The society publishes a journal,Christian Psychology, to promote articles written from a CP perspective. Life is full of chaos and it can be hard knowing which way to go but Scripture can show us the right path. Biblical redemption is re-defined as emotional acceptance and unconditional love (58, 128). The questions that personality theory tackles are interesting subjects for general scholarship. Biblical Counseling Coalition | The Sufficiency of Scripture Gods Word is the only infallible rule of faith for believers. 36. Advocates of Christian psychology endeavor to accomplish two main goals through the CP movement. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). 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. SeeEdification3.1 (2009) andEdification6.2 (2012). They endeavor to form a psychological system that is presuppositionally Christian, and recognize that this system will reflect a true picture of humanity because it is distinctly Christian. Tan,Counseling and Psychotherapy, 329; Crabb,Effective Biblical Counseling(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977), 61-71. The gospel message of Jesus Christ is noticeably absent throughout the entire case. Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2012), 25-56. 4:15, Phil. Topics: Scripture is God-breathed, so it is without sin, error, or corruption. 28:19-20).25C. Other ways include the Levels-of-Explanation approach, Integration, Transformational Psychology, and Biblical Counseling. (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria, 1995), 96-150, esp. As one example, see C.S. Utilizing the term psychologist to describe ancient Christian authors may seem odd to modern readers who think of a psychologist as a modern day professional in the mental health care field. SeeEdification3.1 (2009) andEdification6.2 (2012). Wouldnt this task be better pursued by theologically informed and biblically trained pastors with experience in wise pastoral care? I. Johnson,Foundations, 218-9. In the same work, this case is handled from a biblical counseling viewpoint where the Bible does have such a functional control. Biblical truth seemed insufficiently applicable. HORTON: This is where a quote from Calvin is so helpful. As the title implies, Evans develops Kirkegaards psychology of human beings through a careful study of his works. 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. 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. 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. Johnsons admission is exceedingly confusing and ultimately, telling. But Christian psychologists use the term psychology in a broad, general sense, referencing any study, insight, or reflections regarding the human condition. Of course, even at a level of generality, biblical control beliefs are helpful. 4 0 obj (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001); Robert C. Roberts and 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. Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. 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. Carson, Mathew inExpositors Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelin, ed. 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. 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. 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. m~=WWc*oK;>>J>vZ38$e*DCB7"8!w d)@1;vX |=X?=1o^CQE^{]UP;l O:ey]tPW@0(w,z,e;Nc3tpIH "UoVVGP;^N. For example, Diane Langbergs interpretation of Genesis 1:26-28 regarding the image of God as voice, relationship, and power is novel, and not based on solid exegesis of the passage.34Langbergs 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. 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. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 202-210. 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. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. Rather, Scripture addresses all of human life, as only God himself has a right to do. Some prefer to view themselves as Christians who do counseling. 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. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. 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. Finally, Christian psychology suffers from weaknesses in actual counseling practice. Christian psychology has also shed light on the all-too ignored problem of presuppositions in psychological systems. These examples illustrate that there is a spectrum of diversity amongst Christian psychologists. There is no other method for hearing Gods voice today. First, the central goal is to produce or retrieve a Christian psychology. In his otherwise helpful article describing Pauline psychotherapy, Roberts cannot help but use terms and concepts from twentieth century psychology: dysfunctional personality, self-transformative action, therapeutic action, actualizing the new personality, dissociation.33Roberts,Outline, 135-51. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). While Christian psychology strives to develop a singular, unified system of psychology, integrationists question the possibility of this goal. Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. Because Scripture does not detail how individual differences arisein motivation, behavior, cognition, affective expressionit is presumed deficient when it comes to counseling. That view rests on the massive assumption that explaining the differences between people provides the key to counseling. The Bible proclaims the opposite. In other contributions to the series, Howard Eyrich addresses what to do with a diagnosis brought Integration refers to a related but different system for understanding the relationship between Christianity and psychology. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. Their conviction of the deficiency of Scripture logically mirrors an inadequate perception of how the sufficiency of Scripture works in practice. Christian Psychology is a unique form of psychology which seeks to develop a distinctly Christian model for understanding the human condition. 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. Langberg notes that later on in the counseling process, the use of the Scriptures will be introduced (125, 127), but not initially. Everythingin Scripture comes to us as authoritative communication (emphasis original),The Doctrine of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2002), 92. 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. However, a Christian psychology will also be critically informed by other relevant sources of psychological truth, particularly its own reflection, research, and practice, but also the psychological work of other traditions (e.g., secular psychology), philosophy, human experience, and the other human sciences. Her re-telling of Isaiah 53 re-casts sin against God as psychological hurt, comes dangerously close to making God the Father the abusing father of Christ, turns Jesus into a victim of abuse, and makes the gospel primarily about Jesus being abused so that He can identify with the abuse of others (150-153). 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). The Bible proclaims the opposite. Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. The best integrationist thinkers are troubled by the current mass psychologization of the Christian faith. Cornerstone scored highly on our 2021 user survey, with 78% reporting that the services received were very good or excellent.. Since the Bible is sufficient for all of life, should we rule out In Crabbs understanding, the gospel message is psychologized such these psychological needs are met through the gospel. Biblical Counseling Coalition | A Response to The Integration of Psychological Theories, Series: << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 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. Johnsons admission is exceedingly confusing and ultimately, telling. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. 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. . 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. 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. Ed. However, only one aspect (relationship) of her three is supported by commentaries and theological works. 3:16-17), it would be backward to expect the Scriptures to conform to modern psychological terminology and categories anyway. /)JtIJ!-y)+D4$ N,/)jqf!ym4,4@f)]b}^/{*]@E Lqu\0pEu"I>c( and believe that the Scripture needs to be supplemented by the teachings and traditions of the church. Theological Primer for Biblical Counseling: Sufficiency of Scripture 7. Dr. James Mook describes the doctrine of the sufficiency of Gods Word as the following: 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). Not only do Christian psychologists struggle in areas regarding the Bible, the movement provokes concern in regard to the ecumenical emphasis it articulates. Biblical Counseling is the process where the Bible, Gods Word, is related individually to a person or persons who are struggling under the weight of personal sin and/or the difficulties with suffering, so that he or she might genuinely change in the inner person to be pleasing to God. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010); Siang-Yang Tan, Counseling & Psychotherapy (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011). No other rule can supersede Scripture. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. Then, there is what the writer has dubbed the Conservative Protestant Christian Counseling Orthodoxy Scripture shows us the right way to live. But we should be agnostic about personality theories. 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). Utilizing Scripture and works from Christian writers of the past, psychologically-informed Christians seek to glean principles for understanding human nature and then systematize these findings into a comprehensive system of psychology. There are some Christians who disagree that the Bible should be used to help us solve our counseling-related problems. . 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. Since Christians believe the Bible is the authoritative Word of God and is the sole, God-breathed source of truth (2 Tim. The insufficiency of Scripture may sound like a dangerous phrase, but all that is meant by that is simply what the confession teaches at this point: that there are certain situations and aspects of our earthly lives about which we may find general principles in the Bible, but require general revelation and wisdom, as well. Catholics do not adhere to. Like the levels-of-explanation, transformational, and integrationist approaches, CP avoids anchoring its counseling in the Bible.45Lambert, Theology, 57. However, were here to serve everyone without cost, so please dont feel obligated to give unless the Lord leads. 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 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 . 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. Christian psychology incorporates both psychological theories and theological approaches to talk therapy by using biblical concepts with psychotherapy practices. Webbiblical counseling movement, have defended Scriptures suffi-ciency against Christian counselors who advocate an insufficiency position concerning Scriptures relationship to 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. Nate Brooks dives into anthropology and psychology in light of cognitive behavioral therapy. 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. 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. The Sufficiency of Scripture in Counseling - Striving For Second, Christian psychologists strive to develop empirical research pursuits that derive from a distinctly Christian worldview. Though the visible content of lifes struggles is widely variable, the core themes in people are identical. There is no need for insights from renown intellectuals. In his book, Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal. In more recent years, psychologists have begun recognizing that our spirituality impacts our lives, but have yet to say it is imperative for life. But the conversion process has gone the wrong way. See Stuart Scott, A Biblical Counseling Approach inCounseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. 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. Roberts and Watson insightfully note that the concept of well-being cannot be settled to everyones satisfaction independently of metaphysical, moral and religious commitments [nor] by purely empirical methods of research.24Roberts and Watson,Five Views,150. 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. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work.
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