Psychology and biblical teachings have history of being considered the opposite of each other. Regardless, there are still Christian counselors or therapists that use (or in a sense, have to use) techniques that come from psychological theories. They key here is to evaluate these psychological theories while using the truth of the bible as a guide. Doing so will help determine what may be helpful to use in certain situations and what will be opposed to God. Considering psychology is such a vast field, a Christian counselor will have to research many varieties of these psychological theories.
The purpose of this essay is to examine and decide which psychological theory for counseling coincides with or opposes a Christian worldview. The two theories that will be discussed and examined on how it relates to a Christian worldview are
Psychoanalytic Theory and Adlerian Theory. Both of these theories’ founders have different views of human nature and I will not only give my opinion on them, but I will also discuss how they coincide or oppose a Christian worldview.
In this essay I have decided that Sigmund Freud’s theory, Psychoanalytic Theory, is the least congruent with a Christian worldview. In contrast, I believe that Adlerian
Theory is the most congruent theory with a Christian worldview. These following pages will explain why I believe this to be as well as some scriptures that relate to why I believe this. Sigmund Freud has said himself that he believes God is an illusion. This belief that Freud concluded reflects in some of his work and even in his theory: Psychoanalytic
Theory. Psychoanalytic theory definitely treats God as an illusion; this is obviously a perspective that is not so biblical or Christian. Some of the concepts in this theory seem helpful when describing the depravity of humanity and giving an explanation of man’s disturbance or confusion, but this theory’s solution is not correct. Psychological health can not be obtained by simply reliving the past.
If you look at this theory by using a Christian worldview, freedom does not come from achieving self-awareness… it comes through Christ. “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Freud’s perspective in this theory is very egocentric and the importance of loving others is very minimal. The importance of loving others is something needed for the spiritual health of a Christian. “A new commandment
I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one
The models that incorporate the relationship of psychology and theology are explored. The author investigates the spectrum, from no mingling of psychology and theology (antagonistic model) to partial integration (intermediate models) and ultimately to incorporation of the two (integrative model). He provides the reader with an in-depth exploration of this spectrum. Entwistle continues on to provide the argument that the integrative model is the most accurate of the models since ther...
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Mark McMinn and published by Tyndale House in 2011 notions towards the idealization that Christian counselors need to be privy in the most recent psychological methods as well as theological theories. “This is a book about counseling processes techniques” (McMinn, 2011, p. 150). McMinn also alluded that Christian counselors benefit from having a spiritual maturity. With having these attributes counselors are better prepared to take note of prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption. McMinn (2011) model flows in the direction of healing while equating to a more advantageous relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ as well as with other relationships (McMinn, 2011).
Sigmund Freud, a physiologist, health physician, psychologist and husband of psychoanalysis, is ordinarily appreciated as one of the most influential and commanding thinkers of the twentieth century. Freud’s most meaningful and frequently reiterated allegation, that with psychoanalysis he had invented a novel science of the mind, however, this still remains the focus of much severe controversy and controversy.
Faw mentions two important questions that come up when psychology and Christianity is combined. The first being “the bible’s own claims to sufficiency” (Faw, 1995, p. 18) and the second questioning if nonbelievers can understand and learn the truth. The bible’s sufficiency says that no outside source can be used or relied on however; we still use technology and medicine as it keeps us healthy but if we do use it we should use it wisely and in the eyes of God and his Word. The second concern, that nonbelievers can not understand the truth, states that God is the only one who knows the whole truth and we are just made in his image. I believe that we are all taught something different determinant on how we are raised and this leads to everyone having different viewpoint and differing opinions. This can be a positive thing and can also relate to our views on knowing what is right and what is wrong. We all had a distinctive upbringings and if we were raised to believe one thing is right, someone else in the world may be taught that it is wrong. Even thought we all have differing views on many things, it does not mean that we should not hate, we should accept people for who they
This is David Entwistle 2nd edition book published in 2010 by Wipf and Stock in Oregon. Entwistle is a Christian and a licensed psychologist; he has affiliations with Molone University in Canton, Ohio serving as chair of the Psychology Department and has taught courses related to his licensed field. This book clearly is not written for any newcomers to religion. However, it was written for those interested in the integration of science and religion. The authors’ purpose for writing this book was to define the relationship between psychology and theology. There are three specific areas this book touched upon to help readers’ better approach psychology and Christianity in a personal and more professional manner: The context of philosophical issues and worldview, to help the readers become aware of assumptions or beliefs- making the reader a more critical evaluators, and to introduce and familiarize the reader with five paradigms for integrating psychology and theology.
The aim of this essay is to clarify the basic principles of Freud’s theories and to raise the main issues.
This paper will be reviewing the book “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: an introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations and models of integration, by David N. Entwistle. As the title states, this book discusses how to integrate psychology and theology. It also dives into to why it is so important to be able to integrate the two. Entwistle explains that just because the two are different does not mean they should be separated and that we have to use both our worldviews. “Weaving together perspectives from psychology and Christian theology can help us understand and appreciate humanity more fully than we could either perspective alone.” (p.3)
A framework of five models is shared: Enemies, Spies, Colonialists, Neutral Parties, and Allies. The Enemies model either associates no relationship between Christianity and psychology. The Spies model focuses on what works best for them from both Christianity and psychology. Colonialists use psychology only to the degree that it fits theology. Neutral Parties model holds that psychology and theology are independent with possible correlation between findings of the two, however that is about as far as one discipline may encroach on the other. Allies, the model considered by Entwistle, acknowledges that while psychology and theology are separate, they are still dependent, based upon the underlying unity of truth of God’s written word and His Works (Entwistle, 2010). The underpinning of the integrative approach to psychology and Christianity appears to be that of anthropology; this may be seen in the two books, God g...
We cannot over simplify human behavior and the power of belief. Belief being the structure humans have created to understand one’s existence. Equally important, beliefs reassure a sense of balance and control in a world where we may feel powerless or helpless despite scientific developments. Nevertheless, science is the reality tested. Bultmann, points out blind acceptance of the New Testament’s written word would be irrational, and “a sacrifice of the intellect which could have only one result – a curious form of schizophrenia and insincerity” . Nevertheless, there remains a confusion that pervades modern ideas of the universe and our existence. Bultmann did acknowledge the truths a shallow enlightenment had failed to perceive are later rediscovered in ancient myths. Therefore, the task of dissecting the written words and structure of the New Testament is important for clarification and
Christian Science is an idealistic and most radical form of transcendental religiosity. The study of Christian Science teaches a feeling of understanding of God's goodness and the differences between good and evil, life and death. The purpose of this paper is to address how the study of Christian Science helps us better understand the impact of globalization in America, as well as the impact of American on globalization. This paper is important because globalization features a dominant worldview. All throughout the world people believe, study and teach different types of religious movements that impact others. People need to better understand how certain religions modify, conflict with, and impact the world. First, it will discuss the life and work of the founder, Mary Baker Eddy. Secondly, it will examine the primary rituals and religious services of the Christian Science movement. Then, it will outline the precursors and history of the religion. In the conclusion, a response will be offered to the question of how Christian Science helps us better understand the impact of globalization on America and of America on globalization.
Rather than recognize the beneficial aspects religion and spirituality have to offer, Freud instead likened religion to a mental illness, which could be cured through psychoanalysis. When discussing weaknesses of society in Civilization and its Discontents, Freud remarks “The religions of humanity, too, must be classified as mass-delusions…Needless to say, no one who shares a delusion recognizes it as such.” (“Civilization and its Discontents” 774). Freud felt that his conclusion on religion was logical, yet he relied on paring it to disorders, such as hysteria, in an attempt to gain scientific credibility. Freud also benefitted from the delusion comparison because it offered yet another situation in which his psychoanalytic tools could be used.
These ideas can be found in Christianity as well. In the Christian faith, it is believed that there is a perfect being that is eternal, unchanging, has absolute truth, and creates all that is seen in the universe, this being is one they call God.
Johnson, Eric L. (2007). Christ, The Lord of Psychology. In Daryl H. Stevenson, Brian E. Eck & Peter C. Hill (Eds.). Psychology Christianity Integration: Seminole Works that Shaped the Movement (pp. 42-57). Batavia, IL: Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Inc.
...ithin their own counseling theory. It is up to each counselor to weigh all the information provided to them and base their practice on education and Christian principles in order to better provide their clients with the best of both worlds with the common goal to ease the trouble they are experiencing in daily life. It is through our dedicated personal relationship with God that we will see the true path our counseling practice should take.
Throughout the semester we learned that people have different opinions about religion and hold different beliefs about what really happened during the time of Christ. Many question whether he truly exists. We briefly discussed a famous individual named Sigmund Freud, who held a much different belief about religion than most. By comparing his views to catholic, Thomas a’ Kempis, we can see exactly how different his views were. Freud’s beliefs about our personality and our death drive are important to understand in order to know how he felt about religion. Some of Freud’s theories of religion relate to mastering the Oedipus complex, a reaction to infantile helplessness, and a universal obsessional ritual.