular counseling systems, it seems that their efforts to develop such a system are not being realized. 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. WebSince the Bible is sufficient for all of life, should we rule out psychology in counseling? 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). Everythingin Scripture comes to us as authoritative communication (emphasis original),The Doctrine of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2002), 92. However, only one aspect (relationship) of her three is supported by commentaries and theological works. He is the author of Foundations for Soul Care and the coeditor of God Under Fire and Christianity and Psychology: Four Views. 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. As one example, see C.S. :k Iu?8'>"I4 ?p]`E\A;~{Y? Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. These sessions may include exploring troubling thoughts, fears, and personal history. Goodreads. 4 0 obj For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matt. Research and respond to the arguments of at least one integrati 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. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. Psychology contains exegetical riches of great specificity and practicality for understanding and transforming human functioning. SeeEdification3.1 (2009) andEdification6.2 (2012). Powlison has likewise critiqued the exposition of Roberts and Watson inFive Views, 196-8. Again, God works through everyone. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001), 135. 3:16-17), it would be backward to expect the Scriptures to conform to modern psychological terminology and categories anyway. 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. Evans,Soren Kirkegaards Christian Psychology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990). )IE%C?2h'gA jMf0$l4PWMlP]OulqcBTx'iA'r+D8vk! Grudem writes, all the words in Scripture are Gods words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.30Grudem, 73. Diane Langberg provides a clear example of Christian psychology at work in an actual counseling situation.43Langberg,Five Approaches, 110-31. There are some Christians who disagree that the Bible should be used to help us solve our counseling-related problems. Carson, Mathew inExpositors Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelin, ed. 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 . 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. Stanton L. Jones, An Integration Response to Christian Psychology inChristianity and Psychology: Five Views, Eric L. Johnson, ed., 2nded. WebDescribe the sufficiency of Scripture. The ecumenism of the movement is further seen through the diverse background of the Societys executive and references boards as well as the diversity of both the authors and theological systems represented in the societys journal,Christian Psychology. Langberg,Counseling Survivors, 55, 57, 105, 150, 158.
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