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1 Combatants and Antagonism Assignment School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University PSYC420: Psychology and Christianity (D03) Dr. Gilbert Franco November 29, 2023 Combatants and Antagonism

2 While it can be argued that there are some secular ideals present in the science of psychology, it is not necessarily true that psychology and Christianity are incompatible. As a Christian professional, one must take care to use their vocation to glorify God, but not all non- biblical knowledge is bad. Nor are those who practice Christianity neurotic or abnormal. The antitheses of the previous two statements seem to be at the heart of any enmity between Christianity and psychology. Regardless, both secular assumptions about the relationship between Christianity and psychology and the nouthetic counseling movement are concerning. Christianity, Psychology’s Nemesis There are several secular assumptions that influence the field of psychology that are concerning. First, one would be remiss not to acknowledge that there are several well-known psychology pioneers who were openly opposed to religion of any sort. Famous psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Albert Ellis argued that practicing religion was essentially a sign of neuroticism (Entwistle, 2021, pp. 210-211). Such assumptions lead others who are not educated in the field of psychology to assume that it is a purely anti-religious field. Also, even when one works diligently to appear neutral in the Christianity-versus- psychology debate, one’s values will still be clear in the psychotherapeutic process (Entwistle, 2021, p. 211). Anti-religious sentiments or statements could be disparaging to clients and cause them to feel like they are being mocked and judged. If a psychologist is hostile toward religion and spirituality, they risk alienating their client and damaging the therapeutic alliance altogether. It is especially important to mention that religious beliefs do not necessarily equal psychopathology; rather, there is empirical evidence to suggest a positive correlation between mental health and religion or spirituality (Entwistle, 2021, p. 212). Therefore, for a professional to equate religion to psychopathology would be erroneous and potentially harmful.

3 Another concern regarding the influence of secular assumptions on the field of psychology is that non-religious mental health professionals may give advice to their Christian clients that is divergent from Scripture’s teachings (Entwistle, 2021, p. 215). This may lead to hostility from the client toward psychology or possibly the client questioning their faith. Similarly, assumptions such as Freud’s belief that truth, or logos, is the only god worth serving is a form of idolatry (p. 211). So, there is concern present for the spiritual well-being of the secular psychologist. Psychology and the Nouthetic Movement The author of this essay has several concerns regarding the nouthetic movement. First and foremost, nouthetic counseling is not based on empirical evidence; instead, those who engage in the practice of nouthetic counseling base their practices on their own assumptions (Entwistle, 2021, p. 216). Second, the nouthetic movement rejects God’s sovereignty over everything, including knowledge. Both psychology and Christian theology belong to Him. Moreover, God created psychology when He created humans. Because of the fall and mankind’s sinfulness, psychotherapy may be necessary to overcome the brokenness of the human body and soul (Entwistle, 2021, p. 198). Another concern is that leaders of the nouthetic movement claim that the Bible alone is sufficient for everything (p. 198). While the Bible is useful as a guide to and the standard of the Christian faith, Scripture never claims to be a sufficient resource for meeting every medical, psychological, or emotional need (Entwistle, 2021, p. 219). Furthermore, scripture does not proscribe good, God-given resources, including science (p. 221). Similarly, the nouthetic movement is potentially dangerous. The Bible is useful for helping to heal spiritual wounds and

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4 to strengthen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is not sufficient in treating those with serious mental illnesses. Nouthetic leaders have been known to discourage counselees from seeking professional mental health care. Entwisle even cites a case where such actions were linked to a young man’s suicide because the counselee was discouraged from seeking the urgent care he needed for his suicidal ideations (2021, pp. 222-223). Those who engage in such practices are guilty of malpractice but also of not caring for a fellow human being. Lastly, the nouthetic movement is worrisome because those who subscribe to its practices and teachings are allied with the Bible, not with God, who inspires all Scripture and useful knowledge. One could argue that this is a form of idolatry since they are fixated on the words in the Bible rather than the Author. Conclusion In conclusion, as demonstrated above, the enemies model for integrating Christianity and psychology is useless and does nothing to further the spiritual or psychological well-being of mankind. Instead of rejecting either subject in favor of the other, it is perhaps more useful to take an allied approach. All truth has been provided by God and is subject to His sovereignty (Entwistle, 2021, p. 198). A model where one is allied to their Creator allows them to seek all knowledge in a way where they are following the truths of God’s word while recognizing limitations and thus using that truth for God’s glory (p. 199). References

5 Entwistle, D. (2021). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (4th ed.). Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers.

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