In the past two decades, droves of self-proclaimed “Christians” have increasingly turned to psychiatrists and psychological therapies to address their mental and emotional struggles. While seeking professional help is not inherently wrong, there is a growing concern that this reliance may overshadow the transformative power of the indwelling life of Yeshua (Jesus Christ).
I'll agree with this only because of how psychiatry affected my life prior to being a Christian and what I knew I had to do once a Christian. The best thing that ever happened to me was winding up in a church that truly discipled its members with foundation classes and other things to be sure they understood. I knew I still had an anger issue and nothing worked before. So I went to a Christian counselor at the church and we figured out the key I had been missing all those other times was a relationship with Christ. Jesus is the key. So I did not need anger management sessions, I just needed to continue in growing my relationship with Jesus through discipleship.
Though I have to admit getting there took God using a 'clue by four' now and then. I can be such a stubborn child. I'm still digging and learning as fresh revelations occur.
I agree with you. What's ironic is that in a society that is all about me and you can't tell me what to do., we are running to psychiatrists for "help". What they want is someone who will give a stamp of approval on the decision they are making. My husband and I have seen this in our own pastoral ministry. They come talk to us but don't listen to our advice. I have thought at times that I would like to talk with a counselor but I struggle with how one goes about finding a counselor that would really be straight with me... and Biblical. Like you said, even so called Christian counselors are not leading people to a life of surrender.
Mandy, I get it. This seems to be the experience with most pastors and their wives. If you guys every want a "straight shooting" counseling pastor, I am always available.
I can personally testify to the accuracy of this essay, by extensive experience and deliverance. My entire family was under demonic attack for decades, and I was able to see much of the outcome for each member.
The thing that struck me about your essay as expressed in the 3 paragraphs of "The bottom line" is this -
Among the traditional religious people I have known, they have no idea what this information means. They have no idea what a "...deep, abiding relationship with Christ..." means, or how it is expressed in a practical sense. Much of what they believe and do, they have been taught to do. How to handle psychological/demonic challenges isn't taught - ignorance is rampant.
For me, a very basic starting point was the understanding that is imparted from this verse:
2 Timothy 3:5 having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people.
I was well aware of the powerlessness of religion, but this verse alerted me to the truth that there is godliness that is powerful. That powerful form of godliness is what I began to desire. However, at the time, I had no idea how to proceed to search for this knowledge. That would come later.
The indwelling life of Christ IS the ultimate source of strength and healing! Don't look to religion or psychiatry, look to HIM for deliverance.
There is so much truth in this essay. Thank you. Which is why I, as licensed Clinical Social Worker, and counselor, am always telling my clients that they are NOT their diagnosis! Unfortunately symptoms have to be labeled ...I see both Christians and non-Christians. I am a sold out Bible-believing Christian and believe faith in God provides all the answers. But I also believe that God uses several tools to heal. This is why I really love the Spiritual Care Network, formed by a pastor who struggled with chemical depression all his life. He ties vetted Christian mental health professionals to churches, educating about mental illness and addiction. ***I have treated many individuals (God sends them to me) who have been misled, burdened by well-intentioned and untrained deliverance coaches/healers in the church. They have a sort of trauma because despite Discipleship, Accountability, Surrender, Service, humility, healing events, etc etc. they have NOT improved and they bear a false guilt that they did not have enough faith! These individuals have chronic illnesses/pain or multiple traumas . A common theme? They all feel like a PROJECT, something to be fixed.... I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me with my treatments. We all must be careful how we judge the healers. Ultimately, God has the final say. It's HIS treatment plan.
In the past two decades, droves of self-proclaimed “Christians” have increasingly turned to psychiatrists and psychological therapies to address their mental and emotional struggles. While seeking professional help is not inherently wrong, there is a growing concern that this reliance may overshadow the transformative power of the indwelling life of Yeshua (Jesus Christ).
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I'll agree with this only because of how psychiatry affected my life prior to being a Christian and what I knew I had to do once a Christian. The best thing that ever happened to me was winding up in a church that truly discipled its members with foundation classes and other things to be sure they understood. I knew I still had an anger issue and nothing worked before. So I went to a Christian counselor at the church and we figured out the key I had been missing all those other times was a relationship with Christ. Jesus is the key. So I did not need anger management sessions, I just needed to continue in growing my relationship with Jesus through discipleship.
Well said, Althea. I could not have said it better myself. Thank you for this comment. It is off the charts TRUTH!
Though I have to admit getting there took God using a 'clue by four' now and then. I can be such a stubborn child. I'm still digging and learning as fresh revelations occur.
Well, it certainly is a joy to read your comments!
Thanks. It's a joy to see what you will send out next.
I agree with you. What's ironic is that in a society that is all about me and you can't tell me what to do., we are running to psychiatrists for "help". What they want is someone who will give a stamp of approval on the decision they are making. My husband and I have seen this in our own pastoral ministry. They come talk to us but don't listen to our advice. I have thought at times that I would like to talk with a counselor but I struggle with how one goes about finding a counselor that would really be straight with me... and Biblical. Like you said, even so called Christian counselors are not leading people to a life of surrender.
Mandy, I get it. This seems to be the experience with most pastors and their wives. If you guys every want a "straight shooting" counseling pastor, I am always available.
I recently read this article by Bill Gillham on Grace Fellowship's website. Psychology may be able to diagnose, maybe, but not cure.
https://gracenotebook.com/what-is-christian-counseling/
Have a blessed day!
How very true, Sheriena. Dr. Woodward is a dear friend, and he serves on my Board of Directors. Great guy, most excellent ministry.
I can personally testify to the accuracy of this essay, by extensive experience and deliverance. My entire family was under demonic attack for decades, and I was able to see much of the outcome for each member.
The thing that struck me about your essay as expressed in the 3 paragraphs of "The bottom line" is this -
Among the traditional religious people I have known, they have no idea what this information means. They have no idea what a "...deep, abiding relationship with Christ..." means, or how it is expressed in a practical sense. Much of what they believe and do, they have been taught to do. How to handle psychological/demonic challenges isn't taught - ignorance is rampant.
For me, a very basic starting point was the understanding that is imparted from this verse:
2 Timothy 3:5 having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people.
I was well aware of the powerlessness of religion, but this verse alerted me to the truth that there is godliness that is powerful. That powerful form of godliness is what I began to desire. However, at the time, I had no idea how to proceed to search for this knowledge. That would come later.
The indwelling life of Christ IS the ultimate source of strength and healing! Don't look to religion or psychiatry, look to HIM for deliverance.
Wow, Keith, well said, my friend. Straight to the heart!
There is so much truth in this essay. Thank you. Which is why I, as licensed Clinical Social Worker, and counselor, am always telling my clients that they are NOT their diagnosis! Unfortunately symptoms have to be labeled ...I see both Christians and non-Christians. I am a sold out Bible-believing Christian and believe faith in God provides all the answers. But I also believe that God uses several tools to heal. This is why I really love the Spiritual Care Network, formed by a pastor who struggled with chemical depression all his life. He ties vetted Christian mental health professionals to churches, educating about mental illness and addiction. ***I have treated many individuals (God sends them to me) who have been misled, burdened by well-intentioned and untrained deliverance coaches/healers in the church. They have a sort of trauma because despite Discipleship, Accountability, Surrender, Service, humility, healing events, etc etc. they have NOT improved and they bear a false guilt that they did not have enough faith! These individuals have chronic illnesses/pain or multiple traumas . A common theme? They all feel like a PROJECT, something to be fixed.... I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me with my treatments. We all must be careful how we judge the healers. Ultimately, God has the final say. It's HIS treatment plan.