What You'll Discover in this Episode:
The way we approach the Bible determines our worldview. There are a lot of Christians that believe psychology is above Scripture in counseling. It's true that people have been helped by theories and concepts, but when we take man's ideas and value them above the Bible we have made our worldview cloudy. We need to create a better worldview with the Bible as the foundation and psychology as a secondary humanistic thought. Although man has achieved a lot since creation, God is still sitting on the throne. We cannot say that psychology should be more treasured than Scripture. God has given us all we need for life in His Word.
Because psychotherapy deals with the meaning of life and the value of life in behavior, it is religious in nature. When you see the people promoting psychology they are religiously using their ideas to shape morals and values. When psychology collides with Scripture, it is as though two religions are being forced together. Although some would call psychology scientific, it does not deal with science. Psychology deals with morals, behaviors, and ideas to shape minds to make them "better", so to speak. God doesn't need our help, God has it figured out.
In this episode Pastor Jeff sticks to his convictions as he shares the danger of mixing psychology with the Bible. It is trying to join two religions together and it just doesn't work. Feel free to chime in on the comments below. Pastor Jeff wants to connect with you.
Scroll down and leave your comment below!
- Psychology deals with the meaning of life and morals.
- Psychology is religious in nature because it tries to answer the questions of life like many other false religions.
- The Word of God is able to shape our worldview and should be our only source for shaping our worldview.
- When we contend earnestly for the faith, it will clash with psychology.
- We need to turn away from human reasoning and trust in God.
- Trying to take psychology and mix it with the Scripture is like trying to combine two religions. .
- In the next few weeks we will look at; Religion Vs. Faith, Soul Vs. The Spirit, Sub-conscious Min Vs. The Mind of Christ, and Theories Vs. Truth. Stay tuned for more teaching.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons
- 1 Timothy 4:6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
- Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
- Acts 6:7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
- Acts 13:6-12 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus...
- Acts 14:19-22 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead...
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Romans 8:5-7 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit...
- 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God...
- Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Isaiah 55:1-13 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance...
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I really appreciate how Pastor Jeff highlights the religious nature of psychology. Pastor Jeff shows that psychology deals with behaviors and ideas which to help minds to make them “better”. Psychology purports that man is good and capable of fixing oneself, while Biblical teaching and theology makes it clear, that humanity is broken and in desperate need of a perfect savior. Trying to take psychology and fit within Scripture is like trying to force to opposing forces to become one. As Pastor Jeff says, we need to turn away from human reasoning and trust in God. It’s impossible to embrace both mindsets, when the mindsets are opposed to one another. The Word of God should be the primary tool for shaping our worldview. Thus, as Pastor Jeff says… this is a life and death matter and should be taken with the upmost care and concern.
After listening to this message and reflecting on my own education, I have realized how so much of what we learn in society is rooted in psychology and not in the Word of God. I like the way Pastor Jess notes, that psychology focuses on morals, behaviors, and ideas to shape minds to make them “better”. When we have that view, it doesn’t allow any room for the Lord. As a believer we should know that God doesn’t need our assistance and and since He’s all knowing, it’s all planned since the beginning of time. We have been deceived from the enemy to believe that we can compete or figure it out without the Lord. It’s the same tactic that we read with Adam and Eve regarding the fall. I am thankful for this message and furthering my growth as a believer to continue my changes in thought patterns.
So true, it’s almost scary how much modern “thought” is tainted by a mindset and worldview that is opposed to the Bible and living for the Lord. The increased access to information in our digital age makes it all the important to diligently study the Word and guard our hearts and minds from the mindsets of the world.
As Hebrews 4:12 indicates, there is a division between flesh and spirit.
The word can cut deep to the core and speak something into a person’s life and heart , this is spiritual not just soul-ishness, as psychology deals with.
1 Thess 5:23 demonstrates that there is a spirit, soul and body. The humanness aspect needs to be divided from the spiritual life.The spiritual life ( letting christ rule) is different from just our naturally daily personhood.
It was challenging and convicting to realize how much of the spirit of God is controlling and how much is just me in the flesh ruling it. Romans 8:5-7. I definitely needed to ask God for forgiveness and for a fresh filling of the spirit. I need his help.
I like what Jeff said, the true magic hour is when the counselee goes into the word and hears from the lord. He also mentions that the word is where we are cut and can grow.
One of the questions raised in this podcast is how we are able to tell the difference between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh. I love that God has given us clear instruction about what it will look like when we are walking one way or another. When we look at the fruit of decisions we can see clearly, are we seeing God’s fruit: love, joy, peace, patience etc. (Gal. 5) or are we seeing unGodly fruit? In the short term there are often things that appear to be good fruit happening through the use of psychology, however the depth of any change it only superficial unless God is invited in. Our source of authority must be the Word of God and the Word alone.
Thanks for your post Sherra, particularly in declaring God’s stand about walking in the Spirit or in the flesh (Galatians 5:16-23); duly encapsulated in the following Scriptures:
Romans 8:1-5 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Great point Sheera. I haven’t thought about it that way in a long time. That we can use Galatians 5 as a litmus test, or as a way to align our hearts with the Lord’s. If it isn’t producing fruit that is love, joy, peace ,patience, gentleness or self control than we can be assured that we need to turn to the lord and ask for help to walk his way.
Professor Christianson spoke about how “dead letter Christianity” that is based in the intellect, purely mind-based Christianity, or even soulish Christianity that is dependent on feelings and emotions, how those two things have contributed to an attraction to psychology and psychologically-based solutions. I think that is a good and fitting observation. When what people encounter in our churches or among believers is spiritual deadness and an emphasis on rule-keeping, it is such a sub-standard Christian life that it leads people to look for answers elsewhere, like psychology. When people come to churches or Christian communities and find things that are soulish and not spiritual, they fail to find anything more than platitudes and empty advice – the kinds of things that psychology specializes in. It is both sobering and humbling to realize that the church itself bears a good measure of the blame for the rise of confidence in psychology and psychologically based solutions.
It is sobering to realize that the church has done a disservice to the people by referring them to psychologists and by neglecting to take the time to lead people into a spiritual relationship with a God who cares and heals.
Great point Mr. Gutzik!
I agree, and have been there myself. Living by the ” dead-letter ” or rule keeping mantality, really does not make for an exciting Jesus loving life. In fact it is quite draining and loveless. I see where the church has tried to make up for lacks with psychology.
May God help us and our churches get back on track. Feeding on what is actually spiritual: the bread of life and His word. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! This is so true. It is such a challenge to not fall into “dead letter Christianity”. To stay in love with the Lord and to teach His Word (not our own or anyone’s opinions) is not only what we are called to, but is the only way to avoid this “dead letter Christianity”!
The way we approach the Bible determines our worldview. There are a lot of Christians that believe psychology is above Scripture in counseling. It’s true that people have been helped by theories and concepts, but when we take man’s ideas and value them above the Bible we have made our worldview cloudy. We need to create a better worldview with the Bible as the foundation and psychology as a secondary humanistic thought. Although man has achieved a lot since creation, God is still sitting on the throne. We cannot say that psychology should be more treasured than Scripture. God has given us all we need for life in His Word.
Because psychotherapy deals with the meaning of life and the value of life in behavior, it is religious in nature. When you see the people promoting and teaching psychology they are religiously using their ideas to shape morals and values. When psychology collides with Scripture, it is as though two religions are being forced together.
What Jeff shared when counseling or discipleship making it is critical to get each person into the Word of God themselves. That is what Romans is talking about living according to the Spirit and the things of the Spirit, you must be in God’s Word obeying Gods Word. The Word will wash their minds of old worldly ways and renew their mind with Godly ways. Most of those involved in Psycho analysis will not use Gods Word in context, but those that do praise the Lord, in order for them to do that they have to renounce all their training, education and practice. What we have seen is their training superimposes the Word of God. Many might try to say it is preferential but the truth is the truth. Trying to take psychology and mix it with the Scripture is like trying to combine two religions. We need to turn away from human reasoning and trust in God. We need to turn away from human reasoning and trust in God. The Word of God is able to shape our worldview and should be our only source and final source for shaping our viewpoint. Jeff makes it clear this is a life and death matter.
Thank you for this recent podcast! It’s so easy for us to rely on man’s opinion of how we need to change, because at the moment of need, those things are tangible. What the world doesn’t do is look ahead or learn from experience, these theories are fleeting, and the opinions of men will be trendy at best. They truly don’t help what is at the heart of each person because only our Creator can truly know what we need and when. If we all truly turned back to the Word for our direction, we would all experience Hebrews 4:12. Unfortunately the world sees the word as a threat and has been blinded by the truth it holds. Our job is to pray and continue to become equipped and be ready to give an answer!
Thank you Pastor Jeff, I continue to experience at work the push for man made theories in the ways of personality tests, psychological evaluations to evaluate what type of person one is. The problem is that daily it can change and if we try to fit everything in a box and measure everyone we go against what God has for us. We are the body of CHrist and have different functions and although it may seem that we are not compatible we are thanks to Jesus. Thank you for clarifying this aspect and how I can opt out of these reviews with scripture and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
God Bless
As a church we tend to attempt to classify people and put them in categories. In my experience however, God often calls people to operate outside of what I would say their “gifting” is. I think there is a great precedent set for this in the Old Testament when God calls Moses, who was not a “gifted” speaker, to lead.
We must continue to follow him by letting our roots grow down into him and letting our lives build on him. only then will our faith grow strong in the truth we have been taught, and we will continue to overflow with thankfulness. we must not let anyone capture us with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Because only in Christ in all the fullness of God. So since we have been crucified with Christ, he has set us free from the spiritual powers of this world. So we must not follow the rules of the world. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
I agree with you Josh that we must continue to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit by letting our roots grow down into Him, letting our lives be built on Him and allowing our faith grow strong in the truth of His Word that we have been taught. Your response reminds me of the song writer that wrote by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit, take me deeper still, till my life is wholly lost in Jesus, and His perfect will.).
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Thank you for sharing Esther! I enjoyed reading your review of the podcast. It is true that we must be aware of the dangers of mixing psychology and the Bible. Thank you for sharing about the podcast and testimony of Dr. Jean Cheng, I look forward to listening to that podcast. We must pray that God will speak to the hearts of other believers who are practicing psychological counseling that they would have the desire to do more and see real change that only God can give.
As pastor jeff mentions. Psychology has become sort of a religion. It is dangerous how people depend on it, and it has even begun to creep into the church.
In psychology, the view of the human soul is different from the Bible.
In the Bible we know that there is a supernatural element. Christ has made us a new creation. We have a whole new heart, a reborn spirit. As Christian’s we also believe in what the bible defines as the inner man. Psychology does not teach this part, nor account for it.
In psychology it is more soulish. It focuses on the mind and emotions primarily. We must warn others about this false doctrine.
I agree with you Hannah, Pastor Jeff sticks to his convictions as he shares the danger of mixing psychology with the Bible. It is trying to join two religions together and it just doesn’t work. Psychology deals with the meaning of life and morals, it is a believe system. Psychology is religious in nature because it tries to answer the questions of life like many other false religions. A lot of times you can see new age religious systems build it, mysticism, Hinduism, a lot of eastern religions. Psychology is not trying to heal people by science and testing but more trying to teach new ways of behaving. The Psychologist is actually a teacher not a doctor! Its teachings are philosophical not scientific(testable)? This has become a very important scripture in my life personally, don’t be cheated philosophical teachings of man Col.2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Hannah, I agree with you about the importance of Professor Christianson’s observation that there is a religious nature or aspect to psychology. To me, it gets back to the truth that we human beings are fundamentally religious beings. Our inborn hunger for God and spiritual things will lead us to take on causes or movements like psychology or any number of other things if we reject the truth about God.
As pastor jeff mentions. Psychology has become sort of a religion. It is dangerous how people depend on it, and it has even begun to creep into the church.
In psychology, the view of the human soul is different from the Bible.
In the Bible we know that there is a supernatural element. Christ has made us a new creation. We have a whole new heart, a reborn spirit. As Christian’s we also believe in what the bible defines as the inner man. Psychology does not teach this part, nor account for it.
In psychology it is more soulish. It focuses on the mind and emotions primarily. We must warn others about this false doctrine.
True Hannah, we must warn others about the religiosity of psychology just as the Scripture warns us. Pastor Jeff clearly taught that psychology deals with morals, behaviors, and ideas to shape minds to make them “better”, so to speak. God doesn’t need our help, God has it figured out.
Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
This podcast was so good. It is amazing how psychology has permeated the church. We even as Christian leaders look to psychologists or trained counselors to help the people in our church. It is so striking that Carl Jung saw that Religions were systems of healing for those with psychological problems. Yet because the Christian wasn’t doing their job of leading people into the truth of Scripture, the psychotherapist has had to take their place. As a Christian leader it is so important for me to hear this. It is a reminder that the Word of God has in it all that we need to instruct and lead others into God’s truth. If psychotherapy is dealing with the meaning of life and the value of a person, how much greater is our cause to help people see meaning and value in the Bible. This is were the true answers of life are found. The Bible gives a person hope, purpose, value and meaning.
Kristie, that’s a great thought – “how much greater is our cause to help people see meaning and value in the Bible…. The Bible gives a person hope, purpose, value and meaning.” It’s been said that you can’t beat something with nothing, and so it’s essential that we be far more than anti-psychology; we must answer the needs hurting people have in the way God intends.
Another great podcast Pastor Jeff!
There are many well-meaning Christian counselors who have unknowingly (in most cases) combined the religion of psychology with the Biblical Christian faith. They are doing two things, 1. Removing the power of God’s Word in peoples lives and replacing it with psychological tips and tricks. 2. Giving religious following to a false teaching.
Jeff points out that we must be careful that psychology does not creep into our biblical teaching or counseling. We must be aware of these “feel-good” statements that are flooding the church and social media and strain them through the filter of Biblical truth. Psychology attempts to undermine the sufficiency of God’s Word. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” May God continue to transform our minds by the power of His Word!
Again, another good podcast. I share Professor Christianson‘s concern about how psychology is maneuvering its way into common church teachings and experience. It’s so common, it seems, that it’s hard to refute what now seems to be highly accepted within American Christianity. I love how professor Christianson distinguishes psychology and the faith, that they are in fact two different religions and cannot coexist. I also appreciate and respect his views on being winsome and not argumentative, but still standing firm and boldly for the true faith. The example in Acts 13 regarding the sorcerer and how Paul confronted Elymas was fantastic. His confrontation while being filled with the Holy Spirit lead this man to the true faith.
Hi Tom!
Isn’t it amazing how as students of the Word and in the specific area of biblical counseling we are far more aware of the false teaching of psychology within the church, media and counseling circles. It seems to stand out in greater quantity and in vivid clarity now, where previously I may not have noticed.
I agree with your post Tom that psychology is maneuvering its way into the Church and into the activities and teachings of the Church and we must be quick to stand up and contend for ‘the faith’ that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3); theologically, doctrinally apologetically explaining/ giving a defense as clearly explained in the Podcast by Pastor Jeff.
I agree. I too, see the validity of calling psychology another religion. We are in a day and age where society clings to it and it is certainly not the way. Christianity cannot coexist with another whole belief set. So, we choose the way set before us in the scripture alone. Very strong points communicated here. I desire to stand more firmly and boldly for the faith as you mentioned and as you and Jeff display. There must be a way to do it in the love, grace and power of the Holy Spirit. I appreciate your courage and your stance. Thank you for sharing Tom.
Tom thank you good insights, this is what we are dealing with psychology! Psychology is seeking to turn away people like the proconsul from the faith (The Word of God, truth). It is very similar in that they do not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord. We can see the devil is behind this false religious system of man and theories. Let’s compare man’s word to Gods Word. 1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Or Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Let’s make disciples, let’s be a follower of Jesus, lets allow Jesus to be Lord of our life and the Word to be our source of all truth.
This week’s Podcast discussed Psychology vs the Bible Part 2-
Contrasting psychology and the Bible reveals the element of psychology and the people promoting it, with some religious hierarchy and philosophy.
Pastor Jeff explained that combining Christianity and psychotherapy, is like two religions are being forced together and psychotherapy can’t be performed (people can’t be transformed) without affecting the way a person believes because it’s a ‘belief system’, involving morals and values (it’s a religion; a blend of beliefs (mysticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.); kind of new age). The psychotherapist isn’t in the business of healing diseases but rather teaching the ways of thinking/ feeling/ behaving. He’s actually a teacher not a doctor, and this aspect is very philosophical in nature. The psychotherapist instructs people what life is all about, who they are, etc.
Consider what the Bible says about all these; seeing psychology as a religion rather than a science; contrasting this field of psychology (the counseling arena of psychology) versus the Bible – they should never be blended; Pastor Jeff explicitly discussed his views on the dangers of mixing psychology with the Bible based on a strong theological foundation.
Acts 6:7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Speaking of the Word of God, the object of discussion is ‘the faith’. We must be willing to do battle to contend for ‘the faith’ theologically, doctrinally apologetically explain/ giving a defense.
An additional Podcast presented ‘A Journey to Biblical Counseling’, the testimony of Doctor Jean Cheng, trained marriage and family therapist, Clinical psychologist, currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling.
The testimony is about how she came to the conviction of Biblical Counseling – how she came about her training and how she came about her training and pursued the degrees that she sought after and now hold? As a teenager, she encountered different issues and ended up in therapy; accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as an undergraduate. It was at this time she was much better and could function better in things; attributing it to her newfound faith. She was in Southern California with at least three Christian institutions and had graduate studies in psychology, thinking nothing of it but that it was the best area of study for her to be in. Then pursued her Master’s in marriage and family. When she finished the program, she thought that she had no idea what she was doing still and so pursued her doctorate degree in Clinical psychology, doing a lot of her work in Community Health Centers, wanting to be the best psychologist she could be, thinking that that was the best way she could serve people. Part of her goal was to eliminate suffering, always a noble pursuit, especially in a secular world where pursuing psychology is all about helping people.
As a new believer she saw people hurting, herself hurting and she became a Christian; the combination of all of these and her faith intrigued her to studying psychology to help out. After her education, she was married, has a son and now pursuing Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling; quite a transition.
I was blessed to know that compassion moved Dr. Jean Cheng to enroll for Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling.
Yes! Thank you for sharing Esther. You have communicated a very clear presentation of the main points and it helps me to see them laid out this way.
I like when you point out “The psychotherapist isn’t in the business of healing diseases but rather teaching the ways of thinking/ feeling/ behaving. He’s actually a teacher not a doctor, and this aspect is very philosophical in nature. The psychotherapist instructs people what life is all about, who they are, etc.”
If it is a belief set that is teaching philosophy and ideas, we are warned about this In Colossians 2:6-10. Paul says “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Hi Esther-
Great post! Thanks for your careful examination of the podcast and sharing Dr. Cheng’s story. Isn’t it amazing how the Word of God has the true ability to change people from the heart level? A lot of psychology aims, as you wrote, to help people to cope and not truly heal. I think it’s true that psychology has become for a lot of people a religion – a sort of ‘higher way’ to solve life’s problems. I’ve seen it in my family as a young child, when well-meaning Christians became enamored with counseling that blended of lot of new-age, Buddhism and Hinduism into the ‘healing’ process and it frankly never worked, only led astray.
It is becoming a discipline to stay Biblically-centric in our thinking, counseling and self-examination as there are so many theories and ‘religions’ pulling at us.
Blessings,
Tom