I agree with much of your thoughts on the Transformational view,
particularly on its usefulness outside of the Church. This approach seems
difficult to apply to most instances of psychological practice outside of the
church or Christian organizations. In addition to the need to help all
individuals, not just Christians, I believe theunique emphasis on the
character and virtues of the psychologist within the Transformational View
limits its usability in the practice of psychology. Repeatedly, Coe and Hall
(2010) confirm that the “transformation of psychologist is the
determinative and foundational element for the process and product of
doing psychology” (Coe & Hall, 2010, p. 205-206). This view sees the
psychologists’ holiness and spiritual growth as vital to enabling the person
to help others. Only the spiritually mature Christian is capable of
understanding truth and openly interacting with the reality of human
nature, sin, and health. The life experiences and character of the
psychologist determine the quality of the psychological process in the
Spirit. Also, unbelieving psychologists are disqualified because they are
unfit and partly dysfunctional in their practice of psychology (Coe & Hall,
2010).
However, the fallen state describes all mankind. “For all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God” (English Standard Version, 2022, Rom 3:23).
No one is completely good. I find it difficult to reconcile how anyone is
capable to practice psychology under these standards, even a mature
believer. What sets the standard for spiritual maturity and virtue? Even
within the Christian church, differences exist as to doctrine and what it
means to follow Christ. The Transformational View is extremely limiting in
the emphasis on the character of the individual psychologist and the
means to provide care to persons outside of the church.
References
Coe, J. H., and Hall, T. W. (2010). A transformational view. In Johnson, E. L.
(Ed.),Psychology and Christianity, five views(pp.199-226). Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
English Standard Version.(2022). Crossway. Retrieved from Esv.org
