annotated-APA%20Comparison%20Paper%20%28Umiqua%29.docx
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
507
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
8
Uploaded by KidWaterQuail20
COMPARISON PAPER -BENNER
1
Comparison Paper for Benner
Uniqua Evans
Liberty University
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
2
Summary
Surrender to Love, By David Benner is a book that about the love that every Christian
should embrace for themselves. The author releases a heart felt depiction of how surrendering
themselves to obtain the love that God has to offer which requires them to surrender humbly.
The reader will find out how their lack of love can cause harm in their life and how God’s love
can transform their very life. However, they will also find out the how their will has the power to
change their life by simply surrendering.
Primary Goal
The goal that Benner had in his book discusses repentance and transformation in order to
surrender ourselves to Gods Love. He focuses the reader’s attention on seeking God than looking
for love in the wrong places. Through Benner’s perspective, surrendering other than to love
would be idiocy (Benner, 2015, p. 58). For this goal to be obtained, Benner believes that one
must be able to give love and also receive love willingly. As a result, this can be only be achieve
through the act of surrendering themselves to God.
Development of Problems and Personal Need
Benner illustrates that the issues that people have is their need to be love. He perceives
the problems of humans is their negated feelings of seeking love because it is something that
every human wants. He adds that their desire for love is mankind greatest personal needs for
relational connections and belongingness (p.15).
As a result, they will feel this void through
other ways which is why Benner says that they must be able to submit to God to fill the void in
their missing (2015). In order to resolve this issue, the individual will have to be able to seek
God love and give credit for Gods contribution towards their happiness.
Biblical Integration
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
3
In Benner book, he provides the reader with some scripture such as Romans 8:31-39 to
remind us that God is always with us (Benner, 2015 p. 68). He gives examples of how God love
is always there for us even when we feel that we do not deserve it or turn a blind eye to him. He
also gives the reader example of other bible characters on how God always shows that he was
there with his love. Benner provides us with these examples as ways of comforting readers that
may experience fears that God would not love them.
Formula for Change
Benner had a certain way of how he viewed the change for a client to grow into the best
version of themselves in a Christian manner. He believes that once the person completely gives
themselves or surrender to God then they can begin the process of change. He added that their
desire to progress in this change of surrendering created the positive outcome for the client. For
Benner, he believed that love is the motive what we will do (p. 58). Additionally, the right to
surrender requires an act of obedience in order to listen to Gods will (2015).
Balance of Theology and Spirituality
Benner had a view that is mixed with both theology and spirituality that can be seen in
this book. Benner give full credit to God through this book as the creator of everything (Benner,
2015). When he discusses how he counsels, he goes to spiritual advisement for aiding in the
change for the client that they desire. In his teaching, he informs the individual about
experiencing Gods love for themselves in order to experience the transformation (p. 29).
Human Personality
Benner disclosed the human nature desire to be loved and how they seek ways if
fulfilling the void. The author informs us how love is dangerous because it invites us to surrender
(Benner,2015, p. 45). Yet, he also reverts to the importance of God’s love for us through is
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
4
sacrifice to remind us of how much he loves us so abundantly. The void that the author
highlights shows how broken we have become and the measures that we go to on in our
desperation. However, he reminds us how God love for us is forgiving by simply surrendering to
him (p.47).
Counselor’s Function and Role
The role between the counselor and client is an equal genuine respect for each other aid
in the client journey. Benner wants the counselor to be embrace in a loving manner in order to be
able to give feedback that the client will be open to hear when it is time. Benner wants the client
to be able to shift their focus on God love for them so that can transform (2015). As the
counselor, their professional relationship will create a good safe space to express themselves
while giving them positive regard in return. Overall, the authors targets on our very basic need to
be loved which can only be fulfilled by God.
Major Contribution to Counseling
Benner contribution to counseling focus on the theme of the impact how Gods love can
bring transformation can heal our very need to be loved. He added that God brought his Son to
us and within doing so, Jesus brought us back to love (Benner, 2015, p.28). Benner method is
widely used in the local churches when it comes to counseling. He also shared similar views to
Jay Adams on psychotherapy when it came to including God. Benner did not turn away
psychology but however includes it when it can help with a client progression.
Limitations of This Counseling Theory
The boundary that Benner sets is the goal of fulfilling their spiritual need of finding the
love that they have searching for. However, there are flaws in Benner’s method. This would not
be successful to practice for someone who does not have a religious mindset. Also, his method
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
5
does provide a certain model that can used a guide to where the counselor can apply it in certain
stages. He leaves his method open for the counselor to use which can be challenging at certain
times.
As a result, this can leave room for errors to made.
Classification
Benner book classified more on a biblical approach and also had some theological views
as well. If I had to place him into a category, it would be nouthetic due to his goal similar to Jay
Adams. He also rejected secular psychology. Benner shared similarities to Jay Adams on
wanting the client to reflect on their themselves so that they can come to the realization of their
flaws. Also, Benner method is also informal as well on how to approach the client.
Practical Application
Utility for Counseling and Potential Personal Influence
When looking towards Benner approach, he method can be used to broken people such as
recovering addicts. Most of them are searching for a void and find themselves in a spiritual
group. Also, most of the people in recovery apply the Twelve Step model that acknowledged a
Higher Power. Since Benner approach is informal, his method can be applied freely to the
counselor and the client throughout their recovery. Additionally, Benner approach is having the
client be reminded how love we are while accepting his forgiveness. Forgiveness and acceptance
are important in the process of seeking Gods love. Also, people that battle with addiction can
find the love that they truly desire throughout their healing journey.
A decade ago, I went through a phase of depression. It is amazing that I can give a
testament to who I am now. Ten years ago, I went through a phase where I had felt very broken
inside but I had to keep pushing because I had a baby. I went through a emotional abusive
relationship that took the power that I had. When I became mother, I took the energy that I had
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
6
an left him. The break up left me in such tumoral of not being able to eat or sleep. I lost so much
weight. Yet, I still had to push myself for my daughter. I remember crying until there was no
tears left. My parents sent me to a counselor that was a minister because of how important my
faith was to me. I remember the person had me to recognize myself in a way that I never seen
myself before. I ended up rededicating my life to Chris. After a full year, I began to heal by
having good devotionals with myself and also developing a closer relationship to Gpd. I felt deep
peace that I can not explain. I also connected myself to women and peers who also shared the
same pain that I had and we channeled our pain in a healthy manner by praying. I am glad that I
found God for myself because I was in a place that I never want o experience again. When I fell
down on my knees to God, it was at that moment that I knew that I had no one but him.
Since I am minister, Benner method has been used without my relation. My husband and
I lead groups and the theme are normally about Gods love. There are so many people battling
problems such as depression, marital problem, family issues, and even work stress. People find
themselves coping in negative ways that cause more harm than resorting to the one God who can
help solve their problems. My favorite outreach is the recovery groups because there are people
that battle not only drugs but also eating disorders. The common problem is feeling a lack of love
from someone that started the cycle of their addiction. The best part of what I get to do is remind
them how loved they are by God even when they do not see it. Ministry that we have now is
about helping people find ways of loving God in order to love themselves. We recognize that
since has started with it God then it will end with him as well.
Brief Example in a Counseling Moment
Adams book can use widely in theological institutes and church on spreading the
importance on how surrendering leads to Gods love. In counseling session, Benner seeks to
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
7
expose us need to be love so that we can start the process. He can use during the time of
insecurities that we find ourselves fighting repeatedly. When a client views themselves as
worthless, the counselor can apply Benner method of surrendering ourselves to God. For
example, if I had a client with depression after a divorce. The client and I can discuss their self-
esteem and how they can start their path on focusing on God’s love for them. We all have
insecurities that we feel that we can not measure up to. However, we can find happiness knowing
that someone loves us unconditionally.
Conclusion
Benner is a wonderful teacher when it comes to bringing our focus on the very basic issue
that we all have. The desire to be love is the pattern that starts our very problem from the very
time that are born. He reminds us how this very basic need can cause multiple issues that can
only be filled through the very act of surrendering ourselves to God. Benner believes that the
spiritual connection or relationship can bring a complete healing. He leads his entire book based
upon the full faith of being obedience and how it requires surrendering. Also, he provides
comfort in letting the readers know that their insecurities are nothing to be ashamed of.
Additionally, Benner captivates the reader by leading them on a insightful journey that bring a
revelations in themselves.
Benner book is a spiritual novel to inspire the reader on shifting their focus. It also wants
the reader to find out about themselves through a series of reflections. However, it does not bring
attention to the how we can proceed with a model. Yet, it makes up to the reader by having to
reflect, refocus, and change their focus if they will. Benner did a good job with this book. Many
people cannot surrender because of past trauma. However, he does give the reader providing
comfort on making the effort with the God who will not let them down in their journey.
COMPARISON PAPER - BENNER
8
References
Benner, D. G. (2015).
Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality
.
Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. ISBN: 9780830846115.