Secular psychology is not a religion, yet it defines both
God and man. The existence of God is denied and man is perceived as basically
good, without sin. Therefore, there is no perceived need for judgment or
atonement of sin. Christ’s death for sinful man becomes meaningless and
unnecessary. Secular psychology is based on atheism and evolution. It is
important to contrast the relativism of psychology with the absolutes of
Scripture.
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PSYCHOLOGY
(relative)
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BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY (absolute)
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Goals
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“socialization”, “normal” or “average”
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salvation by faith in Christ (Eph.
2:8,9; John 3:16)
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Origin
of Man
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evolution
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creation (Gen. 1:26, 27; John 1:3; Col. 1:16
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Characteristics
of
Man
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body, soul (psyche),
no spirit
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body, soul, human spirit (1 Cor. 2:11)
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Nature
of Man
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innocent or good
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sinful (Rom 3:23)
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Control
of Man
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Self: cognitive therapy
Others: behavior
modification
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Filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:22-23)
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Destiny
of Man
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uncertain or none, no hope
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immortality (Heb. 9:27); eternity with God (1 John 5:11)
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Christians are acquiring the
terminology of Psychology, i.e., sin is labeled
as dysfunction. As the moral values of society Homosexuality, rather
than being sin, is considered to be an alternative lifestyle. Secular humanism is gaining
access into Christianity through psychology. Hypnotism, primal therapy,
meditation (yoga), visualization, human solutions to spiritual problems,
emphasis on self (self-image), higher consciousness, focus on experience, and a
lack of absolutes are all elements of psychology.
Psychology uses false premises that lead to erroneous
conclusions. Claiming to be a science, it uses scientific principles for the
observation of human behavior. Yet the evaluation of data is relative and
non-scientific. Relationships are encouraged as a solution to emotional
problems. Psychological theory and techniques can be merely human solutions to
spiritual problems and tend to mask the genuine issues.
Psychology’s solutions and remedies are often unquestioned
if they are accompanied by Scripture verses. For example, a good self-image
becomes acceptable and even desirable if it is acquired through a focus on the
work of Christ.
A solution that works (i.e.
solving relationship problems) is not necessarily a biblical solution. There is
a temptation to sacrifice the best for the good. We often accept human rather
than supernatural methods of dealing with problems in our lives. As believers in
the Lord Jesus Christ, we must accept the challenge of Scripture to compare
every teaching with Scripture (Acts 17:11).
Christian
psychologists and psychiatrists who claim psychological theories and
therapy are necessary to deal with human issues ignore the fact that for
thousands of years, the Bible has been sufficient. The inspired Word of God is as relevant and useful today as
when it was written.
‘For
My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Neither
are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.
‘For
as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So
are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts’ (Isa. 55:8).
"All
Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be
adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16).
