M Cat Review
4 MAT Review: Psychology, Theology, and Sprituality in Christian Counseling
Liberty University
Abstract
In his conceptual book, Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (1996), McMinn presents a convincing presentation of a multitasking counselor who has developed a niche in the counseling world. New age Christian counselors have developed simultaneous skills that embark on the areas of psychology, theology, and spirituality. This begins our journey down the path of understanding how values and perspectives can be changed as a result of a well rounded, multitasking Christian counselor.
With life illustrations and brief counseling scenarios throughout this book, McMinn (1996) provides the reader with an excellent working model of identifying and relating life experiences to Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality. The opposition of modern psychology and theology practices is delivering different contemporary messages concerning mental health. Psychologist Albert Ellis wrote, “The emotionally healthy individual should primarily be true to himself and not masochistically sacrifice himself for others.” Versus Christian spirituality that identifies and states in scripture that as individuals we are instructed to look out for the interest of others (Phil. 2:4) and to prefer one another in honor (Rom 12:10) (McMinn, 1996).
As McMinn works through the concepts of integrating these three distinct disciplines, Christian counseling becomes more complex and multifaceted. Christian counselors set their eyes upon God with an individual’s spiritual growth and mental health in their mind. In addition to placing the pieces of a battered mental health condition focus to the forefront, their client’s eternity of life and knowledge of God is an important piece of the puzzle. A more detailed perspective of psychological and spiritual health, allows every individual to recognize their responsibility to God, to their family and
Liberty University
Abstract
In his conceptual book, Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (1996), McMinn presents a convincing presentation of a multitasking counselor who has developed a niche in the counseling world. New age Christian counselors have developed simultaneous skills that embark on the areas of psychology, theology, and spirituality. This begins our journey down the path of understanding how values and perspectives can be changed as a result of a well rounded, multitasking Christian counselor.
With life illustrations and brief counseling scenarios throughout this book, McMinn (1996) provides the reader with an excellent working model of identifying and relating life experiences to Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality. The opposition of modern psychology and theology practices is delivering different contemporary messages concerning mental health. Psychologist Albert Ellis wrote, “The emotionally healthy individual should primarily be true to himself and not masochistically sacrifice himself for others.” Versus Christian spirituality that identifies and states in scripture that as individuals we are instructed to look out for the interest of others (Phil. 2:4) and to prefer one another in honor (Rom 12:10) (McMinn, 1996).
As McMinn works through the concepts of integrating these three distinct disciplines, Christian counseling becomes more complex and multifaceted. Christian counselors set their eyes upon God with an individual’s spiritual growth and mental health in their mind. In addition to placing the pieces of a battered mental health condition focus to the forefront, their client’s eternity of life and knowledge of God is an important piece of the puzzle. A more detailed perspective of psychological and spiritual health, allows every individual to recognize their responsibility to God, to their family and
Bibliography: McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV®.1984 Zondervan Publishing House