Faith in Jesus Christ and the Word of God vs. Psychological Interventions

Isn't Psychology Just Another Fad?

Psychology may be regarded in the American culture as the "go to" for mental health but the limitations are so significant and the "scientific" nature of psychological theories so unscientific (subjective), how can these be relied upon for our well-being at the core of our nature? Psychology falls short of delivering the profound hope and support found in scripture and faith in Jesus Christ because of the foundational inaccurate premise. Tabula rasa vs. the truth of our sin nature. In my bachelors and masters programs in psychology, we are indoctrinated with many unscientific theory that touts the human as being a "blank slate" or tabula rasa. When in reality, we are born with a sin nature due to the fall of Adam & Eve. And it is only in the last 150 years or so that the Bible has been denigrated to the meaningless, and psychology has taken root over biblical counsel in the church. But the Bible and the Word of God have prevailed in far worse conditions over the course of history and it will continue to prevail.

Our Spiritual Foundation & Original Sin

Human existence is not a matter of psychological phenomena; it encompasses God as our Creator and the sin nature of us as a fallen people that without this understanding we are lost as to how to solve our problems truly. The teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize faith, hope, love, and community, recognizing a divine purpose that transcends mere psychological analysis. Scripture asserts that faith provides answers to existential questions and guidance in distressing times—elements that psychology may address temporarily but cannot fulfill in their entirety.

Scriptural Assurance vs. Psychological Perspective

While psychology may diagnose and treat symptoms of distress, give you a tidy DSM label, biblical teachings extend beyond this limitation. God offers us, all who come to him comfort in the promise of salvation and eternal life through faith (Matthew 11:28-20). Romans 15:13 emphasizes this, stating, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” This scriptural assurance instills a sense of purpose that psychological overlook. Furthermore, the reliance on faith in God adds a layer of spiritual resilience during life's trials that psychological methods alone do not provide.

Conclusion: The Word of God is sufficient

In conclusion, 2 Timothy 3:15-17 tells us that all Scripture is "God-Breathed," written through men by the Spirit of God, and can give us all we need for life. It is essential to recognize that psychology is a manmade, and therefore limited, theory which does not address our core sin nature. In fact, psychology is diametrically opposed to the Bible because at its core is humanism and the desire to satisfy the individual not to Glorify God. The teachings of Jesus and the Word of God provide a comprehensive approach that the Bible alone can offer. For individuals seeking profound peace and answers to their soul’s yearning, turning towards scripture and faith in Jesus Christ emerges as a fulfilling choice beyond worldly, atheistic psychological theories.

In the same way that James 4:4 tells us that love of the world is being an enemy of God and we cannot leave this area of our lives to be handled by psychological principles that are not rooted in Christ.

"In a culture inundated with pop psychology and scientism, we serve our counselees well by holding up God's Word as containing all that we need for life and godliness." (ACBC)