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The paper will analyze the ideas and concepts covered in chapters four through six of Neff and McMinn's (2020) work. This essay addresses the themes of, atonement, mission, and God is with Us. These authors provide their opinions and firsthand experiences about the integration of religion and its influence on therapists during therapeutic sessions. By delving into each client's narrative, posing challenging questions, and taking into account real-world ramifications, they provide insightful ideas that will enable individuals to assist clients more effectively. In this paper, I will analyze each chapter and provide a brief synopsis of it. I will next provide my personal reflections and talk about how these chapters have influenced my experiences. Finally, I'll talk about how these chapters have expanded and improved my understanding of how the concepts have benefited my personal spiritual development. Summary In Embodying Integration (2020), Megan Anna Neff and Mark R. McMinn, a father-daughter writing partnership, employ conversation, personal experience, and engagement to aid readers in understanding the integration of psychology and religion. Mark McMinn is an active writer with a long career who teaches at George Fox University. Megan Anna Neff holds a master's degree in theology and is now pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology. McMinn and Neff offer a thorough perspective on the relationship of the two disciplines because of their shared methodology and life experiences. The overwhelming theme of this book is love, which shows us how to learn from one another and how to remain hopeful and empathetic in the face of difficult situations. This article will be a reflection on the preceding three chapters as well as a discussion of my experiences, spiritual insights, and personal progress. I'll talk about how atonement affects how we interpret forgiveness. I will discuss the mission of God, which is to save lost souls, and how he never abandons us in the face of life's uncertainties. Chapter 4: Considering Atonement Neff and McMinn (2020) assert that creating this chapter on atonement was one of their most challenging works since they had to make many alterations and became entangled in the intricate and contentious theological discussions around it, which date back over two thousand years. In the end, atonement brings about healing and a feeling of fulfillment with God, strengthening one's bond with him. The atonement chapter has emphasized how often God intervenes on our behalf to save ourselves, to the extent that it shapes our perception of him and this connection with him. The act of atonement, which brings back one's sense of completeness, is praying to God for forgiveness. Counselors must adjust to the viewpoints of their clients since atonement serves as a prism through which clients tell narratives about their pasts. According to Neff and McMinn (2020), atonement theology is important and influences how Christian counselors interact with their clients as well as themselves. The writers want to raise awareness of atonement narratives, and how they apply to our own lives and the lives of our clients, and how these tales have a significant impact on the work that counselors conduct. Neff and McMinn (2020), explain how we can get closer to the narratives our clients tell themselves and a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue and change by taking atonement into consideration. Atonement may be viewed from a variety of angles. The Christus Victor/ransom is an objective model and is the first viewpoint mentioned by the writers. According to this viewpoint, atonement is viewed through the prism of Christ's victory over sin, evil, and Satan, which results in human freedom and forgiveness. According to the ransom idea, Jesus' death was intended as a payment to Satan. The Moralistic theory is the next perspective, which is a paradigm of subjective atonement. The writers claim that this viewpoint is an individual's interpretation of

God's love that results in a change in one's religious convictions. This concept shows how God's selfless love may inspire individuals to turn from their sin and become more morally upright. The last viewpoint, known as "satisfaction/penal substitution," clarifies how atonement is portrayed as a source of dignity and "satisfaction." Neff and McMinn (2020), describe how a person might find joy in delivering a bigger gesture of kindness in response to an insult that has violated their honor. The alternative to this approach is punishment, which has developed into the doctrine of atonement known as punitive substitution. For the last few centuries, the punitive substitution theory has dominated thought. It is the most widely accepted model, but it also draws the most criticism and is most prone to distortions and misunderstandings. According to the writers, the meaning of the penal substitution varies greatly across individuals and is contingent upon the overall narrative. The main problem with this concept is that it goes against the notion of God as a loving creator. This metaphor creates a pessimistic viewpoint that highlights a distant, punishing God who is full of anger and judgment. Regretfully, this belief is held by many of the individuals who come into our therapy offices these days. One advantage of this paradigm, regardless of the drawbacks, is that atonement helps us recognize the significance of the pardon that Jesus has given people (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Another benefit of this worldview is that it encourages individuals to consider sin and acknowledge the damage it has caused. Chapter 5: Mission of God The mission of God is examined in this chapter, along with how counselors explain their faith with clients. The author starts the chapter by describing the challenging balance that must be achieved between following moral standards and our responsibility as Christians to spread the gospel. Neff and McMinn (2020), acknowledge the persistent sense of doing something drab and superficial in their therapeutic work because they were driven to connect with clients who were not Christians. The authors explained how they felt the clients were being left out of God's purpose and felt obliged to think about the greater story that might eventually lead to abundant and everlasting life. The Christian perspective on mission has been impacted by Neff and McMinn's (2020), explanation of how categories change our understanding of a phenomenon. The discussion of soteriology and mission clarifies how going out into the world to save lost souls is one of the most significant things we can do as Christians. As stated in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (NIV). This passage, which expresses God's compassion for the lost, exhorts believers to spread the good news of salvation. Our objectives are to complete the Great Commission, help people follow Jesus' teachings, and save lost souls. In the context of psychotherapy and counseling, Neff and McMinn (2020), assert that they commonly encounter the soteriological urge of purpose. They describe how the concept of a mission changes from something that individuals should do to assist others to something that counselors undertake in order to better carry out the mission to which the LORD has called them. Another field where mission has been examined is ecclesiology, or the study of the church. Church expansion, according to Neff and McMinn (2020), is more about sharing the teachings and heart of Jesus with a hurting world than it is about achieving the pinnacle of prosperity. The goal of Ecclesiology in the church is to show how people's many abilities come together to form a lovely community that is appealing to outsiders. The church's role in advancing the mission is to foster community support and development. It brings together the authority of the Bible, the

message of God, and communal acceptance. According to Lennan (2019), Ecclesiology gives an understanding of what it may mean to be a community of Christian faith in certain times and places by looking at the church's self-perception as it is reflected in its history, in official teaching, and in theological studies. Ecclesiology, like other doctrines, draws inspiration from God, who is "the liberating freedom of our freedom." Neff and McMinn (2020), claim that an ecclesiological perspective is prompted by an increase in the proportion of people who attend the same place of worship, hear the gospel taught, and recognize the authority of God. The primary force uniting and advancing ecclesiology and soteriology is the mission. Chapter 6: God with Us Neff and McMinn (2020), begin this chapter with the term "integration" and its implicit sense of wholeness. In this chapter, the question of "Where is God at during these uncertainties?" is raised in relation to the deep doubts that accompany existence. The authors of the book explain how each chapter explores the profound theological claim that we are not alone in our worries, suffering, and uncertainty. The word integration is used to suggest completion in this chapter, suggesting that integration is a common way for people to discover integrity, satisfaction, and pleasure. The ultimate source of knowledge and transformation for our shared existence is God's presence in our reality, which is the totality of integration. It takes courage for McMinn to admit that he has no idea how to "do" integration. He explains that in his understanding of integration, a relationship with the Spirit of God is necessary for the integrator, who is also referred to as the counselor. This is because integration is a sophisticated field designed to facilitate the mission of the Holy Spirit among our clients. According to Mark McMinn, if we go into counseling relationships expecting to be all-knowing and to be the ones to end all pain, then both ourselves and clients will suffer. However, if we approach the session with a greater sense of humility, as fellow travelers who comprehend complexity and sorrow, we are more likely to build a solid therapeutic alliance with individuals who come to us for assistance—one that manifests as real, healing relationships. Neff and McMinn (2020), explain the presence of God's Spirit throughout suffering. Regardless of what trials or tribulations we face or impediments that are beyond our power to surmount, God's Spirit is always there to encourage and comfort us. Integration may be accomplished in several ways. For example, Neff and McMinn (2020), explain how a simple act of prayer offered before, during, or after a session is a very beautiful and transformational part of the work, we do in our counseling offices. The word "Rauch" creates space and leads from cramped areas into vistas that are broad, transforming, and vital. Rauch challenges us to step into the wide domain of God's freedom and develop into fully realized beings. Christian therapists get a reassuring sense of security and peace from God's spirit as they navigate the dark and often frightening realm of the human experience. Reflection Studies show that religious clients prefer to work with religious counselors, and more and more therapists wish to include their faith into their therapy approaches. (Evans et al., 2021). After reading these last three chapters, I can honestly state that I was unaware of how little I knew about theology, spiritual integration, and how these ideas affect our viewpoints as Christian counselors. The writers' ability to convey their own unique challenges and experiences has been outstanding. These written works have broadened my own understanding and shown me how much more learning, developing, and changing I still must do. I have had the opportunity to

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observe the importance of the Holy Spirit's presence and how every approach incorporates it. Neff and McMinn (2020) have effectively restored the emphasis on our individual connection with God. They highlight the significance of a person's narrative and our beliefs and how they have a direct bearing on our opinions in therapy. They demonstrate how each person examines their own spiritual path through God's purpose and how God is always there for us even amid life's uncertainty. My Version of Atonement Every person has a story, and it is this story that forms their principles, values, and beliefs. Many things that are meaningful to an individual may be found in their life narrative. For clients to comprehend their own viewpoints, counselors must actively seek to grasp their story in addition to engaging in careful listening. A person's analysis of their tale is crucial to them since it is told from their point of view. As Neff and McMinn (2020) explain, the atonement, or the process of becoming whole and reconciled with God, is one of the most fundamental concepts in the Christian religion. The writers describe how the atonement's reality is enigmatic and lyrical, beckoning us to a closer connection with God. As stated by 1 John 2:2 “ He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (NIV). My narrative is distinct from most people's as I struggled with addiction for several years. I struggled with severe depression as a result of my traumatic upbringing, which I attempted to conceal by misusing powerful narcotics. According to Neff and McMinn (2020), there are several viewpoints on atonement, with the penal substitution model being the most frequently accepted. However, it is also the model that receives the greatest criticism since it contradicts the idea of God as a loving creator. This metaphor offers an unsettled perspective that emphasizes a distant, vengeful, and judgmental God. When I was using, I honestly didn't care to be in a relationship with God, and I didn't give my beliefs or my faith any thought. I had a lot of difficulties when I first started my path to drug recovery. I was so ashamed of myself that I was unable to bear to discuss my addiction with anyone. Even though I was making progress toward sobriety and addressing my mental health problems and depression, I felt ashamed that everyone saw me as basically a failure. I thought I had let myself and everyone else down. I found out early on in my recovery that I wasn't the only one who felt ashamed. In addiction support groups, almost everyone I encountered was incredibly embarrassed about their addiction. The biblical metaphor of penal substitutionary atonement views human transgression as an offense against God that requires retribution. According to Carlier (2023), The quest to break free from the shackles of addiction was hampered by the theological theory known as soteriology, which is best suited to the quest for emancipation from bondage. It wasn't until recently that I truly recognized how much the punitive substitution model fit with what I had been reading. I frequently felt like an outcast in my family and completely isolated. The religious concept of penal substitution, which demands punishment for wrongdoing, confused my own perceptions, making me believe that I didn't deserve sobriety and that my sins were an offense against God that needed to be atoned for immediately. At the time, I could understand how this metaphorical model could be interpreted as a literal representation of salvation, even if I no longer feel this way. There are a lot of metaphors in the gospel that point to reality, and in my opinion, atonement now looks like a healing and unification of God and mankind. Mission

At the beginning of the chapter, the author discusses the necessity of striking a careful balance between promoting the gospel and upholding moral values. Jesus's two main goals are to instruct his followers in prayer and to rescue amiss souls. Neff and McMinn (2020) argue that since rescuing lost souls and assisting others in adhering to Jesus' teachings is our ultimate objective, this is what we should strive for. Even if everything ultimately leads to an abundant and eternal existence, each person's unique experience could show how they are meant to contribute to the larger narrative of God's purpose. If someone cannot or will not embrace salvation, I think it may be difficult for them to accept the soteriological mission that is being told. I am aware that God's purpose is to save lost souls, but I can personally attest that a person may be more likely to reject salvation if they are not prepared to hear God's word or to be saved. Hawkins and Clinton (2015) state that in discussing God, his grace and purposes, and the biblical precepts of healing and progress, we must exercise caution so as not to outrage anybody. It is important to keep in mind that every person has a unique life story when completing this task. I can think of several instances prior to my salvation when friends and relatives attempted to share the gospel with me. Even though they were carrying out God's mission of sharing the gospel, I was not prepared to hear what God had to say. I became defensive and would shut down right away when someone tried to talk to me about becoming saved. It is not possible to convert someone to Christianity; instead, God transforms people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Neff and McMinn (2020) assert that ecclesiology in the church is to show how people's varied abilities come together to create a warm and inviting community for visitors. By encouraging community growth and support, the church fulfills its objective. When I was ready to start my spiritual journey, I went back to the church, and the kind and encouraging community there really assisted me in finding my path to salvation. As per Ephesians 1:18 “ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (ESV). Spiritual Formation The importance of a Christian counselor and their ability to observe a client's story and how it shapes their own viewpoints have been beautifully demonstrated in these chapters. It is our responsibility as Christian counselors to listen intently to our clients and try to comprehend their perspectives and circumstances. These chapters, in my opinion, have greatly expanded my understanding of theology and its application to counseling. As a Christian counselor, it is my responsibility to carry out my divine mission and assist people in walking in the truth and trust in God. I've come to the realization after reading these chapters that I am not an authority on God's word and that I never want to be. Rather, my knowledge of theology is and will always be changing. I want to keep my heart and soul open to the ways of the Lord. In order to provide theology from the perspective of the client's needs, I must approach counseling sessions with an open mind, just as Jesus ensured that he saved people's souls by teaching them in various ways. As I develop into a more mature and devout Christian, I want to continue learning about and putting biblical concepts and teachings into practice. I will be able to assist clients who are struggling on their own spiritual journey by knowing my personal relationship with Christ and being able to empathize to them as they uncover their own route to salvation. As per Ephesians 4:20-24 “But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your

former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (ESV). I recognize that every individual is on a unique spiritual path and healing journey, therefore as the client shares their experiences, I will refrain from passing judgment. As a Christian counselor, all I must do is provide my clients support and create a safe environment so they may be at ease with their own uncertainties. My viewpoint has grown wider, and my spiritual development has accelerated as a result of these books. I now know more about how to successfully combine theology and therapy because of the writers' open and honest sharing of their feelings. Conclusion The writers' opinions about the combination of treatment and religion reflect their personal experiences and observations. The act of atonement, which brings one's sense of wholeness back, is asking God for forgiveness. As stated in the mission chapter, our goal is to save lost souls and guide them to salvation. The final chapter emphasizes the importance of God and how he is with us through all of life's uncertainties. This book has shown us the might of the Holy Spirit and the advantages our clients could experience from having their religion integrated into therapy sessions. I could relate to these chapters and think back on how they impacted and inspired my spiritual development. As a Christian counselor, it is my duty to fulfill my divine calling and help others put their faith in God and live in the truth. I've learned from reading these chapters that I am not, and I never want to be, an expert on God's word. The writers have demonstrated that there will always be changes and advancements in our theological understanding. References Bible gateway passage: 1 john 2:2 - new international version . Bible Gateway. (n.d.-a). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A2&version=NIV 1 timothy 2: 3-4 NIV - - bible gateway. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=1%2BTimothy%2B2%3A%2B3-4&version=NIV Carlier, J. (2023). Penal substitutionary atonement and the problem of shame in addiction. Pastoral Psychology , 72 (5), 659–673. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-023- 01089-5

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Evans, C., Brown, D., & Davis, J. (2021). Professional counseling from a Christian worldview. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health , 24 (3), 309–326. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2021.1885004 Ephesians 1:18 ESV - - Bible Gateway. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Ephesians%2B1%3A18&version=ESV Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV - - Bible Gateway. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Ephesians%2B4%3A20-24&version=ESV Hawkins, R. (2015). The New Christian Counselor. Harvest House Publishers. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780736943550 Lennan, R. (2019b). Beyond scandal and shame? Ecclesiology and the longing for a transformed church. Theological Studies , 80 (3), 590–610. https://doi.org/10.1177/0040563919856370 Neff, M. A., & McMinn, M. R. (2020). Embodying integration : A fresh look at christianity in the therapy room . InterVarsity Press.

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