Table of Contents
Spiritual Counseling Doctrines
The Doctrine of Christ
The Secret to Doctrines of spiritual counseling starts with Christ. The doctrine of Christ eloquently begins with Jesus revealing His true identity to Simon Peter (Matt 16:13-17). Clinton and Hawkins exegetic this Scripture by describing Jesus the man and Jesus the God. Clinton and Hawkins stated, Jesus took on human flesh and was born as a man but did not give up His divine nature to do so.[1] Clinton and Hawkins also posit that Jesus the man maintained His divine status from His birth to His death and resurrection.[2]
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Phil 2:6-8
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Tim 3:16
Clinton and Hawkins posit, “Christ himself finished this work of substitutionary atonement for the sins of mankind in His death and resurrection.”[3] Two realities made this atonement necessary, argued Clinton and Hawkins, and both still exist today: 1) mankind was so lost in sin and depravity that we could do nothing to save ourselves, 2) God’s perfect holiness demanded a judicial remedy for sin—someone has to pay, and it is either the sinner who pays or Christ, who took our place and paid the deadly penalty.[4]
When Jesus, therefore, had received the vinegar, he said, IT IS FINISHED: and he bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.
John 19:30
Because of the fall of man and his deprived state, Jesus has left a comforter, a helper, and an advocate (John 14:16-17).
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
The doctrine of the Holy Spirit describes five steps to help the counselor see the work of the Holy Spirit, the most important step was to discern the root issues and problems of the client by giving the counselor specific words of knowledge and wisdom.[5] However helpful the Holy Spirit is, the Spirit is quenched if the presence of unrepented and willful sin exists.
The Doctrine of Sin
The doctrine of Sin is the lack of conformity to the law of God in the act, disposition, or state.[6] Sin is not merely a bad choice or a descriptor for certain evil deeds. Rather, sin in its biblical and theological setting describes behaviors, motives, and a state of alienation from God.[7] Spiritual transformation is a process for both counselor and counselee; this process entails a submissive heart and a determined mind.
Psychological Counseling
The Secret to Doctrines of spiritual counseling is also closely linked with psychological Counseling.
This section will review three different approaches
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy,
- Evidence-Based Practices, and
- Theory of Planned Behavior
of psychological counseling, all of which have a common theme of relationships and collaboration between the client and counselor.
Clinton and Hawkins argued the concept of client homework is pivotal to change behavior, which is closely identified with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).[8] For example, CBT emerges from behavior in which activities outside the counseling session are designed to promote the generalization of targeted behaviors across environments.[9]
Clinton and Hawkins argued the effectiveness of CBT by stating, “CBT is one of the most empirically researched therapeutic approaches, partially due to the structured model, which includes several observable and quantifiable behavioral strategies.”[10] Furthermore, the collaboration methodology in CBT is efficient in changing the way one thinks, which results in a positive change in behavior.[11]
A continuing battle over implementing Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) can be attributed to the clinician’s lack of basic knowledge and skills to disseminate effective practices. The execution of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) extends beyond the clinicians to a team of service providers. Organizational barriers, such as poor leadership, insufficient collegial support, and bureaucratic constraints hinder the team’s effort to execute and maintain evidence-based practices.[11a] Clinicians who desire to implement evidence-based programs into their practice should have mastered a basic set of competencies.
EBP is a holistic approach, which entails CBT to understand the ex-offender’s thought process, specifically negative thoughts of depression and anxiety. EBP operates similar to treating a cancer patient; for example, if a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the patient’s diet, habits (i.e., sports, reading), medical history, family history, family support structure, and spiritual beliefs are treated along with cancer. Through this understanding, psychologists can help ex-offenders cope with fears of reentering society through a holistic approach, ultimately reducing the recidivism rate.
The theory of planned behavior is used to predict a person’s behavior through the person’s intentions.[12] Theory of planned behavior (TPB) has three direct components;
- Attitude,
- subjective norm, and
- perceived behavioral control.
These three components directly influence a person’s intention to perform the behavior.[13]
When clients have a positive attitude towards a behavior, perceive the significant others (clinician) to endorse the behavior, and believe they control their behavior, the individual’s intention is better, and the behavioral outcome is positive. TPB has been used in the substance abuse field to examine the clinician’s motives and not the client’s.[14] Kelly, Deane, and Lovett define TPB as the approach to integrating clinical information and scientific evidence to improve psychological interventions and therapeutic relationships, which provides optimum treatment outcomes for the clients.[15]
McMinn argues what comes first, Christian thinking or secular thinking; while this intellectual debate continues, integrationists recognize that some fundamental truths can only come from Scripture, and these truths shape the way we understand the world. [16] In addition, McMinn posits that “Scripture proclaims that left to themselves human beings are prone to self-deceit.”[17]
Furthermore, McMinn (2011) explains, “the Bible is the clearest and complete source that we have for understanding the fundamental issues of human purpose.”[18] There are two end goals between therapy and theology, which complement each other. For example, theology’s epistemology is a revelation, and psychology’s epistemology is empirical. [19] In addition, one is ephemeral (psychology), while the other (theology) is eternal. Having a mental understanding of God’s purpose in the Christian’s life will assist people (ex-offenders) in living life according to God’s view of the world.
Spiritual Formation
McMinn advised “a balanced sense of self, brokenness, and a close relationship with God and others brings maturity and health.”[20] Redemption (See Colossians 1:13-14) and spiritual transformation (See Romans 12:1) has two key factors: psychological and theological.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
James 5:15
Faith mentioned in the previous Scripture is the theological aspect of healing (which is believing). At the same time, there is a psychological aspect that accepts the healing using our mental faculties. Therefore both these aspects are a pair; one does not happen without the other.
“Spiritual health, from a Christian perspective, is defined by the nature of one’s relationship with God.”[21] Logical health also requires a capacity for an intimate relationship with others. [22] However, before healing begins, the psychological act of asking for forgiveness and believing in God (training, not trying) with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul (Luke 10:27) is paramount.
It must be accomplished before the actual healing through the Holy Spirit takes place. This is referred to as the theology aspect of the role of God as faithful to His Word. For example, the woman with the issue of blood found in Luke 8:40-47 had to overcome her psychological fears of being rejected to receive supernatural healing, theology. The Bible is replete with Scriptures regarding the theological aspect of healing, for example, pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), as for me, I shall call upon God, and He Lord will save me (Psalm 55:16), Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me (Psalm 55:16).
[1] Tim Clinton and R. Hawkins, The popular encyclopedia of Christian counseling: An indispensable tool for helping people with their problems. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers. Kindle, 31.
[2] ibid., 31.
[3] ibid., 31.
[4] ibid., 32.
[5] ibid., 34.
[6] ibid., 40.
[7] ibid., 41.
[8] ibid., 455.
[9] ibid., 131.
[10]ibid., 455.
[11]ibid., 455.
[11a] Patrick W. Corrigan, Leigh Steiner, Stanley G. Mccracken, Barbara Blaser, and Michael Barr, “Strategies for Disseminating Evidence-Based Practices to Staff Who Treat People With Serious Mental Illness,” Psychiatric Services 52, no. 12 (2001): 1600.
[12]Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, and Megan J. Lovett, “Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Examine Residential Substance Abuse Workers Intention to Use Evidence-Based Practices.,” Psychology of Addictive Behaviors 26, no. 3 (2012): 663.
[13]ibid., 663.
[14]ibid., 663.
[15]ibid., 663.
[16]M. R. McMinn, M. R., Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (Rev. ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 2001,. 277.
[17]ibid., 277.
[18]ibid., 278.
[19]ibid., 279.
[20]ibid., 932.
[21]ibid., 1035.
[22]ibid., 1035.
The Secret to Doctrines of spiritual counseling
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