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. 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. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God, A Wouldnt this task be better pursued by theologically informed and biblically trained pastors with experience in wise pastoral care? 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. Ibid., 171-2. Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, is the practice of attempting to heal a persons emotional and mental problems. Development of Problems and Personal Need However, he errors in concluding that this makes the Bible lessauthoritativeregarding subjects where is it reveals less content. 36. For example, Christians across all times and places have found that there is no temptation that has overtaken you that is not common to all (1 Corinthians 10:13). 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. 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. While no comprehensive, systematic Christian psychology work has yet been produced, the authors previously mentioned have all offered contributions toward this goal.11As one example, see C.S. 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. 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. First, CP is built upon a faulty view of the Scriptures. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010); Siang-Yang Tan, Counseling & Psychotherapy (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011). When you see a therapist, you are receiving Gods healing in the form of therapy. Reconciling Religion and Therapy: Why (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); or John MacArthur,Matthew1-7: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary(Chicago: Moody, 1985). Despite what early psychologists, like Freud, and anti-psychology Christians believe, psychology and spirituality are complimentary, not antithetical. This does not mean that Christian psychologists are against or do not practice integration. It changes his simple mind and helps him to learn discernment. 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 need for insights from renown intellectuals. In more recent years, psychologists have begun recognizing that our spirituality impacts our lives, but have yet to say it is imperative for life. Research and respond to the arguments of at least one 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. Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. For a critique of this therapeutic version of the gospel, see David Powlison, The Therapeutic Gospel,Journal of Biblical Counseling25/3 (2007): 2-7. But where does it come from? Life is full of chaos and it can be hard knowing which way to go but Scripture can show us the right path. The best integrationist thinkers are troubled by the current mass psychologization of the Christian faith. Watson and R.J. Morris are representative of Christian psychologists who have led and published research efforts of this nature.13For example, see P.J. 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. 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. The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010). 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. In the same work, this case is handled from a biblical counseling viewpoint where the Bible does have such a functional control. The center of gravity for effective counseling and de-psychologizing the evangelical church must be Scripture. If the goal is to form a biblical psychology, why is familiarity in contemporary psychology needed? While Christian psychology has much to commend, it also suffers from several weaknesses. 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. 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. Their conviction of the deficiency of Scripture logically mirrors an inadequate perception of how the sufficiency of Scripture works in practice. A lack of direction and a lack of purpose is depressing but confidence and joy can be found in knowing answers to some of life biggest questions. However, her overall approach to counseling is surprisingly secular. If you believe in God, you know he works through every being in the world. Currently, we are seeing a growing realization among therapists, both secular and spiritual, that human spirituality is a source of great strength. While Roberts may simply be employing these terms in order to better communicate to a psychologically-informed audience, these terms are not neutral, and are being imposed upon, rather than derived from the biblical text. 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/. As a discipline, psychology has been around for 2500 years and yet no agreement regarding the nature of human psyche well-being has been achieved. Eric L. Johnson While the traditional 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. 2 (2007): 536. While Jesus does identify with people in their suffering (Heb. The society publishes a journal,Christian Psychology, to promote articles written from a CP perspective. What do people in Irian Jaya and in New York City suburbs have in common? The authority to prescribe mental health medication. 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. Instead of portraying the biblical vision of people first to the church and then to psychologists, integrationists imported secular visions into Christianity. This is the testimony of Scripture itself and the historic position of Protestant Christianity. Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. WebDescribe the sufficiency of Scripture. Describe the sufficiency of Scripture. Though some Christian Psychologists are more open to learning from the modern psychologies. 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. Biblical truth seemed insufficiently applicable. Christian psychotherapists generally believe that the Bible is insufficient when it comes to exploring and explaining the significant goings on in the human psyche. For example, integrationists repeatedly cite the Bibles failure to offer a personality theory. 139-40; Frame,The Doctrine of the Word of God(Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010), 145-82, 216. 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. . Personality theory is even a distraction because it directs attention to the wrong questions. 4. New Way of Thinking #3: God Works Through Everything and Everyone, Including Therapists. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2001); Robert C. Roberts and P.J. At first glance, Christian psychology does not seem to be distinct from integration, but there are three key differences. Gods Word is. 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. Langberg,Five Approaches, 122. Effectiveness. Powlison has likewise critiqued the exposition of Roberts and Watson inFive Views, 196-8. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The therapeutic practice often centers on regular conversations between a counselor and a client, known as talk-therapy.. These examples illustrate that there is a spectrum of diversity amongst Christian psychologists. Counseling Survivors, 45-51. 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. 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). CP desires to develop a unique Christian psychology (understanding of people) and psychotherapy (how to help people) while continuing to participate actively in the broader field.42Johnson,Five Views, 36. Though Christian psychology rightly notes the need for proper presuppositions, it stumbles out of the gate in the area of bibliology. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012), 157-83. The Sufficiency of Scripture in Counseling - Striving For Integration and Christian Psychology Comparison Chart. 4 0 obj Eric Johnson is a Christian psychologist who adamantly claims that the Bible is not sufficient for counseling. As a movement, CP seeks to understand both the nature of human beings (psychology) and appropriate practices to address life problems (psychotherapy). 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). Evans,Soren Kirkegaards Christian Psychology(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990). These sessions may include exploring troubling thoughts, fears, and personal history. CP represents one of several ways that Christians have attempted to think about the connection between Christianity and psychology.1Other ways include the Levels-of-Explanation approach, Integration, Transformational Psychology, and Biblical Counseling. Eric Johnson writes, So if we define psychology broadly as a rigorous inquiry into human nature and how to treat its problems and advance well-being, Christians have been thinking and practicing psychology for centuries.5Ibid., 14. If the goal is to form a biblical psychology, why is familiarity in contemporary psychology needed? 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. This stands in contrast to the moral darkness where men stumble and are unable to clearly see truth. Robert 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. 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. 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). 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. Tan,Counseling and Psychotherapy, 329; Crabb,Effective Biblical Counseling(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977), 61-71. Psychological Theories, Series: he Bible is the standard by which God will judge every person. Like the levels-of-explanation, transformational, and integrationist approaches, CP avoids anchoring its counseling in the Bible.45Lambert, Theology, 57. The integration movement has thought that the gold mine of significant truth for counseling was in the secular psychologies and psychotherapies. Christian Psychology - Association of Certified Biblical The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. Furthermore, some integrationists conclude that extracting one unified system of psychology from the entirety of the works of church history seems impossible, a conclusion that, ironically, even some Christian psychologists seem to acknowledge.21 Responding in part to integrationist Stanton Jones critique of CP along these lines, Christian psychologist Eric Johnson writes, Finally, it must be conceded that this book has so far been somewhat misleading. (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010); Siang-Yang Tan, Counseling & Psychotherapy (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011). 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. 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). 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. 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. 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 . For (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 101-28. The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul. Since the Bible is sufficient for all of life, should we rule out , or God-breathed. 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. %PDF-1.3 The Bible is always and finally authoritative, even when it reveals less content or seems less relevant on any given subject. For a critique of this therapeutic version of the gospel, see David Powlison, The Therapeutic Gospel,Journal of Biblical Counseling25/3 (2007): 2-7. Rather, Scripture addresses all of human life, as only God himself has a right to do. 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. 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). 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. See Stuart Scott, A Biblical Counseling Approach inCounseling and Christianity: Five Approaches, Stephen P. Greggo and Timothy A. Sisemore, eds. However, only one aspect (relationship) of her three is supported by commentaries and theological works. , 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. 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). Hood Jr., Sin and self-functioning, Part 1: Grace, guilt and psychological adjustment,Journal of Psychology and Theology16 (1988): 254-69; P.J. She writes, The work of Jesus in this world resulted in redemption. 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 Introduction: The Sufficiency of Scripture, the Biblical It buries significant clarities that the Bible provides beneath superficial ambiguities that psychology attempts to explain. Psychology Wouldnt this task be better pursued by theologically informed and biblically trained pastors with experience in wise pastoral care? ACBC Essays Volume 1. 11:28-30). 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. Hosted by Grudem writes, the Bible does not support any restriction on the kinds of subjects to which it speaks with absolute authority and truth (94). 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. As the title implies, Evans develops Kirkegaards psychology of human beings through a careful study of his works. Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 155. Personality theory, psychopathology, health, and therapeutic change have replaced biblical anthropology, sin, grace, holiness, and sanctification. Stephen Evans, as quoted by Johnson,5 Views. P.J. The deep-seated commonalities between people are far more crucial to counseling than the extensive variations between people. The implication of that phrase is that its truthfulness produces a comprehensive righteousness in those who accept it. There is no need for additional revelations. 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. Christian Psychology is a unique form of psychology which seeks to develop a distinctly Christian model for understanding the human condition. 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. WebSufficiency of Scripture The Scriptures are sufficient to equip us for a life of faith and service. While Jesus does identify with people in their suffering (Heb. Roberts & Watson,Five Views, 158-64. 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. Counseling Watson, R.J. Morris, and R.W. Not only do Christian psychologists struggle in areas regarding the Bible, the movement provokes concern in regard to the ecumenical emphasis it articulates. ACBC Exam Study Guide - First Baptist Church of % 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. Since the Word of God is divinely inspired and without error, it truly reveals God and guides man. 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/. 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. Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2016), 4452. For example, Roman Catholics teach that Mary was conceived without original sin but this is not found anywhere in scripture. Finally, Christian psychology is to be commended for its desire to be a distinctly Christian witness in a secular psychological environment. The statement of faith of the society consists of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
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christian psychologist regarding the insufficiency of scripture for counseling