Definition of ChristianSpiritualityinContrast with Secular
Spirituality
In the secular view of spirituality they often separate the definitions of
spirituality and religion (Garzon, 2011). To elaborate, this means that
religion is completely different than spirituality and spirituality is different
from religion. I have a friend that has this point of view and she views
herself as a very spiritual person and does a lot of "soul" work, but views
religion as the enemy of spiritual work that she does. In the Christian
faith, religion and spirituality are brought together and used in harmony to
develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ (Garzon, 2011). Watts
(2000) states, "Spirituality is the dynamic process whereby the Word of
God (Bible) is applied by the Spirit of God to the heart and mind of the
child of God so that she or he becomes more like the Son of God (Jesus)
(p. 318). Counselors must consider the religious and spiritual views of
their counselee in order to be present the most culturally relevant form of
counseling (Garzon, 2011).
Appraisal ofEffectiveness of Secular Counselors in Spirituality
Constructs
Watts (2000) presents a convincing case regarding the importance of
using spirituality in counseling, even if done by a secular therapist with a
Christian counselee. TheAdlerian model has four aspects: relationship,
goals, encouragement, and techniques (Watts, 2000). In a mostsimplistic
viewing, these are elements manyChristian counselors or pastoral
counselors would also engage with their counselees and could provide
effective results. I do feel that a secular therapist that is acting with
unconditional positive regard can establish a health relationship with a
Christian client. This shared relational aspect between secular therapists
and Christians livingaccording to biblical principles, is a strong indicator
that the techniques and methods used in secular psychology would be
helpful in reaching a Christian worldview (Watts, 2000). Christian clients
would also benefit from the concept of goals, if the counselor understood
that many Christian goals reflect a view of sanctification, a becoming
more Christlike. Encouragement is foundational in both the Christian faith
as well as in many counseling theories so this aspect is also affirmed by a
secular counselor. Lastly, techniques should be adapted by any counselor
to any counselee, which is modeled by Jesus as well (Watts, 2000). I
personally agree with Watts (2000)conclusion that a secular therapist
could be botheffective and respectful of a Christian client.
Limitations in Counseling Relationship
There would be limitations to this secular counseling relationship, and this
could quickly become a harmful situation for the Christian counselee.
McMinn (2011) states that for even Christian counselors, it is possible to
use the scriptures incorrectly, evendistorting them to conform to an
ideology. This would pose significantlimitations to the counseling
relationship with a counselor who might not understand the Biblical text. A
secular counselor cannot understand how to properly use Scripture
because they are not being guided by the Spirit. This does not mean they
cannot help aclient and respect their faith, but it doesseverely limit the
potential effectiveness that prayer and biblical teachings offers a
counselee of faith.
References
Garzon, F. L. (2011).Spirituality in counseling.Digital Commons. Faculty
Publications and Presentations. 62. . Retrieved 2021, from http://digital
commons.liberty.edu/ccfs_fac_pubs/62.
McMinn, M. R. (2011).Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian
counseling(Revised and Updated). Tyndale House Publishers.
Watts, R. E. (2000). Biblically based Christian spirituality and Adlerian
psychotherapy.The Journal of Individual Psychology,56(3), 316–328.
