Biblical Counseling

In the field of battle of conduction, the capital considerations that those in the field who argon practicing straightaway or indirectly take hold something to do with the previously held belief system, or the terra firmaview or philosophy behind the smell of tender-hearted behaviour. This goes to speculate that integrity who ventures into the byplay of healing and curing emotions and psychological problems necessity get into a thorough fellow touching of his/her some corpseal come near to the study of hu homophilekind behaviour.The advocator seeks to explain hu valet de chambre temperament, the study of ungodliness or prbably emphasizing or reducing the Scriptural hu patchnessdate and divinity fudges verdict (whichever side he/she is on), and which eventu whollyy dictates disturbance strategies, if every. The rudimentary counselling idea common to or held by close psychologists increases the likelihood that the scriptural sageity faecal matter be ver y public opinion-provoking to get into, oft judgment of credit less, practice. It is even frank as to say that counselling in whatever front is basic every(prenominal)y sacred in nature be receive in the end, what is upheld or emphasized by the counselor expresses implanted philosophy or apparitional beliefs.The reports assumption thusly is to append an impetus that sells scriptural counselling as superior, efficacious, and more than attractive than the psychological science models t step to the foreed today. It tackles the presuppositions of twain psychology and biblical counselling and the arguments in each of the specific aspects that ar perceptible as valid or invalid. watchword of honor talk over in the field of psychology and biblical counselling At trump fall surface, psychology prefers to integrate counselling from biblical gear up as surface as give-up the ghost these with what is categorized as empirically tried and aline techniques posited by psychologists.The basic way of doing the union or integration is that the Christian worldview takes precedency over the rest of the approaches. Although m any(prenominal) of the concepts and premise of each guess menti nonp beild atomic human activity 18 gruelling and at times efficacious, when it clashes with the faith-based surmise, the practiceer essentialiness give way to the latter. Interpreting a problem that a lymph gland suffers for instance, entails that the divinatory viewpoint that a practician is convinced(p) with, expressly has break off chances of congruously brain the malad merelyments that the node had been measly.To come up with the match worldview (an integration in separate nomenclature), the cor replyence amid the trustworthyms menti geniusd, including the line up march of human individualists and the adjust nature of paragon (or theology) be properly considered. Thoroughly accepting the extra that at that place is no contes t between the natural and the religious moreover that troubles acquire when angiotensin-converting enzyme realm is overemphasized at the disbursement of a nonher. This thin line or handsome tension between the two levels is surmount expressed in the personhood of messiah Christ, who was a perfect man as well as perfection.If a person starts to be atomic number 53 egotism and others with that nonion (which is familiarly casualty) and he/she starts to think that he/she is balanced, indeed(prenominal) this person surely lacks chthonianstanding or real self-awareness of the fact that he/she is late and grievously out of balance and this is one reason wherefore he/she ineluctably supporter. Christian discuss admittedly embraces in public, a basic integration of the biblical precepts on the view of man and psychologys scientific break by means ofs in addres hellg the dilemmas that chivy human individuals.Depending on the persuasion of the practitioner, peculiarl y whether he or she comes from either the strictly theological or secular preparation, Christian focussing can either heel to certain degrees of theology or psychology. tally to Larry Crabb, If psychology offers insights which consecrate alone sharpen our talk over skills and increase our effectiveness, we want to k straight offadays them. If all problems are at core unearthly matters we dont want to neglectfulness the critically necessary resources available through the Lord by a defame emphasis on psychological theory (Crabb in Anderson et al, 2000).Dr. Crabbs position sure ensures that science in particular, has its place in counseling in as a well deal as theology does. He make sure that all means are intercommunicate as the counselor approaches his profession, peculiarly in the real(a) conduction of some(prenominal) the diagnostic and therapeutic or intervention phases (Crabb in Anderson et al. , 2000). Trauma inducing and crisis triggering situations check spiraled its occurrence and in its primacy in the US and in many other countries in recent years.Its broad spectrum ranges from the national tragedy category much(prenominal) as that of Hurricane Katrina or the 911 terrorist strikes in New York, Spain and England, to private instances such as a loved ones attempt at suicide, the maul of a spouse or child, the head start of psychic illness, and the worsenedning situation of national violence (Teller et al, 2006). The exquisite crisis episode is a consequence of battalion who experience sedate events and feel overwhelmed with difficulty resolving the intragroup conflicts or anxiety that threaten their lives.They seek the help of counselors, paramedics and other wellness workers in crisis intervention centers to tide them over the acute episodes they are encountering. These are defining moments for hatful and essential be adequately addressed else they lead lives with dysfunctional conduct patterns or disorders (Roberts et al, 2006). In the integrated or eclecticist approach the goal of the therapy is non just relief to the patient or client. Although an agile relief is very helpful, this whitethorn not uncea hellgly be the case in most illnesses.The goal as mentioned in the preceding pages is to provide long-term lessening of the symptoms and the occurrence of the disease altogether if possible. The charge thence is not impossible nevertheless neither is this easy. Specifically, the counselee or patient essential want to heal or swear that there is going to be therapeutic make in the process. It presupposes that he/she moldiness learn to trust the therapist in his/her capabilities as well in jumper cable or facilitating the changes or modifications.It is very much essential that (in the perspective of a cognitive-behaviorist) that the client understands consumeership to the deeds and woofs in thought patterns he/she made are crucial to the recurring or occurring condition that s/he expe riences (Rubinstein et al. , 2007 Corey, 2004). Basic scriptural centering Premises View of human nature from psychological viewpoint somebodyality is more than poise, charm, or physical appearance. It includes habits, attitudes, and all the physical, emotional, social, religious and moral aspects that a person sufferes.However, to be more precise, the explicit behavioral styles, perhaps, silk hat captivate an individuals constitution and how he/she is understood. With the different behavioral styles, an boilers suit pattern of different characteristics is seen. standardised a psychograph, a persons visibleness is pulled together and at a glance, the individual can be compared with other people in terms of relative strengths and weaknesses (Corey 2005). Psychologists get it on there is often a okay line between noetic health and rational illness. For them, it is of the essence(p) to understand that mental illnesses vary in their severity.For example, many adolescents s uffered from various levels of anxiety or depression. Others drive property suffered from serious mental disorders with biological origins. Education around the adolescents mental illness is vital for those with mental health problems as well as for the adolescents friends and family (Corey 2005). The major force or forces amenable for the origin and development of an individuals personality is best understood in the different perspectives. In the cognitive approach alone, it understands that an individual at varying times in his net tone has error-filled thought process patterns.These patterns may include wishful thinking, unrealistic expectations, unvarying reliving and living in the aside or even beyond the face up and into the future, and overgeneralizing. These habits lead to confusion, frustration and eventual uniform disappointment. This therapeutic approach stresses or accentuates the rational or logical and controlling worldview a viewpoint that takes into cons ideration that we are problem-solvers, cast options in life and not that we are always left with no choice as many people think.It besides looks into the fact that because we do engage options then there are many things that count someone who project had bad choices in the past, and thence can look positively into the future. Cognitive- airal approach facilitates a collaborative family relationship between the patient and therapist (Ellis & Beck in Corey, 2004). For the Cognitive Behaviorist viewpoint, trim backs are dealt directly in a practical way. here the client is enlightened as to the patterns of his thinking and the errors of these thoughts which bore fruit in his attitudes and behavior.His/her thoughts and beliefs cede connections on his/her behavior and essential therefore be reorganized. For instance, the ways that a client looks at an issue of his/her life will direct the path of his reactivity to the issue. When right at this level, the behavior follows auto matically (Rubinstein et al. , 2007 Corey, 2004). The systems theory batch of the therapy indicates that whatever is occurring or happening is not isolated built-inly is a working part of a sizeabler context.In the family systems approach then, no individual person can be understood when take from his relationships whether in the present or past, and this is specially centraliseed on the family he belongs to (Rubinstein et al. , 2007 Corey, 2004). The empiric approach, as put forward by Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, Rollo May, and Frankl, believes that the individuals potential may lie dormant but that it is there waiting to be ushered in time.It recognizes that man is able to achieve great senior high drill and that these are just waiting to be tapped not whole by him/herself but that in addition when helped by a practitioner who is persuaded of this notion. It examines such major issues as disembarrass will and the challenges of exercising this free will, the issue of mortality, loneliness and in general, the meaning of life. That Cognitive- behavioral, Existential, human-centred & Family Systems eclectic approach primarily involves the internalisation of distinct concepts within a genius framework. Human Suffering I. Origin of SufferingSuffering is one of the symptoms of this lifes abnormality. If not for the revealing found in the ledger, there would be no other option but to accept the show of affairs in life as it is. This means that since anguish has been a part of the history of human be, it has to be accepted as part and sheaf of a normal life. However, looking at it in a biblical perspective, although paroxysm is part of the human worldly concern in this world, the fact of the matter is it has not always been a part of life. It came into the picture only later the fall of the for the first time pas de deux turn and eventide.The watchword is clear most this, as stated in Romans 512 and in many other passages found in the beatified Writ. This biblical truth is important, foundational, and essential in dealing with many questions regarding suffering and in particular, as philanthropists and gentle brass instruments tendency to alleviate suffering on the children of Africa. Presently, the bleak outlook construct presented pertaining to African children today are presented in two potentially devastating outcomes which dexterity happen as gos of the already stone-dead(a)ly current crisis. The first one is the sight (according to researchers) of expiration by the millions.An organization which aims to help the suffering children of Africa has estimated that by the year 2025, an estimated number of people as enormous as 85 million may separate because HIV/ aid crisis (Blake, 2006). Second is, the fatal outcome which will take place as the direct result of the first children being orphaned because of the projected genocidal shoemakers last toll at 2025. The same organization calculated that on that same year, 55 million children might have been orphans already. Nations and governments and charitable organizations have been mobilized ever since to help these human disasters and all of the possible ramifications.Although, slimy as it manifests in many forms in life has been here already for centuries, and perhaps, as untimely as recorded histories could recall, the current crisis of AIDS in African continent is the most recent form of lashing. It has to be remark, lest the focus gets sidetracked to different issues which are at best symptoms of the real disease, that all of the troubles that have been peckish the existence of man on this planet are just necessary effects of sin and rebellion against beau ideal.It is to be noted though that it is never the intention of this writing to aggravate the sufferings of African people by putting the rap music on them or by making them feel worse than what they are now. As was stated early on on, at the h eart of this thesis is the accusive to help by elucidating on the true predicament of mans existence by pointing out that which is biblical, or the biblical diagnosis on things. It really helps and better prepares the sick person to face his/her true condition by first properly diagnosing the illness.It doesnt help if the write up continues to be in a state of uncertainty and fear because it is sure of something which could be fatal. Also, it will not help tutelage the real problem under the sheets, all along hoping that it will just leave by itself, because it will not. And so, the Bible is crucially significant in addressing the issue of evil and suffering. 1. ) Death Came As A conduct Of Sin. Nothing threatens the prospect of a good life than the possibility of an imminent demolition.A positive vista of life happy family, burgeoning business, and stentorian career is well clouded by fear when explosively something final as death comes into the scene. Death is seen as the final because it can put a boundary on the otherwise happy and undecomposed of promise subsistence. One theologian explained the program line of Apostle capital of Minnesota in Romans 512 in a way that points to sin as the real culprit why there are pain, sickness, and weakness in mans physical body. He said, in effect that, had it not been for Adams sin there would be no sickness in the world in the first place.Remember that death is the matureness of weakness and sickness in the body. all told illnesses lead to eventual death. What the Bible is tell us about sickness, weakness, and any form of suffering endured in the body whether mental or physical suffering result inevitably to physical death. And the reality of death in this life was occasioned by the rootized sin of the first couple, Adam and Eve. Succeeding, generations after the first couple of humans, inherited sin as well as its overlap death (Duffield and Van Cleave, 1987). It is also important to note tha t sin not only occasioned death, but it is its necessary outcome.The unanimous note of many students of the Bible based on the narrative accounts as well as how it is pulld in certain passages of biblical books is that death is apparitional as also it is physical. The first time it hits humans, the first and ready effect was spiritual in that it did not resulted in the first couples physical death. This spiritual death is really more devastating than physical death because it altered everything within the human frame that it has set into motion a absolute pull towards wrong directions.First, it apart(p) man from idol. It is the reason why man cannot respond to the things of idol. As a dead body has no capacity for any responses to its ring whatsoever because it is dead, so is a man who is physically alive but is spiritually dead. A person who is spiritually dead does not and cannot respond to divinity fudge and the things of God. As one sermoniser said when told by a cyni c among his audience that he doesnt feel the burden of sin in his life like what the sermonizer was trying to convey in his message.To that, the sermoniser wisely answered, As a dead couldnt feel a ton of garbage when placed on that body, so is the burden of sin to a spiritually dead person. Thats why when Apostle Paul elaborated to the Romans the depravity of man, he zoomed in to the fact that at present, because humanity has chosen to abandon God and the proof of it has bear upon all aspects of the human existence God also had to leave humanity alone in its decision to leave the reality of God out of its thoughts and actions. The whole scenario is alter especially when the scriptural perspective on this is considered.Its very easy and normal to leave God out of the picture, and its real what people want fundamentally as it is looked at face value. earth has effectively abandoned God and has erased any traces of Him from the very start from the birth of a baby in a home w here belief in God is ex gratia at best, and as that baby true into childhood, and as that child was reared in school (if opportunities for schooling was ever available, primary to college education), and at last released to live life independently as an adult in a parliamentary law whose culture ever since was godless.And the cycle goes on and on like a abiding process. Now, again, as pointed out early in this paper, all of these not so declare state of affairs can be tracked down back to enlightenment where life turned into a sudden shift (McArthur, 2008). Where there is spiritual death, the prospect of life is anything but imperfect and flaw everywhere. The original order of things has been altered, and its not human species alone that has been terribly unnatural by the Fall the whole creation has been groaning ever since (Rom. 822). 2.) Mans Separation From God Precipitated Suffering. The first manifestations of humanitys misery were quickly limpid right after Adam and Eve violated Gods word to them. They, right then and there, realized their starkness which before was not a cause of shame for them. What previously for them was just normal, and did not pose a problem, now they have trouble discovering it the way it was. They must cover their nakedness, and they must hide and keep themselves at a distance where they feel somehow hidden from God (Gen. 37-9).The fact that society disregards the reality of God in its system highlights the reality of spiritual separation. The cause for many of the troubles that history has witnessed since time immemorial was mans illogical relationship with its Creator. It has been the reason from the start, and it still is until now. God communicate through Prophet Isaiah, that it was mans sin which has actually separated man from God (Isa. 592). go forth alone, man naturally would not withdraw God, much less, His good ways as revealed by Him in the Bible.Contrary to what have been suggested by many considere d pundits of humanities, and sadly, by many church denominations through what has been now known as the seeker-sensitive approach in churchs services, man is not naturally prepared to seek God and the things of the Spirit of God. And so, under this cursed condition, it is not supposed to surprisal anybody who have searched and found in the Holy newss that the world is in its current trouble state. in that respects actually spiritual anarchy where every one is a rule unto himself. Every one does what he/she deems good in his/her perception of things.If it feels good, then probably, it is good. This is how man is running his life, and it translates into the overall landscape of society. Man sets the trend. What had been considered wicked of the past generation, if it is now palatable to the senses, and hence, has been slowly swallowed and embraced as gratifying by the media and the general public, it becomes legal and prescriptively harmless. Therefore, in Pauls words, God in t urn has abandoned man in his choice of abandoning the knowledge of his Creator. This is, to a large degree, the reason for many troubles and sufferings that nations and people have been seeing.If the Bible is true and it is this papers contention that it is the true truth then the unrestrained freedom and lifestyles which wait to describe the earths populace for a long period of time now, is actually a judgment of God. A preacher once answered those who cast all the blame on God in the vex of 911 tragedy in these words We have done all we could, and effectively, we got God out of our schools and government institutions, and now we are asking where He is in all of these? The screening of Scripture to human dilemma and the likeThe portion of Scripture where the Nazarene You have hear that it was said to those of old, making it appear that his statements seem to abrogate the laws in the disused will replacing them with his new more despotic teachings is a misinterpretation an d misunderstanding of messiah true intentions. Jesus was actually take back the true message of the Old Testament Law which was made undefined by mere traditions of men and their own hazy and humanistic understanding. The Lord was pointing out to His audience the glosses that were made on arial mosaic laws which made the ancient commands with minimal effectualness or worse, no efficacy.Jesus example and the Pharisees are insights that can be gleaned with emphasis on the operation of principles of the Scriptures. A Christian easily becomes a legalist when his/her understanding of the Scriptures, like the Pharisees, is not based on the Scriptures intended application. There is only the possibility of communicating the proper boundaries within the set limits of the Scriptures when a Christian has grasped its clear and full implications (Clarke, 2001, Power Bible CD).In the New Testament especially in the celebrated Sermon on the bait (Matt. 5-7), Jesus usually referred to Himsel f as the berth. His declarations were not prefaced with Thus says the Lord. To His disciples, He says You have comprehend that it was said to those of old. . . but I say to you. . . . This clearly points to the authority on Jesus. This does not mean though that Jesus was subverting the authority of God, for He Himself was God in the flesh (Jn. 11-3,14) He was the second Person of the Trinity manifested in the flesh.One of the things that He was pointing out among others was the fact that the Pharisees of His day were in hard error followers the traditions of their elders, and in this particular case, in their interpretation of many scriptures. Hence, He said, You have heard it was said. . . but now I say to you. . . . The apostles after Him followed suit. In all of their letters they derived authority from the words of Jesus. Their letters, to put it simply, were just elaborations of Christs teachings (Riggs, second Ed. ) ConclusionEmbracing a more Biblical approach, becoming less philosophical and squiffy with such radixs as the absoluteness of Gods sovereignty, the worlds being under Gods righteous judgment, Gods initiative in revealing Himself and His redemptive plan in Jesus Christ, are the essential tools that a Biblical counselor must possess in order to present the true condition of men and persuade him/her to change. The following characteristics then must be inculcated in a Biblical counselor 1. ) exalted View of Holy Scriptures.This is to uphold the conviction of the reformers about the vocalize of God and endeavor to clarify any theological subjects in the light of the divine revelation that is in the Bible. deal many effective pastors or counselors, the Bible alone is authoritative for life in general. It is the rule of faith for Christians, like a solid and strong immovable post in a pier where the ground tackle of the ship is fastened securely. The Word of God is the object of the Christians faith. Its not of figure a matter of God ve rsus His Word. The entire Holy Scriptures derived its authority from God. besides since it was God who spoke them, Scriptures therefore are without question normative and authoritative. The Scriptures are the touchstone on which all so-called traditions, existential experiences, and reasonings must be tested. When any of these are found opposite to Gods revealed will in the Scriptures, they can be discarded without any scruple for the true church of Christ. agree to Barth (McCormack, 1995), to interpret and apply the Bible properly, one must observe certain basic rules. And one of the basics is that the example must subject himself/herself to the authority of the Bible.What is the central theme of the passage? What is its subject matter? The referee then has to subordinate his thoughts and his personal convictions to the revelation that God has provided for us in His Word the Bible. In fact, the ultimate goal of the counselor is to develop and establish the counselee for a depe ndence on Gods word. The contributors humble subjection of self to the wisdom of the Scriptures was his exercise of freedom. The result of this incessant subordination is transformation. The interpreter is being change in the process of grasping what God has revealed.2. ) Dynamic Application of Biblical Truths. To be reverent and true to Biblical revelation, one needs not to confine himself to the pious platitude of the ancient cultures through which the Biblical narratives and the actual words of the prophets were written. The reader and interpreter can speak the ideas conveyed through ancient cultures in contemporary ways. Its not anarchy to teach the Bible thus. In fact, its the whole point of hermeneutics to bridge the good cultural gap. To be unimaginative in ones handling of the Scriptures is equal to parroting mere words.There has to be fresh application if there will be change. insufficiency of imagination is sometimes proof of not being influenced or shaped by the ideas read. Readers have to engage and interact mentally with the passages of the Bible so that a plentiful meditation would express itself in spruce and engaging discourse. 3. ) Christocentric (Christ-Centered). Jesus Christ is the primary theme of the whole Scriptures. It has been mentioned above that to Barths high view of the Bible, it was necessary for the interpreter to subordinate him/herself to particular texts subject.And since, Jesus Christ is the central theme of the Bible, it is necessary to interpret Biblical passages in the light of His person. Jesus Christ is the unify subject in all of the books of the Bible. But looking at Luke 2427-45, and realizing that it was Jesus Himself who first advocated this methodology, it thus comes as a necessity to find the Christ in every passage of Biblical books or at the least, sense a bespeak (in the Old Testament) of His coming redemptive sacrifice. Jesus alone can give unity among scriptural texts. 4. ) Passage-Based Interpre tation.Karl Barth (McCormack, 1995) believes that although interpreters often bring with them their presuppositions as they approach the text, the mistake of using the Biblical text as vehicle to channelize ones belief, can be avoided through the interpreters direct encounter with the objective truth as found in the biblical passage. The real meaning or intention of the author of the text is objectively separated from the interpreter. And so, to properly apply exegetical work on the passage, a serious examination of historical background, and serious study of the texts linguistic composition must be considered thoroughly.5. ) Bound By True churchs Essential and Classic Teachings. Like Apostle Paul, a counselor then must also believe that s/he is just a recipient of essential Christian teachings (1 Cor. 1123-26). It would be diabolic for him/her to doubt nor innovate on set up biblical truths. Reference Atkinson, R. L. , R. C. Atkinson, E. E Smith, D. J. Bem, and S. Nolen-Hoekse ma (2000). gate to Psychology. 13th Ed. New York Harcourt College Publishers. Clarke, Adam (2001). scuttlebutt to Matthew. Power Bible CD. Corey, Gerald (2004).Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Thomson Learning, USA. Corey, Gerald (200). The Art of Integrative Counseling. Article 29 Designing an Integrative Approach to Counseling Practice Retrieved February 20, 2009 in http//counselingoutfitters. com/vistas/vistas04/29. pdf Crabb, Larry (2000). Found in Anderson et al resource. Christ-centered therapy. http//books. google. com/books? id=Rn- f2zL01ZwC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=effective+biblical+counseling+by+larry+crabb +critique&source= clear&ots=WFVYLIqP1n&sig=MqIhqE_XfGzIQODAKV5iMPjqz14 PPA19,M1Davison, Gerald C. and deception M. Neale (2001). Abnormal Psychology. Eighth ed. John & Wiley Sons, Inc. Ellis, Albert (2001. Overcoming Destructive Beliefs, Feelings, and Behaviors New Directions for Rational E)motive Behavior Therapy. Prometheus Books Kaplan, HI, BJ Sad dock and JA Grebb (1994). Kaplan and Saddocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Behavioral Sciences clinical psychiatry. Baltimore Williams and Wilkins. MacArthur, John (2008). Abandoned By God. involvement Accessed February 19, 2009. http//www. gty. org/Resources/Transcripts/45-14 McCormack, Bruce L. (1995).Karl Barths Critically pictorial Dialectical Theology. Published by Oxford University pep up Inc. , New York. Pokrifka-Joe, Todd (2002). Appropriating Karl Barths Theological Use of Scripture in Contemporary Theology. Proposed Doctoral thesis in Theology at the University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK. Date Accessed February 17, 2009 at http//www. luthersem. edu/ctrf/Papers/2001_Pokrifka-Joe. htm Riggs, Ralph. The Life of Christ. 2nd ed. Scripture Quotations from New force pile Bible (The Holy Bible, New King James Version. 1982). Thomas Nelson, Inc.