Theory Critique

In Effective Biblical Counseling, Dr. Larry Crabb describes the objective of a counseling session between a client and a Christian counselor as fundamentally self-centered (Crabb, 1977). For most the biggest concern in their minds is their happiness. As people deal with circumstances and challenges they tend to approach them from a happiness standpoint. Most people view the challenges they currently facing as barriers keeping them from been happy. Crabb reminds the reader that though there is nothing wrong in wanting to be happy. An obsessive obsession with happiness can obscure the biblical intent of our circumstances. In Dr. Crabb’s view many of the difficulties people faced are based on the way they interpret their experiences. In most cases as Christians we place a top priority not on becoming Christ like in the middle of our problems but on finding happiness. It is as we devote ourselves to the task of becoming more like Christ that joy and peace takes place in our lives (Crabb, 1977). A joy not determine on the outcome of my circumstances but on the person of Jesus Christ.

The mission of Christian counseling is drastically different from that of secular counseling. Most psychological theories accept a system where “human interests, values, and dignity predominate” (Crabb, 1977). This self-centered system leaves no room for the direction and providence of God. The ultimate goal under psychological methods is the promotion of a personal sense of well-being. In the other hand, the Christian counseling method must promote the character development of the person; thereby, promoting maturity, service and worship.

Dr. Crabb discusses four different approaches for the integration of psychology and theology. These approaches are: separate but equal, tossed salad, nothing buttery and spoiling the Egyptians. In the separate but equal approach a wall is placed between theology and psychology. The reader is advised to reject this method as it assumes an inaccurate...