Well, since I often pontificate at various venues when this subject comes up, I will post these points by John Street,Chairman of Biblical Counseling, The Master's College. Until I've had time to study it more closely, I can't say I endorse everything in this blag, but I can't say that I don't either. And many of the points looking through it in the wee small hours, I positively agree. So will just post for general edification and perusal. I am also not, repeat NOT denying peoples suffering in this area of life. I just think largely, its misunderstood as to the cause of it. And for many, tho far from all, its an easy cop out. I will just post half of it to keep the size down.

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IV. Psychology and Christianity in Conflict



A. Ten troubles with integrational psychology


1 Property rights to the soul
What metaphysical right does any self-proclaimed empirical discipline have to claim exclusive authority in issues of the soul?

Psychotherapy has systematically claimed jurisdiction in speaking authoritatively of spiritual matters. It has won the cultural battle, since a psychologist is a recognized societal authority in court, while a pastor is not. Is not that to be expected in a sin-cursed world? But, why is this to be the accepted practice of many churches and Christians?

God and the Bible alone claim sole jurisdiction in matters of the soul (2 Peter 1:3, 19-21).



2 Medical metaphors—the redefined rhetoric of soul care

Medical psychiatry is not apathetic toward Christianity, it is openly hostile. It has systematically changed the language of “soul problems” to medical terminology.

Although Freud did not invent the idea, he was exceptionally adept at naming some of the complaints of physically healthy persons symptoms that pointed to underlying diseases, called neuroses, which he offered to relieve by means of a species of conversation called psychoanalysis (Thomas Szasz, The Myth of Psychotherapy, p. 17-18)

Instead of sin, man is sick. The terminology alone makes the client a victim with a disease. Psychologists are, first and foremost, rhetoricians. The therapy of psychotherapy is primarily conversation.

Medical labels for soul problems only drives man further from the remedy.



3 Environmental determinism

For Freud this means that man is a “socialized animal." Man's problems are due to his wrong environmental influences as he has matured, physically and emotionally. It essentially says that, at least in psychological jargon, man is not responsible for the way he has turned out.

Biogenetic psychology reduces man to the sum-total of his chemical parts. He is nothing more than an evolved animal, hardwired to think, feel and act at the dictates of his physical components. "Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic."

Scripture speaks of man as a depraved sinner, not as a determined victim. Man is responsible for his choices and often achieves above and beyond his expected capacity. Supernatural transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word brings about unexpected and lasting change.



4 Psychical determinism

Underneath every man is a "dynamic unconscious" which controls his every thought, feeling, and deed. These unconscious factors are kept from conscious recognition by repression and no one has control on its effect upon his life.

This dynamic can express itself in enigmatic ways such as dreams, tongue slips, unusual emotions, and unhealthy relationships. A specially trained therapist or analyst is the only person who can unlock their meaning.

Biblically and scientifically, there is no such thing as a subconscious. What is often confused by many “Christian” psychotherapists as manifestations of the subconscious is the ruling motivations and desires of a counselee’s heart that have become idolatrous.



5 Professionalism

Integrationism has imported into Christianity a philosophy of soul-care that requires professional degrees in psychotherapy in order to be creditable in serious counseling situations. Christians plagued with major problems of anxiety, fear, depression, suicide, chemical abuse, eating problems, anger, or a host of other problems believe they cannot receive bona fide help for their problems until they visit a mental health "professional."

With this professional mentality comes an oppressive fee structure that drains limited insurance plans and bank accounts. Many Christians who see a "professional" psychologist quickly find themselves in debt and still in need of help.

Biblical counsel and help for serious problems do not require diplomas in psychology or expense of professional offices and fees. Properly taught Christians should be able to counsel one another (Romans 15:14; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). The cure of souls is an ecclesiastical duty.

B Conclusion


Integrational psychology has failed to build a biblical schema for counseling problems of the soul. It is a system heavily reliant upon and inspired by the secular psychologies in theory, terminology and practice. Scripture is not the source of their therapeutic methods because, in their view, it merely contains a primitive psychology. It is simply a beginning point for some non-specific psychotherapeutic cures, but it is not a sufficient etiology or remedy for major disorders (Proverbs 30:5-6). In contrast, the biblical counselor is fully committed to both the sufficiency and superiority of God’s Word in soul-cure of even the most bizarre non-physiological problems (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). |