Crabb Theory

Crabb and Hawkins Theory Critique

Teressa Hairston

Liberty University

Theology and Spirituality in Counseling

COUN 507

March 31, 2012

Crabb and Hawkins Theory Critique

Crabb’s (1977) book entitled Effective Biblical Counseling, provided a model of counseling that could be integrated into the functioning of the local church. Crabb believed that any approach to counseling grounded in the bible is effective when carried out in the context of a local community of believers. He also believed that “a seriously neglected truth in most Christian counseling efforts is that the basic biblical reason for wanting to solve your personal problem should be that you want to enter into a deeper relationship with God, to more effectively please Him through worship and service” (Crabb, 1977. p. 21).

Crabb mentioned that maturity involved two elements. (1) immediate obedience in specific situations, (2) long-range character growth (p. 23). He informed the reader that “one must grasp the biblical starting point in ones quest for maturity as nothing is more crucial to an effective counselor than a clear awareness of its foundation” (p.23). Crabb stated that Christian experience begins with justification which is the act by which God declares one to be acceptable and ends with glorification which occurs when one’s imperfections will be gone and they enter into heaven (Crabb, 1977, p. 23- 24). Crabb (1977) also explained that between the time of justification and glorification one is to walk in the path of obedience (p.25).

References

Crabb, L. J., Jr. (1977). Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians

become capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House

Hawkins, R. E. (Speaker). (2006). Model for guiding the counseling process. (Streamed video

lecture). Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University.