subject: Important Differences Between Christian Counseling and Secular Psychology [print this page] Important Differences Between Christian Counseling and Secular Psychology
Christian counseling finishes the theories of secular psychology counseling. Ittransforms secular psychology, a pseudo science, into a genuine science. Christian counseling is a wondeful and workable system capable of easing thehidden scars found upon the deeply offended souls of most human beings. Christian counseling is rooted in absolute values which, when embraced and actualized, produce the greatest level of emotional well being and satisfaction.
Unlike secular, non-faith based counseling, 'Christian counseling therapy', the natural application of Christianity plus psychology -asserts human beings areall created beings and children of God.We are the beloved sons and daughtersof an infinitely Holy Father Who is Our God, a God Who is just in all His ways. It holds humanity has been given a loving set of moral precepts which if followed, and this is a very big 'if', will result in an intensely lived and wonderfully fulfilled life. It holds humanity has been given avibrant creationin which to live, to explore and celebrate. It holds humanity has been provided a lovingRedeemer Who makes it possible to obtain forgiveness and reconciliation with ourFather in heaven and our fellows on earth. It holds humanity has been provided the hope and promise of an eternity of bliss filled with everlasting satisfaction.And even when one has difficulties, perhaps even heartaches, the Christian counselor is well equipped to help the counselee 'understand what is happening' in terms of God's everlasting promises thus infusing genuine meaning into what might appear to be meaninglessness and genuine hope into what might appear to be hopelessness.
In short, Christian counseling integrates the 'study of the soul' and the interlaced dynamics which play back and forth between man's soul and his physical organism. Thus it promises the restoration to wholeness in Christ and wellness in being.
Secular, non faith based, psychology accomplishes none of these things. It offers none of these things. It promises nothing andproduces even less. In fact, as ironic as it sounds, psychology, meaning, the "science of the soul or study of the soul", denies the very existence of the soul. It refuses to affirm even the idea of the possible existence of the soul. It holds humanity is nothing else but an animal motivated only by ancient urges and dark needs. Godless psychology asserts the soul is but a myth and God is but a human notion which developed over time. Sadly, secular counseling stands under this same criticism.
Is it possible to have a 'Psychology' or 'Secular Therapy' minus the soul? Certainly not! Again, the very definition of the term 'psychology' is 'the science of the soul'. Imagine, for example, a mathematician rejecting the idea that there exists a variety of number theories or an electrical engineer who denies the belief in electricity. Yet this is exactly what secular psychology purports. How is it possible to have a science which purports its own unique subject matter is not the content of its teachings? The answer to this question is simple, you can't.
The Day Spring Center in Richardson, Texas has been prayerfully providing Christian counseling to the community of faith in the Dallas, Fort Worth metroplex since 1989. If you or a family member requires the services of the center please feel free to call. We also offer telephone counseling for those who live at a distance. Our contact information can be found in the authors' biography box at the bottom of this page.
