Page 25 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 7

Christian Psychology as a Challenge

Shannon Wolf (USA)
Comment on “On Shannon Wolf
(USA)
Ph.D.,
Christian Psychology: Licensed Pro-
fessional Coun-
An Interview with Russ selor, Associate

Kosits“ Professor, Ma-
ster of Arts in
C ouns eling ,
Dallas Baptist
University.
It is not uncommon for Christian clinicians to
not fully grasp the foundational tenets of Chri-
stian psychology. After all, it appears to be a fair- a shift in professional assumptions that will in
ly new addition to the world of mental health turn lead to a transformation in our approach
and often not included in the regular course to scholarship.
work of graduate schools. For this reason I tend In asking if Christian therapists truly believe
to take note when someone presents Christian that God is right and that the Christian world-
psychology in a clear and precise manner. This view is the only view that makes sense of the
is exactly what happened in Werner May’s in- world around us, Kosits calls for the Christi-
terview of Russ Kosits. In this interview, Kosits an community to humbly engage society and
expertly articulated the finer points of Christian confront worldview bias. He exposes and then
Psychology. challenges the world’s assumption that Christi-
ans should not bring their worldview into the
In describing the concept of a transdisciplinary marketplace, science, or the practice of mental
approach to scholarship, Kosits contends that health. Again, a major hurtle in this endeavor is
for the Christian professional, Scripture should overcoming the acceptance of this bias by Chri-
guide all philosophical discussions and under- stian professionals. It seems that Christian psy-
standings of human nature. He calls for a new chology is battling for the minds of the Christi-
mindset that would make this approach the an therapist – a daunting task, indeed.
norm as opposed to the notion that Christian
psychology means sprinkling a little Christia- Kosits thoughtfully lays out his argument that
nity on top of secular approaches to scholar- our faith in Christ is foundational to who we
ship. Ultimately, he is arguing for an end to are as individuals and as professionals. Because
the compartmentalization of our faith and our of this, he calls for an ever-deepening personal
science. While the point is well made and ac- faith and understanding of our various Christi-
curate, the practice will not be easily achieved. an traditions so that we can inform one another,
Not only does higher education teach therapists sharpen our science, and engage our communi-
their craft, it also teaches the therapist how to ty. In truth, the ill-equipped professional only
think. Hence, Christian professionals are taught confirms the world’s notion that the Christian
to think in terms of compartmentalization and worldview has no place in mental health com-
indeed are told that this practice is the ethi- munity.
cal approach to good scholarship. That Kosits
challenges that notion as he prompts the rea-
der to explore the necessary steps in creating Article by Shannon Wolf see http://www.em-
a meaningful Christian psychology will likely capp.ignis.de/5/#/88
cause some readers to experience some dis-
comfort. Hopefully, his argument will lead to

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