NEFF AND MCMINN PART B 2
Abstract
Integration is an essential part of every person’s life at one point. While integration may seem
complex, often this process is natural and common. Neff and Mcminn’s book Embodying
Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room explains the process of
integration of psychology and theology within a helping relationship. Chapters 4-6 explore
varying topics including the presence of God throughout the lives of humans and the undeniable
role religion plays in the lives of many. The beginning of each chapter poses a theological
question leading to deeper exploration of topics which results in a better understanding of topics
such as atonement and mission. Throughout this book, connections between the two disciplines
of theology and psychology are made and applied in practical manners. This paper holds a
summary of chapters 4-6, a personal reflection including the implications for counseling, and a
spiritual formation section which explores my personal experience reading this book.
Keywords: Integration, God’s Presence, Reflection, Personal Experience
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Neff and McMinn Part B Assignment
There were key themes resonating throughout chapters 4-6 of Neff and McMinn’s book
Embodying Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room. Of these key themes,
atonement was present, as well as Christian Mission and the idea the God is continually present
within one’s life. Moving through this paper, I was able to personally react and reflect on the
themes and provide additional implications and theological questions. Finally, I evaluated the
value that reading these chapters has brought to my spiritual life and the themes that will prove
useful as I move into a professional counseling career.
Summary
Atonement
Understanding a person’s story including cultural background, social location, community,
complex relationships, and much more and how they view God the Father can greatly impact
one’s view of self and atonement. Extrinsic religious beliefs can be linked with rigid thinking,
close-mindedness, prejudice, religious struggles, and can lead to negative religious coping skills
ultimately resulting in poor mental health. A simple question that can significantly aid in
understanding a client’s view of atonement asks how we view God. God as a disapproving
Father can lead to feeling the need to constantly prove oneself to be considered worthy of love
and acceptance. Helping clients to recognize meaningfulness through using metaphors to explain
relationship with God can aid in creating connection that can move from a rigid to flexible
intersection of the gospel and culture.
Metaphors
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Relevant imagery has lead scholars to create three dominant theories used to explain personal
relationships with God. Firstly, the Christus victor/ransom theory states that Christ’s victory
brings reconciliation and overcomes the state of alienation previously between God and man
created by the fall. Secondly, moralistic theory is the only subjective theory based on the
experience of God’s sacrificial love leading towards repentance and moral transformation.
Before reaching the third main view, there are two newer views that scholars have recently
discovered including the kaleidoscope view which acknowledges integration of several models
as there are strengths and weaknesses related to each model. The final new model is the
nonviolent view of atonement which responds to the violence of sin with a nonviolent God who
recognizes the weaknesses of humanity with love and acceptance. Finally, the third main view is
the satisfaction/penal substitution view which states that Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was based
on God the Father choosing satisfaction by offering His Son as a greater sacrifice which satisfied
the failing by man. This theory has many strengths and criticisms by scholars.
The first criticism includes that within this model God the Father would be complicit in violence
which seems inconsistent with an all loving God. Secondly, this model emphasizes the individual
and their personal sins which can risk both decontextualizing and overemphasizing sin. Another
emphasis is on the abstract salvation which “fails to address the injustices that take place within
history” (Neff & McMinn, 2020, p. 179). The last criticism states that this model is
antitrinitarian and places God the Father in a role that is authoritative over God the Son. The first
strength of this model identified by scholars includes that atonement in this form can lead to
radical forgiveness and a better understanding of the obedience of God the Son. Within this
model, there is also reflection on forgiveness which can lead to a greater self-acceptance through
an increased understanding of the unconditional love of God. The third strength is that this model
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truly recognizes the seriousness of sin through understanding the sacrifice of Jesus through a
satisfactory lens. Within religious context, there is a tend to overemphasize the love of God
while underemphasizing the righteousness He is perfect at as well. This model perfectly balances
justice without increasing love and decreasing righteousness. Lastly, this view ensures that
holiness and love meet at the cross.
Mission
There are many times in scripture where Jesus calls humanity to mission through an invitation to
participation. There are various types of mission rooted in soteriology or the doctrine of
salvation. The main focus of Neff and McMinn within the soteriology that Christians are called
is friendship evangelization which “sees mission as rooted in human relationship” (Neff &
McMinn, 2020, p. 222). The second type of mission is rooted in ecclesiology or the study of the
Church and emphasizes the presence of God and the gathering for prayer and worship in order to
promote growth and sustainability. While both of these are viewed as the source of mission, it is
essential to recognize that Mission is in fact rooted in the very being of God and His love for
humanity which is missional in and of itself as relayed in Missio Dei.
There are several reasons behind the call to mission by God. Firstly, missional psychology is
based in the love that God has for the world which is turned outward. This indicates that humans
should strive towards actively engaging in serving the world to the best of their ability which
includes spreading their known love that God possesses. Secondly, there tends to be an over
obsessive view on engaging in missions in various other countries when there is just as much of
a need to spread missions within local communities and cultures. Mission should be a daily
engagement. Another positive view on missional psychology is that while there is continual
divide within the world, mission focuses on hope rather than despair. Lastly, by focusing mission
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around God, there is an understanding of the suffering and pain within the world as well as the
positive. This view focuses on the humanity of the world and human interactions that are not all
positive even while accepting that “actions of love and compassion themselves ‘preach’ the
gospel message they flow from” (Stott, 2015).
God with Us
“God, in immense love and abundance, creates and invites creation into relationship, and yet
again and again humanity turns away from God” (Neff & McMinn, 2020, p. 252).
Understanding the love God has for humanity can be understood through the concept of grace.
Grace flowing from this gift reveals the very character of our creator which is filled with
generosity and self-sacrificial, unconditional love. Through the sin and pain humanity puts God
through, He continually persists in a pursuit of humanity and after the hearts of not only those
who love and serve Him but also those who despise and insult Him. Against the typical
response, God the Creator chooses His connection with humanity and through His
commandment to mission is devoted to its growth and welfare. Jesus the Redeemer is seen best
through His taking on human form in an extreme display of love to bridge the broken connection
between man and God. Lastly, the emphasis on the Spirit being a sustaining source of guidance
and help can aid in personal views of mental health and suffering because of the connection
between humanity and God.
Reflection
Personal Response
In my opinion, these chapters were more impactful than the previous chapters. I appreciate being
able to connect my personal spiritual beliefs to my background and vice versa. These chapters
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seemed to be more integrative of both psychology and theology by considering personal
experiences and how these experiences shape the way we view God. On top of this, the
understanding of how we view God can impact how we view both ourselves and our
relationships with those in authoritative positions is essential in understanding how our clients
may view us within a helping relationship. The various views of God the Father were interesting
to consider as well.
As a future professional counselor, being aware of my personal views of God the Father can
greatly affect how I interact with clients. “God, in immense love and abundance, creates and
invites creation into relationship, and yet again and again humanity turns away from God” (Neff
& McMinn, 2020, p. 273). Understanding the love God has for humanity can be understood
through the concept of grace. Grace flowing from this gift reveals the very character of our
creator which is filled with generosity and self-sacrificial, unconditional love. Through the sin
and pain humanity puts God through, He continually persists in a pursuit of humanity and after
the hearts of not only those who love and serve Him but also those who despise and insult Him.
Against the typical response, God the Creator chooses His connection with humanity and
through His commandment to mission is devoted to its growth and welfare. Jesus the Redeemer
is seen best through His taking on human form in an extreme display of love to bridge the broken
connection between man and God. Lastly, the emphasis on the Spirit being a sustaining source of
guidance and help can aid in personal views of mental health and suffering because of the
connection between humanity and God.
The final personal consideration from these chapters relates to how professional
counselors speak with and interact with people in a way that is consistent to the Mission we are
all called to. Engaging people in relational conversations is the very heart of mission. While
NEFF AND MCMINN PART B 8
relating with people, it is essential to speak to and treat them as human being versus objects to be
won. Neff and McMinn identify a doer/done-to dynamic in which both people engage in a power
struggle resulting in one person feeling the need to do something for or to the other. This view
tends to have humans fall into an object relationship rather than a sacred relationship that we are
called to by God who created each human in His image and likeness.
Theological Questions
At the beginning of each chapter, a theological question is posed and parts of it are answered
throughout the chapter. These theological questions sparked thoughts on how personally I would
answer them should a client ever ask. The question at the beginning of chapter 4 that was posed
asked “from what are we being saved?” (Neff & McMinn, 2020, p. 171). In my opinion, this
question could be asked by both a believer and a nonbeliever as there can be confusion from both
ends. Whenever I have been asked questions that may seem to me to have obvious answers, it is
essential to ensure that the person who asked still feels comfortable with asking. I think I would
consider this from the standpoint of suffering and address the suffering within the world as well
as internal and external sufferings of the human person.
Chapter five asks a question surrounding God’s role in the world today. Asking where
people feel most spiritual or connected to God would help in answering this question. Personally,
I would define God’s role today as one of a loving but just Father who watches over His children
continually. The final question posed asks “where is God amid the deep uncertainties of life?”
(Neff & McMinn, 2020, p. 251). This question would be the hardest one to answer personally. I
find myself often asking similar questions when I am unsure or in the midst of suffering or
lamentation. For this, I would point my client who was willing and open towards scripture and
specifically 2 Corinthians 5:7 which states “for we live by faith, not by sight” (The Holy Bible,
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2016). Unfortunately, there is not always a concrete way we can interact with God, but this is
why the idea of walking by faith is so essential to our Christian faith.
Implications for Counseling
Considering a person’s story plays a significant role in the professional counseling relationship.
When asking people to share within a counseling relationship, it is essential to consider the
trauma that may accompany their story and the various aspects that shape a person’s life.
Reading this section of the book, I found it interesting that often professional counselors are
asking people to share their stories in an open, honest manner while we sometimes do not even
know them. Being aware of the position of power and the relationship that we hold with the
clients that we are working with is so important to build rapport and encourage a healthy and
helping professional counseling relationship. Throughout the book, Neff and McMinn share
personal stories of their encounters within the professional counseling relationship, which was
helpful for me to read the trials and errors they found. This book will make me a better future
professional counselor through understanding various interactions and their reflections on those
interactions.
Chapter five contained several implications for counseling that I will consider as a future
professional counselor. Firstly, it was considered that because God is missional in His core, God
is continually engaged with humanity throughout people’s lives. As professional counselors,
understanding that “we are invited to come alongside the redemptive, holy work that is already
occurring” is essential in recognizing limitations and being the most effective in the helping role.
Another implication in Chapter five is the requirement that people by looked at and referred to as
subjects instead of objects. This is important for professional counselors to consider as it can
become easy to bypass a person’s story and jump right into fixing mode instead of considering
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one’s humanity. This implication directly relates to listening to a person’s story. The final
implication for counseling that impacted my thoughts around professional counseling in the book
was brought up in the question of the meaning of life. In my opinion, this question is near
impossible to answer within the context of a page with limited papers, but as a professional
counselor, I am sure this question is brought up often. My idea is that professional counseling is
less about finding the specific meaning of life and more about finding a person’s meaning within
life.
Spiritual Formation
These final three chapters from Neff and McMinn have had a positive spiritual impact on me and
taught me many lessons. Chapter four reminded me of God’s forgiveness and grace. Often, I find
myself reflecting on the image of God as one of a more judgmental and disappointed Father
rather than one who is consistently loving and kind. This chapter forced me to look at my
reasoning behind my view and I realized that growing up in a rigidly religious home has led to
this view of a disapproving Father. Moving into adulthood, I have attended therapy and read
plenty of self-help books on my personal attachment style and realized that I have an anxious
attachment style. I have observed this within my religious life because I tend to engage with God
in a way that “worries that others will not be supportive and anxiously seek their love and care”
(Cherniak, et al., 2021).
According to Hawkins & Clinton (2015) the process of Christian counseling is dynamic
involving an integrated perspective of the client, counselor, and God. This viewpoint is similar to
Neff and McMinn who place emphasis on involving God within the healing relationship
especially in chapter five which focuses on God’s continual role within the world. This chapter
impacted my thoughts on how I see God’s involvement in society today and where I see God as
NEFF AND MCMINN PART B 11
the most active in my life. Being able to continue to recognize the impact of God on society in
today’s world can become difficult and I find myself discouraged as it feels as though I am
constantly surrounded by negative news. This chapter stresses the importance of daily
involvement with God in prayer, praise, and worship which personally was an invite to become
more daily prayerful despite the negative in the world.
Finally, chapter six speaks about the bigger picture of integrating God into everyday life,
especially in our deepest uncertainties. This chapter provided a challenge personally of finding
the correct time and place to integrate spiritual context into the counseling relationship. I would
like to see how both an integrated counseling session and a nonintegrated counseling session
look as I would be curious if professional counselors can find utilizing scripture or religious
contexts can become more harmful even when in a spiritually open counseling relationship. As I
look forward to entering the professional counseling field, this book reminded me of being open
to integration within the helping relationship and to pray continually as God is with me through
everything.
Conclusion
Finally, this essay has discussed chapters 4-6 of Neff and McMinn’s book Embodying
Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room through providing a summary,
overall reflection, and spiritual reflection. Within the summary portion, several themes were
discussed including atonement, mission, and the role of God within one’s life. The reflection was
a personal response to the chapters and included an address to several theological questions that
the chapters posed and implications for future counseling sessions. Lastly, within the spiritual
formation response, I identified useful information that I will continue to carry with me as I
move into a professional counseling career. Overall, I learned a lot from this book including how
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I want to address the integration of theology and psychology with my clients when I am a
professional counselor and how this integration will prove to continually affect all the work I
will do.
References
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Cherniak, A. D., Mikulincer, M., Shaver, P. R., & Granqvist, P. (2021). Attachment theory and
religion. Current Opinion in Psychology, 40, 126-130.
Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian Counselor: A Fresh Biblical and
Transformational Approach. Harvest House Publishers.
Neff, M.A. & McMinn, M. (2020). McMinn, M. R. Embodying integration: A fresh look at
Christianity in the therapy room. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN:
9780830828678.
Stott, J. (2015). Christian mission in the modern world. InterVarsity Press.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (2016). Crossway Bibles.
https://classic.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/Links
