The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. 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. 3:16-17), it would be backward to expect the Scriptures to conform to modern psychological terminology and categories anyway. THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE IN COUNSELING WebChristian 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. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. 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. Counseling Survivors, 45-51. 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. Psychology He again confuses justification with sanctification in application of this text to what he calls modern Judaizers (55-7). WebThe main differences between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a counselor are: 1. However, were here to serve everyone without cost, so please dont feel obligated to give unless the Lord leads. 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. 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. Langberg,Five Approaches, 110-31. While Jesus does identify with people in their suffering (Heb. WebIn Christian counseling, the Christ of the Bible will not be an appendage, a tack on for surviving life in the fast lane. He will be the center as well as the circumference of our In Crabbs understanding, the gospel message is psychologized such these psychological needs are met through the gospel. Christians who relyto one degree or Everythingin Scripture comes to us as authoritative communication (emphasis original),The Doctrine of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2002), 92. 2nd ed. Today, CP does not describe an established Christian system of psychological understanding so much as it represents a loose movement of psychologists, counselors, theologians, and Christian philosophers who seek to develop such a psychology. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 202-210. This 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. 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. In 2004, the Society for Christian Psychology was founded to promote the development of a distinctly Christian psychology (including theory, research, and practice) that is based on a Christian understanding of human nature.9Society for Christian Psychology, About the Society [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. Relate the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture to the practice of biblical counseling. m~=WWc*oK;>>J>vZ38$e*DCB7"8!w d)@1;vX |=X?=1o^CQE^{]UP;l O:ey]tPW@0(w,z,e;Nc3tpIH "UoVVGP;^N. He is quick to say that the Bible is sufficient for the study of doctrine and for salvation but not about serious counseling topics. Conclusion Research and respond to the arguments of at least one integrati The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy affirms: Holy Scripture, being Gods own Word, written by men prepared and superintended by His Spirit, is of infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches: it is to be believed, as Gods instruction, in all that it affirms, obeyed, as Gods command, in all that it requires; embraced, as Gods pledge, in all that it promises.29Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, as cited in Wayne Grudem,Systematic Theology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 1204. Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. Because it God-breathed, written by the very Omniscient God Himself, it is eternal. Yet at the same time, CP strives to be ecumenical, diverse and pluralistic in all of its endeavors. He is quick to say that the Bible is sufficient for the study Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2016), 4452. Though the visible content of lifes struggles is widely variable, the core themes in people are identical. )IE%C?2h'gA jMf0$l4PWMlP]OulqcBTx'iA'r+D8vk! 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. . (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). 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. Advocates of Christian psychology endeavor to accomplish two main goals through the CP movement. This book is an expanded version of the 2000 Psychology and Christianity: Four Views, edited by Stanton Jones and Eric Johnson. Describe the sufficiency of Scripture. In this new version Stanton Jones has moved from coeditor to author of the integration position chapter, with Eric Johnson assuming the post as sole editor. 2 (2007): 536. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. Biblical redemption is re-defined as emotional acceptance and unconditional love (58, 128). Psychologys cultural, social, and pragmatic authority proved too strong. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001); Robert C. Roberts and P.J. 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. 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. 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). 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. Biblical Counseling vs. Christian Counseling - Zondervan Academic 3 It also helps individuals in enhancing positive traits and feeling a sense of purpose in life. 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. >TSG' *J'm -'#g-CTj,_HSAan$p75@C `^\w|:D|]cCg!m#R9:F . 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. John MacArthur says that Because scripture is true, it is righteous altogether. 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. That view rests on the massive assumption that explaining the differences between people provides the key to counseling. John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God, A Rather, Scripture addresses all of human life, as only God himself has a right to do. While Christian psychology strives to develop a singular, unified system of psychology, integrationists question the possibility of this goal. Third, biblical and Christian counselors agree that psychologists make true observations that are often helpful. This really is an area of agreement. Few have doubted that Christian counselors embrace this view. Many have doubted that biblical counselors agree with it. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matt. Since the Word of God is divinely inspired and without error, it truly reveals God and guides man. 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. Scripture can restore the soul scripture can transform a person. 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. First, the central goal is to produce or retrieve a Christian psychology. Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. 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. The statement of faith of the society consists of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. Biblical counseling: Biblical counselors rely exclusively (or nearly so) on the teachings of the Bible, rather than on researched psychological principles; some may view New Way of Thinking #3: God Works Through Everything and Everyone, Including Therapists. Christian psychology has also shed light on the all-too ignored problem of presuppositions in psychological systems. Dr. James Mook describes the doctrine of the sufficiency of Gods Word as the following: 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. 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. 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). 139-40; Frame,The Doctrine of the Word of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010), 145-82, 216. 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. Wouldnt this task be better pursued by theologically informed and biblically trained pastors with experience in wise pastoral care? But a proper handling of the text of Scripture is actually a weakness of the movement. Christian Psychology is a unique form of psychology which seeks to develop a distinctly Christian model for understanding the human condition. :k Iu?8'>"I4 ?p]`E\A;~{Y? Should a Christian see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or - 412teens Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 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). (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria, 1995), 96-150, esp. Catholics do not adhere to. Despite what early psychologists, like Freud, and anti-psychology Christians believe, psychology and spirituality are complimentary, not antithetical. Ibid., 171-2. Their conviction of the deficiency of Scripture logically mirrors an inadequate perception of how the sufficiency of Scripture works in practice. For a critique of this therapeutic version of the gospel, see David Powlison, The Therapeutic Gospel,Journal of Biblical Counseling25/3 (2007): 2-7. If the goal is to form a biblical psychology, why is familiarity in contemporary psychology needed? 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 Anabaptists, the radical SeeEdification3.1 (2009) andEdification6.2 (2012). Ed. /)JtIJ!-y)+D4$ N,/)jqf!ym4,4@f)]b}^/{*]@E Lqu\0pEu"I>c( (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 psychology incorporates both psychological theories and theological approaches to talk therapy by using biblical concepts with psychotherapy practices. As one example, see C.S. Biblical truth seemed insufficiently applicable. 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. Rather, Scripture addresses all of human life, as only God himself has a right to do. It mistakes the fascinating but superficial for the significant. He again confuses justification with sanctification in application of this text to what he calls modern Judaizers (55-7). Packer,A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life(Wheaton: Crossway, 1990). Research and respond to the arguments of at least one integrationist or Christian 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. Psychological Theories, Series: Christian psychologists acknowledge the impossibility of truly objective, value-free research.12Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 154-5. For example, Tan includes a whole section on modern psychologies in his workCounseling & Psychotherapy(Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011); and the Society of Christian Psychology purposes to read, learn from, and interact with the psychological knowledge of other communities (obviously the modern), Society for Christian Psychology, About the Society [online]; accessed 12 October 2016; available at http://www.christianpsych.org/. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010); Siang-Yang Tan, Counseling & Psychotherapy (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011). Even the term Pauline therapy seems oddly modern when seeking to do biblical exposition regarding the sanctification model revealed in the Pauline epistles. 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. 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. Introduction: The Sufficiency of Scripture, the Biblical The best integrationist thinkers are troubled by the current mass psychologization of the Christian faith. Scripture is perfect. Excerpted from Integration or Inundation? in Power ReligionThe Selling out of the Evangelical Church, 205-207. 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. ACBC Exam Study Guide - First Baptist Church of , or God-breathed. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2012), 25-56. Rather, the Bible is equally authoritative in all the matters it addresses. The deep-seated commonalities between people are far more crucial to counseling than the extensive variations between people. Likewise, Crabb struggles with proper exposition of three key passages which form the basis of his book,The Pressures Off.36In 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). He is the author of Foundations for Soul Care and the coeditor of God Under Fire and Christianity and Psychology: Four Views. He does not take exception to The authority to prescribe mental health medication. 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. 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. In effect, the Bible contains only control beliefs at a high level of generality: creation in the image of God, fall into sin, redemption in Christ. ACBC EXAM 2014 4. 36. WebDescribe the sufficiency of Scripture. ACBC Theology Question 1 - fbcjax.com 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. 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. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. The Bible is always and finally authoritative, even when it reveals less content or seems less relevant on any given subject. Research and respond to the arguments of at least one 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. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). 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). 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). The integration movement has thought that the gold mine of significant truth for counseling was in the secular psychologies and psychotherapies. According to Crabb (2013), maturity consists of both spiritual and psychological maturity that results in obedience and character growth (p. 25). 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. Biblical Counseling, Neuroscience 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). Privacy Policy. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). 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. 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). I. Johnson,Foundations, 218-9. (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. It is clear. It is a set of practices for making the transition from unhealthy to healthy traits, behaviors, desires and emotions. Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, is the practice of attempting to heal a persons emotional and mental problems.
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christian psychologist regarding the insufficiency of scripture for counseling