Welcome to my brand new site! This is a site written by a Christian for Christians. I mean Christian in the specific “I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ!” sense. See my first post, The Cornerstone of Faith, so you know where I am coming from.
I have lots of grand ideas for this website… different subjects to explore… ideas to put forth. I want to make it clear that although I am pretty well versed in the bible, I would not deign to call myself a scholar. Therefore, I invite your critique and suggestions.
As I mentioned in the “About Me” spot on the site, this blog has grown out of an incredible sadness about how issues were handled at my church by certified biblical counselors. Up until a few weeks ago, I knew next to nothing about different schools of Christian thought about counseling. I learned, to my dismay, that the counselor paid by ME (I tithed, after all) was a certified nouthetic counselor. As I read about this curious brand of “biblical” counseling, I looked into various approached to handling problems in the church, including marital problems like abuse and infidelity, depression and anxiety, addiction, and child-rearing.
My major concerns with this nouthetic counseling are as follows:
- The encompassing thought that anyone who needs to seek biblical counsel is suffering as a result of SIN.
- The disregard for modern psychiatric medicine, including antidepressants and antipsychotics.
- The reactionary and stubborn negative stance against all psychoanalysis ascribed to by “non-Christian” psychologists.
- The refusal to acknowledge emotional and verbal abuse AS ABUSE.
- The unsympathetic and legalistic confrontational method of “biblical counsel.”
This is my jumping off point. I assure you that this blog isn’t intended to be JUST a rant against nouthetic counseling. In fact, you will find I’m a big proponent of the saying “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!” There are some good, truthful concepts behind nouthetic counseling, but I also believe if one is seeking help, REFUGE in a time of storm, that there are false concepts that can do serious harm to those whose souls are in need of repair.
Next up: What exactly IS nouthetic counseling?
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2 comments:
I have to say that I don't necessarily agree with the blog. I believe that medication will not help people and that it just sedates people. Alcohol can do the same thing, which is why so many people suffering often also abuse substances, even Christians. I myself have been on psychiatric medications and was in and out of psych wards for about four to six years. Maybe not so long, but I am still only in my twenties so it's a long portion of my life. I believe that all our problems are a result of sin, but maybe not necesarily our own sin, although most of the time it is. I do want to add however that many times we sin and are not aware of it, as in the case of not trusting God, but choosing fear instead. BUT many times when we are so used to being in fear or in somr sort of sin, we need loving guidance to find healing and comfort. The process of healing will only begin when we come to Jesus for healing. One thing I do agree with you on, people do not need condemnation. They need love. May I direct you to the place where I found love and understanding and where I was pointed to Jesus and the cross for healing of "bipolar disorder" "chemical depression" suicidal thoughts.
www.deeperlove.ca
I have been completely off medications for five years now and do not struggle with any addictions. Praise God for his mercy and healing of my emotions!
I find it interesting that you say you "believe that medication will not help people and that it just sedates people." I have been on and off antidepressants for over 13 years. They have helped me tremendously. They do not sedate me. They enable me to think clearly and be more even keeled on the inside so that I can deal with life. I don't believe medication is the answer for everyone, nor do I think it should always be sought out first, but for some - it is necessary and very helpful. If you had pneumonia, would you go to the cross for healing or would you go see your doctor. I am not saying you shouldn't pray. I believe prayer is the first thing we should do, but to neglect the doctor that the Lord has provided you with or not take the medication that you need to get better would be absurd. The Bible says to love the Lord your God with all your soul, mind and strength. Why do we not consider the mind to be a part of the body? You stated "I believe that all our problems are a result of sin" What, then, are your thoughts about Mark 9:2-3. The disciples asked Jesus who sinned - the man or his parents that he should be born blind. Jesus answered that neither had sinned, but his blindness was in order that the works of God might be displayed in Him. Doesn't that clearly show that our problems are not always a result of someone's sin?
I agree that we need loving guidance to find healing and comfort. Sometimes God uses a doctor and medicine to be part of the process.
I firmly believe that Jesus can heal anyone of anything. I also know that sometimes He chooses not to heal here on earth or in the way we would like or think He should.
I have seen first hand how some in the Christian community hurt people that deal with depression as well as other problems. I'm thankful that the Lord doesn't let us down like we let each other down.
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