Balancing Scripture and Psychology: A Friendly Guide to the Biblical Counselor

Have you ever wondered why some Biblical counselors seem entirely opposed to the use of psychology, while others adopt the opposite extreme and accept all aspects of psychology? What if a balance existed between the two? I have heard statements like, “We should interpret everything in light of Scripture.” Yet, at the same time, I hear from the same individuals, “Unless it is psychology, then reject it all.” Today, I will explore this issue further and hopefully provide some practical advice concerning the relationship between psychology and Biblical counseling. So, let’s get started.

Understanding the Reformed Perspective

So, what makes some Biblical counselors want to reject anything from modern psychology? The issue is the authority on which we base our counseling, which should be Scripture, as it is sufficient for understanding God, the world, and man. An article about psychology and Biblical counseling states, “Any approach to counseling that fails to acknowledge the primacy of Scripture, even if it is based on otherwise Christian tenets, cannot properly be described as biblical counseling.” This same article critiques secular psychology, yet it understands that we shouldn’t retreat from secular psychology either. “May we never be accused of suppressing the truth of Scripture or the knowledge discovered via science out of a fear of man, regardless of whether such people are unbelievers or professing Christians.” This assumes there is a balance between Scripture and secular psychology.

Balancing Scripture and Psychology

In this article from Ligonier Ministries, Michael Horton describes the idea of even non-believers being able to contribute to modern science, art, rhetoric, logic, etc. In this article, John Calvin is quoted as saying, “You’re insulting the Holy Spirit if you don’t believe this. If you think that a non-Christian can’t contribute anything to medicine, science, the arts, and so forth, then you are discrediting the Holy Spirit. You are insulting the Holy Spirit.” Michael Horton’s point in this article and John Calvin’s point are that there is common grace in nature through modern sciences like psychology. They may not use the same terms we use from Scripture, but we shouldn’t flat-out reject everything simply because we don’t like the terms they use, such as “trauma.”

This is where the balancing act comes in: learning to read modern psychology critically through the lens of Scripture. We do not outright reject it because it is a secular model, but we acknowledge God’s common grace, look for what is good and accurate, and reinterpret it in more Biblical language. We must not run and hide from everything “secular” but look for what is useful within it, see it through a biblical lens, and use it for the glory of God and the good of the people you counsel.

Addressing Common Concerns

It is prudent to critically evaluate psychological concepts. Within this revised perspective, we do not uncritically accept all claims made by psychology. Instead, we assess them against Scripture to determine their compatibility. When a theory enhances our self-understanding in a manner that upholds God’s truth, it is considered beneficial. Conversely, if it contradicts biblical principles, we must reject it. The objective is to utilize psychology as a tool while ensuring that Scripture remains the guiding authority.

It is imperative to recognize that the term “secular” does not intrinsically denote a malevolent entity (bogeyman) intent on destruction. If we assert that God is genuinely sovereign and that there is no aspect of this world over which Jesus Christ does not exercise authority, we must also accept that secular therapies fall within His dominion. However, these practices may require refinement and reinterpretation. The aim is to harmonize the beneficial and truthful dimensions of secular psychology with Scriptural insights, utilizing both for the exaltation of God.

A Holistic Approach to Counseling

Historically and Scripturally, we acknowledge that humans are composed of body and soul, living in unity. Herman Bavinck acknowledges this in his work on Biblical and Religious Psychology, “Scripture is by no means dualistic. The psychical and the physical phenomena do not walk parallel to one another without ever affecting one another or having any influence upon one another. Spirit and matter, soul and body, never stand dualistically juxtaposed or opposed to one another. Rather, they are always most intimately related, influencing one another and working together.” So, our counseling must address the body and the soul.

Dr. Bob Kellemen has also graciously compiled many resources and Scripture references that deal with this issue, which can be found here: 100 Free Resources for Counseling the Whole Person. To be truly biblical in our counseling, we must counsel the whole person, not just the spiritual aspect. We must also be careful not to reduce everything down to being a spiritual issue when it is really a bodily issue. This doesn’t mean it is always one or the other, but the body affects us spiritually, and the spiritual can affect us bodily. It all goes back to the balancing issue and not making everything one-sided when it isn’t a one-sided issue.

The Role of the Church

In the Christian context, counseling is primarily associated with the church. It involves friends and leaders accompanying individuals, utilizing Scripture and wisdom to guide them toward Jesus. While psychology may provide valuable insights, the Bible serves as the cornerstone. Whether addressing a minor issue or a more significant challenge, the church is committed to offering assistance, consistently striving to foster a closer relationship with Christ. Counseling in the church is more or less a deeper form of discipleship, sometimes leading to more formal counseling with a pastor or certified Biblical counselor.

This is an area where churches ought to enhance their efforts by promoting counseling within the church rather than consistently referring individuals to secular psychologists. While it is not to suggest that secular psychologists lack the capacity to provide assistance, it must be noted that if counseling does not commence with prayer, incorporate teachings from Scripture, and conclude with prayer, it cannot be accurately termed Christian counseling. Numerous biblical counseling organizations, including ABC, ACBC, CCEF, and IBCD, offer excellent teaching materials and certification pathways designed to cultivate and equip the church for the counseling mission. Ultimately, the church should undertake the majority of counseling for individuals who identify as Christians.

Conclusion Therefore, the revised perspective on psychology within the context of Biblical counseling emphasizes the integration of Scriptural authority with astute psychological insights. This approach serves as a thoughtful means of honoring God while providing support to individuals. Should you wish to explore further, please refer to the resources provided in this article. Whether your interest is driven by curiosity or a desire for assistance, the ultimate aim is to foster a closer relationship with Christ. Secular psychology isn’t a bogeyman out to get everyone. While there are some flawed perspectives in secular psychology that should be rejected, we can also find mounds of truth and help, reinterpret them through a Scriptural lens, and use them to the glory of God.

For more information, please email rdawson28@outlook.com or visit www.redeemercare.net