The question of whether a Christian should trust psychology is an important one. On one hand, psychology is a field of study that provides insights into the human mind and behavior. As Christians, we are called to love God with all our mind (Matthew 22:37), so gaining greater understanding of the mind seems beneficial. However, psychology is largely built on secular assumptions about human nature that may conflict with biblical truths. Navigating this tension requires wisdom and discernment.
First, it is important to recognize that psychology is not a monolith. There are different branches, theories, and methods within psychology. For example, evolutionary psychology may be at odds with a Christian worldview, while positive psychology’s emphasis on virtues may have some common ground. Similarly, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques may be helpful, while psychoanalytic approaches could conflict with scriptural teachings about human nature. Christians should carefully evaluate each psychological approach.
In evaluating psychology, Christians should assess its anthropology or view of human nature. Secular psychology generally assumes naturalistic explanations for the mind and behavior. While humans are incredibly complex, a Christian anthropology maintains that we are created by God in his image (Genesis 1:27), yet fallen into sin and requiring redemption (Romans 3:23). Psychology that denies the spiritual side of our existence provides an incomplete picture of humanity.
Christians have traditionally affirmed a distinction between the somatic or bodily aspects of humanity and the psychological aspects tied to our inner life. Psychology can provide insight into this psychological facet but should not be simplistically equated with the spiritual side of our being. Care should be taken not to reduce spiritual or moral issues to merely psychological ones. The heart, in biblical terms, encompasses more than just the mind (Mark 7:14-23).
How should Christians utilize helpful insights from psychology without uncritically adopting unbiblical assumptions? One approach is to view psychology through a biblical lens, test its claims against scriptural teachings, and retain what is good and true (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). For example, psychological research may identify beneficial thought patterns while Scripture provides the moral framework for evaluating those thoughts. Scripture remains the highest authority.
Christians should also consider the ultimate goals of secular psychology versus a Christian approach. Clinical psychology often aims to help people adapt to norms and functioning in society. While reduction of suffering is good, a biblical counselor goes further to deal with heart issues and facilitate spiritual growth in Christ (Hebrews 4:12-13). So the goals and outcomes differ.
In summary, psychology is not antithetical to a Christian worldview when approached carefully. Christians should differentiate between fields and approaches within psychology, considering anthropological assumptions and goals. Helpful insights that illuminate God’s design of the human mind can be gleaned. But these insights should be submitted to the authority of Scripture, which provides the ultimate framework for understanding humanity and our experiences.
The Viewpoints of Biblical Characters on Psychology
Though psychology as a formal discipline did not emerge until the late 19th century, the Bible provides perspective on understanding human nature and counseling/advising others. Examining the approaches of biblical figures can help illustrate God-honoring ways of using psychological insights.
Solomon’s Wisdom regarding Human Nature
Solomon, renowned for his God-given wisdom, provides much insight into human nature in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He teaches that people struggle with themes like foolishness versus wisdom, laziness versus diligence, pride versus humility, and rash words versus careful speech. Solomon prescribes attitudes and behaviors that lead to well-being and righteousness.
Solomon analyzes moods like depression, anxiety, and despair. “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). He offers wise counsel for navigating emotions, relationships, vices, and uncertainties in life. Solomon’s proverbs demonstrate empirical observations and spiritual insights into human psychology.
Elihu’s Counsel to Job
When Job endured great suffering, his friend Elihu offered counsel. Elihu highlighted how God often uses suffering to purge people of pride, refine them, and reveal Himself more deeply (Job 33). He exhorted Job to learn from the chastening. Elihu demonstrated empathy in sitting with Job (Job 2:11-13) and gently rebuking him (Job 33:1-33). His example shows compassionate listening paired with godly counsel pointing people to God.
The Bereans’ Discernment
In Acts 17, Paul and Silas shared the gospel with the Bereans, who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). The Bereans exemplified simultaneously having open yet discerning hearts. They listened eagerly but tested Paul’s teaching against Scripture as the ultimate authority.
This example recommends listening to psychological insights with discernment rather than rejecting them wholesale. The Bereans’ openness to truth from an outside source paired with doctrinal guardrails offers a balanced model.
Paul’s Contextualization
In evangelizing Athens’ Areopagus philosophers (Acts 17:16-34), Paul contextualized his language. He quoted Greek poets and highlighted common ground belief in one ultimate Creator while boldly preaching the resurrection. Paul’s example shows engaging thoughtfully with outside worldviews, not simply dismissing them, in order to draw people to biblical truth.
Jesus’ Holistic Ministry
Jesus frequently addressed both physical/mental needs and spiritual dynamics when healing people. To a paralyzed man, He first declared, “Your sins are forgiven”, addressing the man’s deeper need for reconciliation with God (Luke 5:20). Jesus often ministered to the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.
Jesus also discerned natural sources versus demonic influence in conditions like epilepsy, refusing to simplistically diagnose all as spiritual issues (Matthew 17:14-21). His example encourages appropriately understanding mental, emotional, and spiritual facets.
Biblical Principles for Engaging Psychology
Scripture provides principles to guide engagement with psychology:
- Test theories against biblical truth (Acts 17:11, I Thessalonians 5:21-22)
- Differentiate between descriptive research and worldview assumptions (I Thessalonians 5:21-22)
- Remember that the heart/mind exceeds mere psychological explanation (Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:14-23)
- Cultivate wisdom and discernment (Proverbs 2, Philippians 1:9-10)
- Move beyond ameliorating symptoms to heart change (Hebrews 4:12-13)
- Recognize spiritual components of mental health issues (Matthew 17:14-21, Acts 16:16-18)
- Take thoughts captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Aim for renewal and transformation, not just adaptation (Romans 12:2)
- Act with compassion and grace, not condemnation (Galatians 6:1-5)
Potential Dangers of Psychology for Christians
While psychological insights can be helpful when submitted to Scripture, several dangers need to be avoided:
- Reductionism: reducing spiritual/moral issues to chemical/psychological factors
- Determinism: teaching people have no control over thoughts or behaviors
- Rationalism:excessive trust in human reason versus divine revelation
- Self-Reliance: using self-help techniques without dependence on God
- Navel-gazing: excessive introspection versus Christ-focused vision
- Subjectivism: lack of biblical objective truth and morality
- Misplaced Hope: placing ultimate hope in psychological solutions rather than Christ
- Excusing Sin: psychological explanations that excuse moral culpability
Christians should be wary of therapies or explanations that radically conflict with biblical truths about human nature, morality, hope, and redemption.
Key Biblical Principles about Human Nature
Biblical truths about human identity provide a framework for evaluating psychological claims or practices. Key principles include:
- Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28)
- Intended for intimate relationship with God and others (Genesis 2:18-25)
- Fallen into depravity and sin (Romans 3:10-12, 3:23)
- Capable of deceiving ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9)
- Called to renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2)
- Given the resource of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26)
- Offered redemption in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Destined for eternal life (John 3:16)
Psychology divorced from this biblical framework denies the spiritual dimension crucial for understanding humanity. Approaches should be evaluated in light of these central truths.
Cautions Regarding Secular Counseling Techniques
In addition to examining psychological theories, Christians need to carefully assess therapeutic or treatment approaches:
- Freudian Psychoanalysis: Assumes determinism. Overemphasizes sexuality. Undermines personal responsibility.
- Hypnotherapy: Altered states of consciousness conflict with biblical discipline/discernment. Can introduce spiritual influences.
- Jungian Therapy: Relies heavily on mysticism outside Christian tradition.
- Humanistic Psychology: Emphasizes self-determination and self-fulfillment apart from God.
- Evolutionary Psychology: Claims behavior is determined by evolutionary adaptations, denying free will.
- New Age Approaches: Incorporate spiritual practices outside Christian faith.
Secular counseling strategies sometimes subtly incorporate anti-biblical assumptions. Christians should exercise caution and wisdom when considering treatments.
An Appropriate Perspective – All Truth is God’s Truth
A balanced Christian approach recognizes that all truth is God’s truth. True insights from psychology can be cautiously appropriated since God created an orderly world that we can understand in part. Mental/emotional health factors do impact Christian spiritual life. But secular psychology lacks the full perspective and should be submitted to Scripture.
Christians do not need to fully reject or fully embrace psychology; room exists for wise interaction. Healthy engagement requires maturity, discernment, and fidelity to biblical truth. The task falls to each Christian counselor and clinician to become skilled enough to appropriately integrate biblical theology and the best empirical insights from psychology.
Christian Counseling Techniques Consistent with a Biblical Worldview
Christians have developed counseling approaches incorporating scientific insights that also align with biblical perspectives on humanity, wisdom, redemption, and spiritual resources for change. These include:
- Biblical Counseling: Uses Scripture to address heart issues and provide wisdom for life’s problems.
- Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Applies CBT but within a Christian theological framework.
- Christian Client-Centered Therapy: Uses Rogerian techniques focused on unconditional positive regard
- Nouthetic Counseling: Confronts sin patterns and equips counselees with biblical solutions for change.
- Theophostic Prayer Ministry: Seeks emotional healing through meditating on biblical truths.
- Spirituotherapy: Relies on work of the Holy Spirit for healing and change.
- Biblical Life Coaching: Coaches clients to grow in Christian maturity by applying biblical principles.
These approaches integrate the Bible and psychology in a thoughtful manner consistent with Christian teaching. They tap into spiritual resourcesunavailable to secular therapies.
Cautions for the Christian Counselor
For Christians engaged in counseling ministries, both professional and lay, some recommendations apply:
- Commit to excellence and integrity (Colossians 3:23).
- Maintain doctrinal soundness and vigilance (Titus 1:9-11).
- Thoroughly vet psychological concepts presented (I Thessalonians 5:21-22).
- Remember people’s primary need for redemption (John 3:16).
- Act with grace and compassion like Jesus (Colossians 3:12-13).
- Depend on the Spirit’s wisdom and power to bring change (Zechariah 4:6).
- Aspire to godly counseling modeled in Scripture (Romans 15:14).
Christian counselors have a responsibility to honor Christ through clinical excellence paired with unwavering commitment to biblical fidelity.
Conclusion
Psychology can provide helpful tools to improve people’s mental health and relationships when approached discerningly. Insights congruent with God’s truth about human nature can be gleaned. But Christians should reject elements of psychology built on anti-biblical assumptions.
A balanced, nuanced interaction with psychology tests all theories against Scripture, leverages beneficial insights with wisdom, and integrates the spiritual resources of biblical counseling. This honors the Lord as the ultimate source of truth.