Forming a Christian Heart: Therapy

What aspects of modern life do you most appreciate?

Let’s consider the advances in knowledge which have made these possible. For example, technology relies on advances in sciences like physics, biology, geology, etc. The result is that we can build homes and cities, stay warm, store and cook food. Advances in medical knowledge rely on sciences like chemistry, biology, physiology, etc. The result is that we can treat illness; cure diseases, relieve suffering, etc. Overall, these things positively affect our quality of life.

But where does the knowledge of psychology and therapy fit into this? What benefits has it brought? Wilkens and Sanford write: “The prevalence of therapy tells us something about the pursuit of salvation – we have this inkling that our lives are not yet as good as they can or should get. This represents a discontent with a partial life and a desire to pursue fullness.” (Hidden Worldviews, p. 161)

Discussions about wholeness in the Christian life bring to mind Paul’s comments: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thess.5:23-24). Throughout the letter Paul has been concerned with his readers dedicating their lives to God. Now he prays that God will “sanctify” his readers “through and through”; i.e. no part of our lives are unaffected by God’s influence.

Psychology seeks to help people through advancing research knowledge and practices of psychotherapy, consulting, counselling, etc. In general, the goal is to build whole and healthier people and communities.

But, what does it mean to be psychologically healthy? In general, it means possessing the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook in which a person remains focused, flexible, and creative in bad times as well as good. As a worldview, psychology and therapy are affected by assumptions about the nature of humankind (and by what authoritative source we know this), the source of the problems people encounter, what solutions are effective, and what “health” looks like. 

Is “psychological health” a preoccupation for you? Your worldview may start being affected depending on how you interpret salvation through Jesus Christ. Trevin Wax in his book Counterfeit Gospels (2011) describes key points in the aberrant “therapy gospel” as: a) the Fall (i.e. human problem) is primarily about woundedness; the failure to reach our potential or wholeness, the lie we bought in to; b) Christ’s incarnation and death prove our inherent worth as humankind and empowers us to wholeness; c) salvation then is about healing or wholeness.

Aside from these obvious interpretive concerns, it seems there are aspects of following Christ that surpass the prominence of achieving psychological health. For example, the primary goal for a Christian is to know the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ which is eternal life (Jn. 17:3). Also, sometimes the primary way Christians know God is by enduring trials and experiencing troubles (cf. James 1:2-4; 1 Cor. 1:8-11). Do we talk about these harder aspects of discipleship enough? Perhaps we would prefer to think, counsel, and teach about the healing benefits of discipleship rather its costs. 

Still, an important biblical concept in this discussion is peace. Its nuances include fulfillment, completion, maturity, soundness of mind, harmony, security (both individual and communal), and well-being. However, peace could be disturbed if one does not live before the Lord and others in righteousness. In fact, peace is one of the fruits of righteousness (cf. Isa. 32:17–18). 

Traditionally, biblical teaching tells us it is knowing God through Jesus Christ (i.e., eternal life) and holiness that leads to peace not vice versa. When psychological health is pursued for itself, it doesn’t always lead to greater holiness.

References:

Wax, T. (2011). Counterfeit gospels: Rediscovering the good news in a world of false hope. Chicago, ILL: Moody Publishers. 

Wilkens, S. & Sanford, M. (2009). Hidden worldviews: Eight cultural stories that shape our lives. Downers Grove, ILL: InterVarsity Press.