Psychology: Why It s Wrong

1. Psychology: Why It�s Wrong

2. I. How is Psychology Wrong? By definition: the study of the soul By source of �truth� By methodology By its diagnosis and treatment. By its foundational tenets. Human nature is basically good. (Not!) Rom. 3:23, Jeremiah 17:9 People have answers to their problems inside them (Jer. 17:9; Prov 19:21; Prov. 3:5-6; Jer. 10:23

4. F. By its Attacks and Claims Using scripture (Biblical counsel) solely is a simplistic and irresponsible approach This type of counseling is reckless and negligent. The church that practices, endorses this counseling is taking a huge liability risk. Psychology provides the superior solutions An �expert�, a trained �professional � is necessary. YOU ARE NOT ONE�WE ARE THE ONES who have the knowledge, the skill, the training, the expertise. It is inferred then, that you (Biblical Counselors) are inadequate for the task. Inappropriate for people who have �real� problems.

5. G. Because of it�s Negative Influence and Impact on the Church It has conditioned Christians to think of counseling as something best left to the experts. Has opened the door to extrabiblical theories and therapies. It�s caused many within the church to view the Word of God as incomplete, and inadequate. It�s been instrumental in directing people to seek help away from their pastors and fellow believers. It has influenced a trust factor in secular programs for help (eg. Twelve step), rather than dealing with personal responsibility and sin issues.

6. 6. It has diminished the church�s confidence in scripture, prayer, fellowship, and preaching as the means to change lives (as guided by the Spirit and the Word). Two primary inroads: radio broadcasting and rise in evangelical psychological clinics. The enormous increase in integrationist thinking. (Often secular theory is used to treat spiritual problems with biblical reference tacked on. Scripture and prayer are viewed as minimal. This is part of the �psychologizing of the church.

7. c. Examples: Sin is call sickness. Someone, or something else is to blame. Repentance is side-stepped. Habitual sin is called OCD. Sinful responses are justified. (They made me mad.) Justification by Christ�s work is replaced by self-justification. Conviction by the Holy Spirit is now guilt to be avoided at all costs.

8. Biblical Counseling�Why it�s Right!

9. Biblical Counseling is Right because� A. The Word Commands it. (One another passages; Rom. 15:14; Heb. 3:13; I Thess. 4:18; I Thess. 5:11; James 5:16) Began with birth of church. Has Occurred since apostolic times. It is a function of corporate spiritual life. (Rom. 15:1; Gal. 6:1-2; Col. 3:16 Applies to every believer, not just a select group (Col. 3:16)

10. B. It Holds the Source of Truth Jesus Christ, �The Way, the TRUTH, the Life.� The written Word. The Holy Scriptures. (John 17:17)�the counseling manual. �Thy Word is truth.� The Holy Spirit The Spirit of Truth (John 15:26) He is also the Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:22)

11. C. Its Methodology is Secure 1.The Word of Truth (Bible) applied by the Spirit of truth according to Jesus� (the Wonderful Counselor) promise by human counselors who are �instruments in the Redeemer�s hands.� The human counselor is qualified by his: Standing in Christ Study and obedience of the Word (II Tim. 2:15) Dependence on the empowering Holy Spirit Growing in Christ likeness