What are your views on Christian Psychology?

[imperfectchristian]

?

 

[psalms 91]

If it is based on the bible and spirit led. If its mans wisdom then forget it.

 

[JimB]

Modern psychology is more of an art than a science, IMO, and some elements of it can be helpful. But too much psychology is founded on theory and studies than on scientific fact. If I refer people to a psychologist, which I may do sometimes, I want them to see a Christian psychologist who is able to incorporate biblical truth with their practice.

~Jim

It isn’t what a man doesn’t know that hurts him as much as what he knows that just ain’t so.​

 

[psalms 91]

Not to mention hear from God to hear what He has to say about it, without that they might as well just throw their money down the toilet

 

[hislegacy]

If it is based on the bible and spirit led. If its mans wisdom then forget it.

 

[_Sonnie]

Modern psychology is more of an art than a science, IMO, and some elements of it can be helpful. But too much psychology is founded on theory and studies than on scientific fact. If I refer people to a psychologist, which I may do sometimes, I want them to see a Christian psychologist who is able to incorporate biblical truth with their practice.

~Jim

Too much of modern psychology, as it is studied by man, is just as you say.

--

The Bible is full of "psychology" just without the terms and language we've come to know today. Like telling people they were created for love, that they have value just because they exist, that they were meant to have a life that they enjoy, that there is provision for their souls and that Jesus wants them to be healthy and whole. Romans 7 is chalk full of psychology. Actually much of Paul's writings are.

IMHO, psychology is very important. Unfortunately, in the world it is definitely "the devil's playground", so it is very important to have Christian counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. When the situation arises, we should refer people who need such ministry to trusted Christian counselors.

 

[Howard Cneal]

It's good. lol

Combining God's wisdom with godly counsel and proper counselling techniques works wonders. Technically, I haven't heard of such a thing as "Christian psychology" but obviously, there is such a thing as Christian counsellors / therapists / psychologists / etc. I'd recommend one over a worldly one, I suppose.

 

[imperfectchristian]

The reason I ask...the local college just phased out their IT program so it is no longer practical for me to pursue that line of work and another local college has a Masters program in community counseling and I have been considering it. I wanted to get some feedback on here of what everyone's attitudes and beliefs were toward Christian counseling as it relates to psychology. Thanks for the replies...please feel free to comment further and offer advice. I am open to hearing what everyone has to say.

 

[gratefulgrace]

I am not sure what Christian psyhcology is. I have had friends who are Christian psychiatrists and I used to work in Psychiatry as a Christian. I have taken university courses in psychology and there are definitely things in it that I know as a Christian are not true. I would say that most are not so much anti God but more like oblivious to God. When you bring God into the mix a lot of the theories do make some sense to a Christian. I also know that just as doctors do not have all the answers and The Lord can do what He wills in our lives, so psychology doesn't have all the answers either as God is our DELIVERER.

 

[lismore]

?

What is it?

 

[Redheadedstepchild]

The reason I ask...the local college just phased out their IT program so it is no longer practical for me to pursue that line of work and another local college has a Masters program in community counseling and I have been considering it. I wanted to get some feedback on here of what everyone's attitudes and beliefs were toward Christian counseling as it relates to psychology. Thanks for the replies...please feel free to comment further and offer advice. I am open to hearing what everyone has to say.

From my perspective, finding "the right" counselor is already a difficult task - add into the equation that the right counselor needs to have a Christian perspective - well that's like finding a needle in a haystack. If you can do it, and do it well, then go for it! There is a need.

 

[Alive_Again]

Receive godly counsel at your sheepfold. Talk to your pastor, or the elders in your church. Find someone you can trust in the body. Ask God to lead you to people who you can share with and receive prophetic counsel or operate in the gifts of the Spirit. It's the anointing that sets you free.

Since our words locate us, sometimes what we say instructs us. The Lord often comes right in on top of our words and reveals truth. I learn a lot by speaking in a godly counsel/sharing situation. Although someone who judges by the spirit won't be moved by what he/she sees or hears, the Holy Spirit can shift someone giving godly counsel to remedies based on the fruit of your lips. They can also recommend other ministers with unique giftings, or pass on teachings to you that will help you.

Going the worldly counsel route is definitely a waste of money unless the Lord leads you. That would probably be a more witness situation that you would be rewarded for your obedience. We don't want to give heed to the counsel of the ungodly (Ps. 1)

If you pray and believe, the Lord will absolutely guide you in a straight line that your obedience will begin the healing/understanding process. If you pursue this expectantly in faith and diligently, you can already start rejoicing for the answers. He's waiting for you to believe in Him to be all He said He would be.

 

[Yitzchak]

Psychology literally means the study of the soul. Of course it is assumed that it is with the intent to help people in the area of their soul. I count it as a part of the Sanctification process.

In Christian Psychology it is a tool to be used to help people find wholeness in the area of the soul. It is studying and then learning how to help to bring health or wholeness to a person's mind , will and emotions.

I think that it has tremendous value if used as a tool and not as a master.

 

[JEBrady]

I already have a Counselor. Got great rates, too! Also, there's a textbook that goes along with the course, and it seems to cover everything.

When we need to go to Christian psychologists rather than a man of God, full of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God, I think we are stepping way down.

I'd rather hear from someone who's walking the walk and has been a few miles than from someone who's trying to marry the world's methods to the wisdom of God. True deliverance doesn't come from coming to an understanding of what's got you bound, but from God's word and power.

 

[imperfectchristian]

I already have a Counselor. Got great rates, too! Also, there's a textbook that goes along with the course, and it seems to cover everything.

When we need to go to Christian psychologists rather than a man of God, full of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God, I think we are stepping way down.

I'd rather hear from someone who's walking the walk and has been a few miles than from someone who's trying to marry the world's methods to the wisdom of God. True deliverance doesn't come from coming to an understanding of what's got you bound, but from God's word and power.

So your position is that the field of psychology has nothing to offer? That all the Christian schools (including pentecostal ones) that offer degrees in psychology are really just blowing smoke?

Please clarify if that is not what you mean. If that is what you mean...I thank you for your input.

 

[psalms 91]

So your position is that the field of psychology has nothing to offer? That all the Christian schools (including pentecostal ones) that offer degrees in psychology are really just blowing smoke?

Please clarify if that is not what you mean. If that is what you mean...I thank you for your input.

Actually I think that hearing from a man of God with Gods wisdom is preferable to mans thoughts and ideas but not all walk in the spirit and most admit they do not hear from God so if you are innthe world then I guess you need the worlds wisdom as well. I think those that do hear from God that choose this as a field of study can do much good for the body.

 

[Yitzchak]

I already have a Counselor. Got great rates, too! Also, there's a textbook that goes along with the course, and it seems to cover everything.

When we need to go to Christian psychologists rather than a man of God, full of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God, I think we are stepping way down.

I'd rather hear from someone who's walking the walk and has been a few miles than from someone who's trying to marry the world's methods to the wisdom of God. True deliverance doesn't come from coming to an understanding of what's got you bound, but from God's word and power.

I count the area of Christian Psychology as an area of discipleship. An area that we are sorely lacking in our generation.

The fact is that we are born into this world as babies who cannot care for ourselves and are totally dependent upon other people for our very survival. Try telling a baby that they should just need G-d and not need other people. Or only need the pastor and not a school teacher. Of course we are meant to grow up and develop some independence. But not complete independence. We need other people for many things.

I do not think it is a step down to go to a christian psychologist. Some matters are ironed out in the context of relationship. We could all use more discipleship/mentoring in many areas of our life.

Just my opinion.

 

[_Sonnie]

those that do hear from God that choose this as a field of study can do much good for the body.

 

[Alive_Again]

<I do not think it is a step down to go to a christian psychologist. Some matters are ironed out in the context of relationship. We could all use more discipleship/mentoring in many areas of our life.

It's all about where does the Lord lead you? He'll often let you exhaust your own methods, like the woman with the issue of blood, and then speak to you to do something. I personally believe that if we take the Lord at His Word, He'll save us time, effort, and heartache by following the inward witness and doing the Word as far as we know.

MANY issues are solved by confessing sins, bringing them into the light, and the Lord honoring His Word and bringing healing.

We don't want to honor the counsel of the ungodly. IF God leads you to a "secular" psychologist, He can speak to you just as easily as He can a parrot or minah bird. Seems ridiculous to say, but God can ride on top of a passing phrase from the TV (if He leads you there), to a magazine article (IF He leads you there). The obvious first choice, is your pastor, in a Christian, light walking Church.

If it's a Christian psychologist and that is what he is called to do, he'll have an anointing, which is what you want to seek. Judge it by the fruits.

 

[HoneyComb Son]

coming from a person witha history of seeing councellors etc....going to pastors or christian people isnt always the right answer..

somtimes actually it can be the worst thing...

going to people who are "wise" and hear God can not only be hurtful but dangerous

alot of people these days say they hear God..but really..they do not

test the spirits..its amazing how people say they hear the Spirit.buts its not the right Spirit they are listening too

in matter of fact..secular councellors have brought alot of freedom more so then a church and pastor..or christian councelor for myself..I was able to see love and peace..coming from unbelievers then from church and believers

you cant dismiss physcology..and I have taken it in university..sure theres alot of wrong theories..but it can help

the church has to realize that in many ways its wrong...but you cant teach someone who isnt willing to learn or see differently

and trust me again this is coming from a person who was involved in such a spiritual environment..Spirit led councell and it all..

its dangerous times...