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Biblical Ethics PSYCHOLOGY
Secular psychology is not a theology, 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.
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. Christians are acquiring the
terminology of Psychology, i.e., sin is labeled
as dysfunction. Psychology’s solutions and remedies are often unquestioned
when 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. 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. 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). |