Page 118 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 5

The Society for Christian Psychology

I wrestled with understanding the human condition, my supervisor
and mentor challenged me to include observations made in various
areas of life and include knowledge from various disciplines. My for-
mal introduction to Christian psychology came at a conference the
following year.
In listening to Eric Johnson speak on his text, Foundations for Soul
Care, the premise for Christian psychology resonated and I realized
that this was the approach I had been looking for.
When asked what I want from Christian psychology, my seemingly
simplistic response is actually rather complex. For the sake of space,
I will be brief.

1. Develop the dialogue.
Thinking broadly about the human condition, including areas of Shannon Wolf (USA)
pathology, healing, and health is a hallmark for Christian psy- Ph.D., Licensed Pro-
chology. Voices from this group have the opportunity to change fessional Counselor,
the larger dialogue in the mental health field. An important part Associate Professor,
of the discourse must be to include all observations made in the Master of Arts in
various disciplines. Each discipline offers a distinct perspective Counseling, Dallas
of human nature. To ignore any avenue of legitimate insight is Baptist University.
folly. Therefore the task is to assist all mental health professionals
in developing a mental framework for gathering and synthesi-
zing information.
2. Congruency in the therapist.
Too often, the science of psychology is completely void of spi-
ritual truths. Thus, Christian clinicians find themselves adding
those cherished beliefs to secular knowledge. In an earlier article,
I referred to this practice as “adding Jesus and stirring” – a prac-
tice that devalues our faith and one that many Christians right-
fully resist. Unfortunately, the result of such behaviors is a com-
partmentalization of the therapist’s worldviews and the science
of psychology. Christian psychology allows for a reconciling of
a person’s foundational spiritual beliefs and their personal relati-
onship with God, with the practice of psychology.
3. Practical application in the therapy room.
As Christian psychology continues to develop a well-articulated
theory, there comes an increasing danger of not paying atten-
tion to the practical application. Dr. Rick Yount once observed
that theory without practice is meaningless and a useless pur-
suit. Christian psychology is far from meaningless and has the
ability to help clinicians become excellent therapists by have a
more complete understanding of those we minister to. Therefore,
Christian psychology theorists must answer the question of “so
what?” There must be a practical application to all theory or the
theory is nothing more than dry knowledge.

Over the past several years, I have been blessed to witness and par-
ticipate in the growth of Christian psychology in the U.S. While we
have made great in-roads, there is still a long way to go. May our
efforts be to the glory of God.

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