Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling: A Case for Integrating Psychology and Theology
Overview
In Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling, William Kirwan sounds a clarion call for a thorough integration of psychology and theology and demonstrates how biblical principles should be the cornerstone of any healthy Christian counseling ministry.
Top Highlights
“But there is a major obstacle keeping many non-Christians from responding to Christ: a deep-seated feeling of being unlovable. This attitude, which also results in poor interpersonal relations with other humans, is usually masked by various layers of distracting behavior by which individuals attempt to evade their real feelings about themselves.” (Page 38)
“The basic states of man’s reaction to God can be formulated by means of the categories of trauma, repression, and substitution’ (Sproul 1974, 73–74).” (Page 40)
“Christ did not fall and His unified self was not divided. Most significant, however, is that on the cross Jesus took on Himself punishment, rejection, and shame. During those darkest hours between twelve and three Jesus suffered the very essence of the rejected self so that we would not have to endure it. Consequently, we can now be free from punishment, free from rejection, free from shame, free from all the results of the fall, all of which we deserve.” (Pages 112–114)
“Commandments do not exist in a vacuum, nor have they been given because they happen to prescribe the way God feels we should act. Rather, behind them lie our deepest needs. Each of God’s commandments is intensely personal instruction as to how we can meet one of our most vital human needs (e.g., a sense of belonging, affection, strength). Obeying them serves to enhance our relationship with God and sense of self-identity in Christ.” (Page 100)
“‘In summary, this type needs to be liked, wanted, desired, loved; to feel accepted, welcomed, approved of, appreciated; to be needed, to be of importance to others, especially to one particular person; to be helped, protected, taken care of, guided’ (Horney 1945, 5).” (Page 170)
Praise for the Print Edition
Worthy reading for anyone who is seriously interested in relating psychology to Christian theology and who is deeply concerned to develop an approach to counseling congruent with Christian truth. The author has done his homework, integrating careful theological reflection with solid psychological theorizing and clinical experience. The result is a most significant contribution to the development of a truly Christian psychology.
—David G. Benner, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality, Psychological Studies Institute
Dr. Kirwan draws from Scripture, clinical experience and psychological literature in his exposition of the counseling theory and practice which he has developed. In this easy-to-read volume Scriptures come alive, and relate as never before to our experiences as broken selves in a broken world. Moreover, Kirwan brings to light insights from contemporary psychology and from Christian thinkers…Biblical Concepts challenges many of our notions and attitudes, daring us to be more biblical in our preaching and counseling.
—John W. Sanderson, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title: Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling: A Case for Integrating Psychology and Theology
- Author: William T. Kirwan
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Publication Date: 1984
- Pages: 232
