Of the six crucial issues mentioned by Powlison (2010), I would argue that addressing “the
relationship of biblical counseling to secular psychology” is most urgent (p. 255). Identifying
biblical truths, critiquing secular methods devoid of truth, and developing a system of
“interacting with contemporary models” will likely achieve or substantially develop solutions
the other key issues (Powlison, 2010, p. 280). Solving this issue would clarify the
differences between secular and biblical counseling, work to establish clear methodologies
in the practice of helping people, and ultimately bring more people to Jesus.
First, with a clear definition of what biblical counseling offers, the similarities and
differences between it and secular counseling will be distinguished as very different
options, hopefully making headway toward the first problem, “the same old issues”
(Powlison, 2010, p. 241). A clarified approach for finding God’s truth within secular
psychology is necessary to instill biblical counseling programs within academia (issue five).
Powlison (2010) writes “are thousands of Christians who can be won by an approach that
interacts with and radically reframes what enamors them about psychology” and that
“most...become psychologists....[because] where else can one be taught to probe the details
of a life lived, and then to offer timely and patient aid?” (pp. 272-273).
Second, Anderson et al. (2000) writes, “although [biblical counselors] cannot
accept...secular psychology....[they] cannot reject psychology as a disciplined science” (p.
18). If leaders within the biblical counseling movement can “develop a strategy for
evaluating secular psychology in light of Scripture,” a wealth of information from secular
psychology, established through years of scientific studies, evaluation, and practice, could
finally be understood from the perspective of biblical truth (Crabb, 1977/2013, p. 39). This
would bolster intellectual conversations within biblical counseling and help to develop
various methodologies to help people. Further, as biblical truth found within secular
psychology is discovered, further understanding of human motivation (issue two) and
human suffering and accountability (issue three) may be revealed.
Finally, clarifying the relationship between biblical and secular counseling will allow for
“powerful, relevant evangelism” (Powlison, 2010, p. 281). As “accurate interpretation” and
“corresponding critique” of secular effectiveness within psychology occurs through
Scripture, the true “message of life” will become increasingly more available to those who
are looking for it (Powlison, 2010, p. 282). Biblical counseling will be revealed as a light in
the dark, offering “truth, love, and power, in the exact areas in which people are most
concerned” through the hope of Jesus (New International Version, 1973/2011, John 8:12;
Powlison, 2010, p. 282). Over time, healing, hope, and spiritual maturity in Christ, acted upon
through short- and long-term relationship building (issue four), can occur. This is the whole,
unique purpose of biblical counseling. a
References
Anderson, N. T., Zuehlke, T. E., & Zuehlke, J. S. (2000). Christ-centered therapy: The practical
integration of theology and psychology. Zondervan.
Crabb, L. 2013. Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians become
capable counselors. Zondervan. (Original work published 1977)
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (2011). Biblica, Inc. (Original work published 1973)
Powlison, D. (2010). The biblical counseling movement: History and context. New Growth
Press.
