Running head: CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW IN COUNSELING 1

Sherrelle Thompson

Grand Canyon University

CCN-675

Dr. Melvin Wilson

February 9, 2022
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Christian Worldview in Counseling

Developing a Christian worldview is unique to each individual and is based on their

spiritual development. There is then source of beliefs that are part of the Christian worldview

that need to be considered. This then leads into the integration of the Christian worldview and

secular psychology. When learning to make this integration there then needs to be an

understanding of Biblical theology and how it functions within Christian counseling. As we go

through the Christian worldview and the incorporation of Biblical theology and the scriptures.

Christian Worldview

Normally the worldview that one holds is based on the social norms of the community

they are in. Our worldview that has been developed by our environment which includes the

church and the faith that our families have held while we were growing up (Porter, 2013).

Questions that are normally asked and help to develop our worldview are about our virtue,

marriage, stealing, drinking and drug abuse among the few. If someone has what is known as a

contradictory worldview, may get into trouble. As Christians our worldview is developed from

several sources to include the Bible, history and tradition found within the Christian faith, and

reasoning (Porter, 2013). There is also experience that is held by a Christian when developing

their worldview. Using the Bible as a source of development shows that the belief is held in

God’s word being the main source of revelation involving humanity. The gospel is also used as a

means for God to show himself to his people through the Bible as a means of communication

(Porter, 2013).

History and tradition are another part of the Christian worldview. In the Bible, there is a

long history and tradition that has been recorded dating back to the first followers of Jesus Christ

(Porter, 2013). There is also an account of the early churches and what they have experienced
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trying to keep the gospel while the surrounding culture was changing. Reason comes after this

and is important to the Christian worldview. Many who hold onto their worldview, live a life that

is full of pleasurable activities, that may sometimes be in excess (Porter, 2013). Within the

values of their worldview they hold onto wealth, or their good health. Experience is the final part

of the Christian worldview that is developed. Humans are sentient, so every day we have many

experiences. Experiences are not only unique to each of us, but they have an impact on our daily

lives and routines both consciously and unconsciously (Porter, 2013).

Biblical View of Christian Counseling

Biblical theology is explained as the biblical content coming straight from the Bible

while using sections found within the text. Through the biblical theology there is a presentation

of the important theological statements found within both the New and Old Testament (Schultz,

2010). Biblical theology is different from systematic theology, where the biblical concepts found

in the dialogue, including the historical, philosophical, cultural and ecclesial concerns are found

outside of the Bible. Counselors are encouraged to find their place within the biblical stories they

are using when counseling clients (Schultz, 2010). Through the exploration of faith, scriptures,

and history there is then a greater focus that is placed on the Bible. Using scripture in Christian

counseling is cause for the reader becoming aware and even feeling conviction (Schultz, 2010).

Further use of the Bible and scriptures helps to prevent us from being caught up in idolatry of the

world around us. God called us to build his kingdom not to pursue the American dream.

Salvation or a historical salvation helps the Christian counselor to have the needed ideas to be

brought forth in inspiration religiously (Schultz, 2010).

Normally when referring to the term biblically it means to use the Bible only. Due to this

literal association of using the Bible as the only source would mean calling it biblical counseling.
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While in the past using the term biblical meant the information needed was found in this bible or

lined up with the bible’s teachings (Murray, 2013). What needs to be known is that biblical truly

means we expound on the teachings in the Bible. There is also the use of non-biblical sources

that are in addition to the Bible. During the use of God’s word, there is also the job of making

sure to filter through the false information while admitting God’s truth (Murray, 2013). Christian

counselors need to understand scripture. This means that we do not ignore contemporary science

but use it as an asset to God’s word. While use of the scriptures is more ethical and honest

(Murray, 2013). Due to this as a Christian counselor, we can avoid telling untruths of the

position we are holding. While being able to avoid these untruths there is an additional avoidance

of using a simple diagnosis and use of prescriptions. Use of the bible shows that only the

spiritual part of man is addressed. When only the psychological is addressed through simple

techniques not much is being healed due to the complex nature of the problems. A combination

of both biblical and psychological is needed (Murray, 2013).

Spiritual Formation

For a Christian counselor to develop spiritually and understand what God has

commanded of his people helping people and holding a worldly view there is a look at a few

scriptures to explain this. In Colossians 2:8, it is stated we should not allow anyone to take us

hostage using philosophy, and empty lies. This is explained as being part of the tradition of man

and the level of the world which is not according to Jesus Christ himself (ESV, 2001). To

expound on this explanation in 2 Timothy 4:2-4, it is said by Paul to the church, that they are to

preach the gospel. When preaching the word, they are to be ready both in and out of season, they

are also to reprove and revue while exhorting with patience and teachings (ESV, 2001). This was

because there would be a time when people would not follow through with a complete teaching,
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as the people would go out and search for teachers who are speaking into their own selfish needs

(ESV, 2001). During this time the people would then turn away from the word of God and the

teachings and turn to myths. Finally, we are further commanded to not believe every spirit, but to

test these spirits when we come into contact with them, to see if God sent them this is in 1 John

4:1 (ESV, 2001). These scriptures show the importance on not just God’s word, but to be careful

when trying to have a worldview and being part of the world.

Conclusion

Holding a Christian worldview is important to properly working with our clients and

helping them during their healing process. By having a Christian worldview in counseling, we

can objectively learn about and understand our client’s worldview perspectives. We are to use

psychological theories and practices develop a strong foundation. When using just the Bible we

are only helping clients with their spiritual problems, and when only using psychological

theories, we are focusing on the technical issues. There must be a middle ground to effectively

work with and treat our clients.

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References

Murray, D. P. (2013). How Biblical is Biblical Counseling? Puritan Reformed Journal, 5(2),

204-208. Retrieved from. Https://search-ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=a9h&AN=89635333&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Porter, S. E. (2013). Distinguishing a Christian Worldview and Supposed Cultural Absolutes.

McMaster Journal of Theology & Ministry, 15, 79-99. Retrieved from. Https://search-

ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=a9h&AN=117002543&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Schultz, R. L. (2010). “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God:”

Biblical Theology’s Role within Christian Counseling. Edification: The

Transdisciplinary Journal of Christian Psychology, 4(1), 47-55. Retrieved from.

Https://search-ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=a9h&AN=54023567&site=ehost-live&scope=site

The Holy Bible. ESV (2001), Crossway