Psychotherapy - A Bane To Christianity?

Neuroses and pyschoses have been recognised clinically as medical disorders for much longer than you really think. Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychology has been making waves with his field of work in pyscho-analysis since the late 1800s.

With the world moving at a constantly increasing pace, it is no wonder that some people find difficulty in keeping up. It may just be natural selection, if you choose to think of it that way. But there is no denying the fact that more people are being infected with acute anxiety, depression and paranoia (just to name a few common examples). So it is not a surprise to see an increasing number of therapists and counsellors serving in various organisations, and an increasing number of people who consult them.

One of my mentors once made this statement that really, how shall I put it, really made me think alot. 'True christians do not suffer from depression (mental disorders)'

Some conservatists have adopted this stand, that is while the counselor is the central figure in pyschotherapy, the Bible's teaching on the care of souls describe no such central figure. The Bible only speaks of encouraging one another and discipling new believers. According to them, this stands in stark contrast to counselors who 'substitute human wisdom for the wisdom of God', which would ultimately mean to fail to love. Sounds scary, ain't that so?

But isn't it true that God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline which would guide us to withstand the ways of the world? And we can't claim to believe that until it shows in our lives. So if someone were to be stricken with depression and anxiety one day, does it mean that he is not strong in his faith?

Well, I believe (and it's true) that God has made us in His image, and so, we shouldn't be discarding pyschotherapy as mere 'human wisdom' but a gift from above to help us in dealing with situations in life. It is highly doubtful that pyschotherapy is meant to substitute God. Well, even the very scriptures in the Bible has been misused to go against God, in uprising of cults and secret societies. So I guess there's hardly a case to argue.

Furthermore, if your life were to crash down and smash into pieces, how helpful would it be for someone to come to you and say, 'Turn to Jesus', 'Repent!' or even the more commonly heard, 'you should pray about it'. Wouldn't that make christians seem like how Job's friends were to him when in times of need? Simply hypocritical and stuck up!

So instead of discarding pyschotherapy, it should be used in accordance to the Truth to help those in need. Theories and technicalities are often some of the many things that the traditional disregard. But they have been tried and tested and should be used to allow others to benefit, in the name of Truth.

Besides, to put down christians who suffer from depression is to bring judgement upon yourself. 'If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Just as hard as it is for christians who struggle with desires of the flesh, I believe it is much tougher for those who face the daily stress and pressure in life and not to crumble.

Our central figure is the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts. Thus it also our duties to encourage one another in times of crisis.

Are you a friend??

Some info had been extracted from http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/methods.htm