The Effectiveness of Biblical Counseling in the 21st Century

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

Most contemporary psychologists, including many Christians, assume that psychology is necessarily a secular discipline one that must avoid taking any metaphysical or religious positions with reference to their studies such has been the success of modern psychology in defining the field according to its own metaphysical and epistemological assumptions. Modern psychologists, of course, are entitled to define the field as they wish. However, the philosophical resources of the Christian tradition particularly the contributions of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas point towards a very different understanding of psychology. The following is a very preliminary outline of a philosophy of science, generally derived from their epistemology, for a psychology that takes the triune God and his revelation in the Christian Scriptures seriously with reference to a science of individual human beings a psychology defined according to Christian assumptions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Definition of Terms4

Effectiveness4

Psychology4

Secular counseling5

Biblical counseling/Christian counseling6

21st century time frame7

History Review7

Christian Counseling Evolve9

Pros and Cons of Counseling13

School of Thought18

Purpose of the Study33

CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE34

Attributes of an effective counsellor34

Counseling and behavior39

Capitalize on Strength67

Psychology as Parasitic on the Bible68

General Revelation69

God Centered Idea70

Counseling and failing marriages72

CHAPTER 3: CHRISTIAN COUNSELING AND THE CHURCH76

Biblical counseling and Christian Counseling76

Group Counseling importance79

Scriptures in Counseling82

CHAPTER 4: CHRISTIAN COUNSELING IN THE COMMUNITY89

Counseling need and community89

Counseling effectiveness101

CHAPTER 5: THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGY ON CHRISTIAN COUNSELING110

Psychology understanding110

How Counseling helps118

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS143

Conclusion143

Implications154

Recommendations166

REFRENCES173

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Counseling could be defined as the process of receiving sound advice and guidance in one particular area or field from an individual who is knowledgeable as well as experienced in the given area, and similarly, counselor is an individual with knowledge and experience in the said field. It is essential to note that in addition the presence of information and knowledge, the counselor needs to have skills and expertise required to transfer the said information to the receiver effectively, ensuring that it is passed on in the right context and form. According to historians and other religious experts, counseling is a biblical concept that is linked to the ancient times, and it is due to the same reason that Jesus our Lord is also known as our Wonderful Counselor, with the purpose of providing guidance and direction to the followers. According to the teachings of Bible, parents are appointed as the first and foremost counselors for their children, and the same practice was emphasized in the patriarchal age. However, it should be noted that the same was not rightly practiced at that time, and Moses and Jethro are known as the first counselors mentioned ...