JOURNAL CRITIQUE: COMMON GRACE
Journal Article Critique:
The Holy Spirit, Common Grace, and Secular Psychotherapy
Natalie Radcliffe
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Journal Article Critique: The Holy Spirit, Common Grace, and Secular Psychotherapy
Introduction
Written by Lydia Kim-van Daalen, the journal article ‘The Holy Spirit, Common Grace,
and Secular Psychotherapy’ aims to demonstrate that secular psychotherapy is used by the Holy
Spirit through the use of common grace. This can allow Christian counselors to engage with
secular psychotherapy while still honoring the work of the Holy Spirit (Kim van-Daalen, 2012,
JOURNAL CRITIQUE: COMMON GRACE 2
p. 233). The purpose of this paper is to summarize, review theological perspectives, analyze
both the strengths and weaknesses, and reflect upon the implications of pastoral counseling
about the article.
Summary
Lydia Kim-van Daalen seeks to convey the importance, value, and uses of secular
psychotherapy within Christian counseling by way of the Holy Spirit and common grace.
Common grace is defined as the goodness both in and through people who have turned away
from God (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 230). The author explores the dual realities of common
grace and special grace; special grace being a believer’s sanctifying grace based on Christ’s
sacrifice (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 230). Kim-van Daalen (2012) continues within the concept of
specific blessings of common grace demonstrated through secular psychotherapy, including but
not limited to, the ceasing of harmful and destructive behaviors.
The author’s third concept is a call to engage with secular psychotherapy by using some
of the techniques in God-honoring ways (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 234). Objections to this
engagement are explored as well within the article. The author discusses the principle of
discerning the Holy Spirit’s work within secular psychotherapy by way of practical examples and
applications. Lastly, the author explains how common grace can inform the Christian
engagement within secular therapy by giving practical advice (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 237).
Critical Interaction
Thesis Development
Lydia Kim-van Daalen’s thesis of the journal article is to prove that the Holy Spirit actively
works through secular psychotherapy using common grace and it is the job of the Christian
counselor to both discern and wisely engage with it for the glory of God and His kingdom (Kim-
van Daalen, 2012, p. 229). The author does a thorough job of both explaining the reasoning
behind the thesis, as well as the Biblical principles and practical applications to support said
thesis.
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Theological and Biblical Perspectives
The author displays a Calvinistic approach when discussing the definition of common
grace and the sovereignty and goodness of God within. The author makes valid points,
referencing the Garden of Eden as well as the Flood, that illustrate common grace. Even through
the disobedience of man, God extended grace to His creation and showed that “life, beauty, and
blessings are still a reality by virtue of God’s common grace” (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 230).
Additionally, the author powerfully explains the role of the Holy Spirit, which aligns with the
Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing both the giftings and blessings in the physical realm
(Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 233).
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Article
A strength of this article is the call to engagement with secular psychotherapy for
Christian counselors. Kim-van Daalen (2012) gives practical and specific ways Christian
counselors can achieve this by ways of using the gifts of common grace to help Christians solve
their issues using secular techniques in God-honoring ways. Within the practical ways to
engage, the strongest step was to create a balance in counseling. Using the Bible as the
foundation, the
Christian resources at hand, and making use of the good from secular psychotherapy the Holy
Spirit brings is the key to effectively engage with secular methods (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p.
234).
The weakness highlighted within the article was the bias. While objections to engaging
with secular psychotherapy were explored, they were not as thoroughly researched or
explained. While the author does a fine job of unpacking the dangers of secularism, the stance
is taken when each objection is then refuted in the same paragraph (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p.
235).
JOURNAL CRITIQUE: COMMON GRACE 4
Pastoral Counseling Implications
Christian counselors can make a positive impact on the world of secular psychotherapy
when engaging in it. The involvement can help further the development of Christian
psychotherapy and brining Christian principles into the world of psychotherapy, bringing glory to
God (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 237). Another application for pastoral counseling would be to
thoughtfully analyze the secular techniques and, using discernment, incorporate the specific
principles and align them with Christian practices (Kim-van Daalen, 2012, p. 234).
Conclusion
Lydia Kim-van Daalen does a thorough and convincing job of highlighting the value of
engaging in secular psychotherapy by means of the Holy Spirit and common grace. She connects
what we know about the sovereign God and His love and grace extended towards His creation.
With practical techniques and principles, Christian counselors are offered several ways to apply
secular psychotherapy within their ministries.
Reference
Kim-van Daalen, L. (2012). The Holy Spirit, common grace, and secular psychotherapy.”
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 40(3), 229-39.
