Modern Psychology: Is It All It's Cracked Up to Be?

Now I'm really asking for it.

If you look in my profile on the right, you will see I am studying to become a Biblical Counselor. I mean, a truly nouthetic counselor. I believe the statement in 2 Peter 1:3 that "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue". I believe the Bible is sufficient for all things. Who knows us better then the one who made us, who knows our inmost thoughts and desires? And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

I would like to begin by stating what I believe at this point in my study, both scholastically and in my own quest to understand the Bible throughout my life. I do believe there are times when a chemical imbalance calls for medication. As with any other truly provable problem in the body, we are to seek out a physician (Matthew 9:12). Because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, our bodies become more corrupt and susceptible with each generation. So there are cases in which a person needs anti-depressants. But what determines the need? I would say that testing is required. Too often doctors hand out these medications today to anyone who says they need them. The person begins to take them, thus suppressing the body's own manufacturing of them, and when the decision is made to discontinue use, there is a horrible withdrawal because there is not a naturally occurring balance anymore. These people become even more anxious at the prospect that they will either have to medicated for life or be miserable. How is that helping?

Secondly, I do not believe the theory that if you read your Bible and pray earnestly, nothing bad will ever happen to you. Jesus PROMISES us trouble if we follow him. He also advises us to seek out Godly counsel and be careful what advice we receive. Why would he caution us if it were wrong to ask for help? He would simply say we ought not to do it. Instead, he gives us the guidelines necessary to find that counsel. I believe we are all called to counsel others, just not always in a professional setting. And I believe that Biblical Counseling is not merely saying "Read this verse and meditate on it". The Bible is the most important tool, but we also need advice on how to apply it to practical situations. We also need an all-encompassing knowledge so as not to take a verse out of context.

Next I want to address the situation of such problems as schizophrenia, bi-polar, and other personality disorders. My belief is that these are a direct result of a demon possession. Now I do not believe a demon possesses someone in such a way that they cannot prevent it nor do anything about it. I believe when people practice occult rituals, seek out psychics or soothsayers, or put trust in anything God will call witchcraft, they open themselves up to occupation by the associated of the devil. A good example of where I can see this played out is in Mark 6. I also believe people can be delivered of a demon possession and fall into it again by not understanding how it happened, or not being serious about repentance. I find a great number of scriptures dealing with demons possession, and I do believe it still exists. I think someone can also become saved but not be willing to give up some of their former sins, coddling them like a kitten. When we do not allow Christ complete control of out hearts, we invite that warfare within. We may not be 'possessed' by a demon, but we may be hounded by one because we have invited him there.

Now to address psychology: The very study of the mind of man was brought to light by Freud. If you ever study his works in depth (I believe we must know a little about the enemy so we can understand WHY we object to him) you will discover a crackpot. It is really a wonder that anyone bought into his babble. There is a chart by one of my professors, Howard Eyrich, but I do not know hoe to copy and paste in this blog, so I will give a link instead to the chart offered by Summit Ministries (I get their newsletters- they are amazing at what they do) which give you an idea what the basic beliefs are in different worldviews. As Christians, we should be adhering to the Word of God as our opinion on anything. Psychology says man's guilt comes from a struggle to accept himself. God says the conscience is His presence in us telling us what is sin. Psychology says we must first love ourselves before anyone else can love us. God says to die to self and follow Christ, putting others first.

So is everything in psychology wrong? No. There are obvious, observable truths thrown in here and there. But why take the time to try and discern what agrees with the Bible and what comes from that faulty foundation of 'sexual frustration'? Why not start from the very beginning with the understanding that God is the only answer? And there are those who call themselves Christian Psychologists while using the foundations of Jung or Freud or whomever. And I ask you to look at these verses and examine for yourself whether the two seem compatible:

1. John 8:31-32 Truth comes from Jesus' teachings, not man's
2. Proverbs 30:5-6 We are not to represent God while citing someone else's ideas
3. 2 Samuel 22:31 The Bible is applicable to today
4. Psalm 1:1 Who knows us better than the one who made us?
5. Revelation 22:18-19 God's word does not need help