Theory Critique Crabb and Hawkins

Running head: CRABB AND HAWKINS THEORY CRITIQUE

Crabb and Hawkins Theory Critique

Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb and

A Model for Guiding the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins

Summary

According to Dr. Larry Crabb, the goal of counseling is to promote Christian maturation by helping people enter into a deeper level of worship and a more effective life of service. Christian maturity is developed by dealing with immediate problem circumstances in a manner that is dependable upon Scripture: MOVE AND OVER and by developing an inward character that conforms to the character (attitudes, beliefs, purposes) of Christ: MOVE UP (Crabb, 1977, p. 29). Crabb believes that trying to find happiness is like trying to fall asleep. In other words, as long as you are consciously trying to find happiness, it will never come. Crabb believes that true happiness regarding solving one’s problems results from wanting to be in deeper a relationship with God. One can do this by effectively pleasing God through worship and service (p. 21). Crabb states that “personal happiness must be seen as a by-product, not a goal”. The by-product of happiness is wonderfully available to those whose goal is to please God at every moment (p. 22).

Only the maturing believer is entering more deeply into the ultimate purpose of his life, namely, worship and service (p. 22). According to Crabb maturity involves two elements: (1) immediate obedience in specific situations and (2) long-range character growth. Titus 3:5 states that “If I am to become psychologically whole and spiritually mature, I must understand clearly that my acceptability to God is not based on my behavior rather on Jesus’ behavior”. “I am accepted as I am because my acceptability has nothing to do with how I am or how I was yesterday or how I will be tomorrow (p. 25)”. All who are justified will one day be glorified. Our justification (past) and...