2 Essential Differences Between Biblical Counselors and Christian Integrative Counselors
If you go here you’ll find links to 10 Posts on Biblical Counseling (BC) and Christian Integrative Counseling (CIC).
I was reflecting more on 2 essential differences between BCers and CICers…
Essential Differences in How We Frame the Discussion
CICers tends to frame the discussion as:
The difference between BCers and CICers lies in how much or how little the counselor examines and uses the world’s psychological theory.
BCers tend to frame the discussion as:
The difference between BCers and CICers lies in how much or how little the counselor examines and uses the Bible to develop their theory/theology of people, problems, and solutions.
Essential Differences in How We Express Our Critique/Concern
In expressing their critique or concern, CICers tend to frame it as:
The BCers seem to close their eyes to every theory the psychological world develops and in doing so they close their eyes to common grace and general revelation.
In expressing their critique or concern, BCers tend to frame it as:
The CICers seem to close their eyes to the robust, rich, relevant Word of God that provides the foundation from which we can develop a biblical model of people, problems, and solutions. In so doing: a.) they underestimate the power/relevance/authority of God’s Word/special revelation, b.) they underestimate the effect of sin on the fallen human mind/soul, and c.) they mis-define general revelation and misunderstand its purpose.
Join the Conversation
How would you frame the discussion?
How would you express your critique/concern?
How would you respond to the CICers framing of the discussion and expression of their critique?
How would you respond to the BCers framing of the discussion and expression of their critique?
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I would say that the underlying difference as to do with being a victim of others or a servant of others. Romans 8:28-29 is the dividing line between the two. Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology general view individuals in terms of being a victim of someone, or something. Christians are described as someone’s servant or soldier. That is where I would start.
Charles, I appreciate you dropping by. And I appreciate your ministry and friendship. Can I “push-back” a little on your comment? Do you think the typical Christian who is into psychology has the views you mentioned? Or, would it be more accurate to say that the typical secular psychologist may have that view and the Christian counselor must be wary lest they “integrate” that mindset? I have found with my Christian counseling/psychology friends that they are not into the “victim” mindset nor into the “be served rather than serve” mindset. I believe their Christian convictions keep them from “integrating” that type of worldly thinking. Thoughts? Bob
I can only speak from my anecdotal experience. I was raised in an alcoholic home and suffered from “clinical depression” for most of my adult life. I went through pretty much all of the secular world’s treatment systems (e.g. cognitive therapy, Freudian free association therapy, Gestalt therapy) and anti-depression medications to no avail. The Lord regenerated me at 38 years of age. My depressions did recur for the first couple of years until I found a nouthetic counsellor (now my pastor) who also introduced me to reformed theology. I have been depression free the point he helped me truly understand my total depravity and need of salvation. I have been free of depression since then. I believe, and nouthetic counselling teaches, that the scriptures are fully sufficient for every aspect of life (a.k.a. faith and practice). I personally believe that psychiatry and psychology are man’s attempts to deal with sin, without acknowledging that it even exists. As such, they are doomed to failure.
Good point in comparing/contrasting how those who intergrate Psychology and those who are involve in Biblical counseling see the issues
Bob: I was once invited to attend a session with a well-known and published CIC’er on behalf of a family member who was seeing this person for some issue (prior to my entry into the world of BC). This CIC’er was and is a fine person, so far as I could tell, and I believe they were entirely sincere in their desire to help. Looking back (just two years ago), I recall there may have been an opening prayer, but the session was certainly not soaked in Gospel-centered themes. Pleasant? Yes. But, the focus was utterly upon human behavior, and devoid of any guidance that was clearly and unmistakably intended to produce Christ-likeness. I think your observation concerning the misunderstanding of the purpose of general revelation is key. GR was given to the world in order to declare the excellencies of God and drive the world to Him. In the CIC arena, it doesn’t seem as if this happens regularly enough. There seems to be a spread horizontally, but a lack of corresponding vertical growth. In the order of things, GR may be contained within special revelation, but SR is not contained with GR. Accordingly, secular psych theory, wherever it may be true, can only belong to GR, because it does not possess the power to save. That said, why would the possessor of SR leave their majority discussion in the realm of that which may belong to GR, at best, when the issue at hand is the care of the soul?