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Is there any validity to the idea of "Christian" counseling?
I'm talking about the psychological side. To me, it seems as if modern psychology is a way of explaining things in a contemporary way, as opposed to ancient religions that had limited scientific knowledge.
Does anyone have any opinions on Christian counseling?
(I admit I don't know much about it, but the idea seems odd, maybe even harmful.)
Well, first of all, Christian counseling is not about playing psychologist or ramming Bible verses down the throat of people who are facing crises. Let's dispense with that misconception right away.
The guiding notion of Christian counseling instead is one of compassionate presence. I'm a Stephen Minister in my church, which is an in-the-trenches approach to counseling those who are struggling in life. We listen to our care receivers once a week, typically over lunch or coffee. We listen to their issues and try to help them work through it. Sometimes there is occasion for prayer, but more often, it's a matter of simply instilling the notion that their path is not a lonely one.
What's more, we are trained to identify issues that are well beyond our capacity. Severe depression and other issues will get our referral to a mental health professional.
The guiding notion of Christian counseling instead is one of compassionate presence. I'm a Stephen Minister in my church, which is an in-the-trenches approach to counseling those who are struggling in life. We listen to our care receivers once a week, typically over lunch or coffee. We listen to their issues and try to help them work through it. Sometimes there is occasion for prayer, but more often, it's a matter of simply instilling the notion that their path is not a lonely one.
What's more, we are trained to identify issues that are well beyond our capacity. Severe depression and other issues will get our referral to a mental health professional.
Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,942,152 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpg35223
Well, first of all, Christian counseling is not about playing psychologist or ramming Bible verses down the throat of people who are facing crises. Let's dispense with that misconception right away.
Really? You better tell that to my ex-wife, who was taking "Christian counseling" exorcism courses through the SDA.
She told me that was so she could save the mentally ill by driving the devil out of them.
You should have heard all the "miracles" she saw happening. I'm sorry, my exposure to Christian counseling is the worst hocum and snake oil selling there is.
Perhaps your version is different, but don't think all Christian counselling is the same. It is not.
Well, first of all, Christian counseling is not about playing psychologist or ramming Bible verses down the throat of people who are facing crises. Let's dispense with that misconception right away.
The guiding notion of Christian counseling instead is one of compassionate presence. I'm a Stephen Minister in my church, which is an in-the-trenches approach to counseling those who are struggling in life. We listen to our care receivers once a week, typically over lunch or coffee. We listen to their issues and try to help them work through it. Sometimes there is occasion for prayer, but more often, it's a matter of simply instilling the notion that their path is not a lonely one.
What's more, we are trained to identify issues that are well beyond our capacity. Severe depression and other issues will get our referral to a mental health professional.
Good for all the Stephen Ministers! They are a caring bunch!
Just another business. I am more against all the silly Christian books.
How to pray with power.
How to feel Jesus
Who is God
How to how to how to books. All sell too. That is the sad thing. That is sad what we have become.
Christian counselors, as in psychologists that are Christian, are much better than secular psychologists as they understand the ways of God are better for people than the ways of men. My wife went to a secular psychologist, and was told she should divorce her husband and start a business and become an 'empowered woman' and that this would 'cure' her depression and anxiety. It was only after going to an accredited Christian psychologist that she started getting better and actually got to the root of her problems and also was strengthened in her walk with God and her marriage!
Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,942,152 times
Reputation: 4561
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ_Maxx
Christian counselors, as in psychologists that are Christian, are much better than secular psychologists as they understand the ways of God are better for people than the ways of men. My wife went to a secular psychologist, and was told she should divorce her husband and start a business and become an 'empowered woman' and that this would 'cure' her depression and anxiety. It was only after going to an accredited Christian psychologist that she started getting better and actually got to the root of her problems and also was strengthened in her walk with God and her marriage!
Unlike the christian counselor I was married to, who though she had to perform exorcism on mentally ill to "drive the devil out of them". Her pastor had sponsored her to take the course through the Seventh Day Adventists.
Real woo-woo land.
Don't tell me that you would support that type of "christian counselling"? After all, it was pastor endorsed and the SDA church gave the classes.
Unlike the christian counselor I was married to, who though she had to perform exorcism on mentally ill to "drive the devil out of them". Her pastor had sponsored her to take the course through the Seventh Day Adventists.
Real woo-woo land.
Don't tell me that you would support that type of "christian counselling"? After all, it was pastor endorsed and the SDA church gave the classes.
I support Christian counselors that use their gifts and talents to heal both the psychological and spiritual wounds that people have by following the Scripture. What you described is not that.
Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,942,152 times
Reputation: 4561
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ_Maxx
I support Christian counselors that use their gifts and talents to heal both the psychological and spiritual wounds that people have by following the Scripture. What you described is not that.
That christian church would beg to differ. Who are we to judge, though? A christian is a christian, right?
That christian church would beg to differ. Who are we to judge, though? A christian is a christian, right?
Who told you that? Why do you feel that all people who claim the name of Christ are legitimate? I certainly do not. The Word of God contains the truth, and it is by that truth we can judge the doctrines of men.
As it is written:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
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