A COMPARISON OF PSYCHOLOGY WITH BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY
Postmodernism’s emphasis on that which is relative, relational and relevant makes many eager adherents of the practices of psychology. Claiming to be a science, psychology uses scientific principles for the observation of human behavior. Yet the evaluation of data is often relative and non-scientific.
Psychology is not a theology, yet it attempts to define both God and man. The existence of God is denied and man is perceived as basically good, without sin. Therefore, there is no need for judgment or atonement of sin. Christ’s death for sinful man becomes meaningless and unnecessary.
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.
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).
The purpose of psychology appears to be ”know thyself” with a goal to the betterment of mankind. Most psychological theories seek to explain why people do what they do, and how they can become whole. There is an emphasis on self-help and a specially trained, insight-oriented therapist.
Psychology depends upon relationships and self-introspection. It is problem oriented. Needs become paramount in one’s life. However, in direct contrast is the biblical admonition to know and love the Lord God, creator of self.
Secural humanism is gaining access into Christianity through psychology. Hypnotism, recollection, dream therapy, meditation (yoga), visualization, human solutions to spiritual problems, emphasis on self (self-image, abortion), higher consciousness, primal therapy, 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. Relationships are encouraged as an solution to emotional problems. Psychological theory and techniques are be merely human solutions to spiritual problems and tend to mask the genuine issues. There is a danger of accepting 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).
“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).
