Psychology and Theology in Christian Counseling

1005 Words5 Pages
Psychology and Theology in Christian Counseling Summary Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, by Mark R. McMinn (2011) is the McMinn’s second edition. In this book McMinn (2011) dives into the confusion and values surrounding religion in the counseling office and the mapping needed to promote psychological and spiritual health. McMinn (2011) then provides an examination of Christian values within the counseling office. McMinn (2011) points out that religion in the counseling office is not just a topic of debate among counselors but it is also an area of confusion for many clients. Integration of psychology and theology faces many challenges. McMinn (2011) suggests that competent Christian counselors should not only be well educated in theology and psychology, but also have a firm understanding of Spirituality. In order for a counselor to have competency in all areas required to make an effective counselor they must expand their training to include education that enriches their spiritual side (McMinn, 2011). In counseling the majority of the worldview is mostly secular. McMinn (2011) suggests that Christian counselors should challenge the majority worldview and reinforce the Christian doctrine. However, the Christian counselor should not be quick to dismiss the secular worldview that stands on the basis of scientific evidence, but find a way to successfully integrate the two. McMinn (2011) indicates that there are also new challenges in defining Christian counseling. Many clients are confused as what Christian counseling really entails (McMinn, 2011). This confusion only further magnified because a majority of religious interventions are not widely accepted by the American Psychological Association due to their lack of scientific foundation (McMinn, 2011). There are many goal directives in Christian Counseling making it more
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