Philosophy of Christian Counseling

As we consider a philosophy of Christian counseling, we find that there are four basic philosophies of counseling available to the pastoral counselor. They are not all Christian, in fact only one of them is Christian. They are,

1) The philosophy of psychologists and counselors who advocate a secular humanist or cosmic humanist world-view in problem solving (but not a Christian one).

2) Standard methods of pastoral counseling, which normally mediate Carl Rogers through liberal or neo-orthodox theology are common to certain segments of liberal Christianity.

3) Evangelicals, typified by Clyde Narramore, who promote either a Freudian or an eclectic point of view, in mixture with some Christian ideas, are a major player in the game. In addition,

4) An orthodox Christian position that views counseling as “practical theology” is an option for the pastor/counselor.

It is the last option with which the author identifies himself. This option sees the Scripture as providing the believer everything needed for “life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3).

So, whereas the first three philosophies provide the pastor with options that are eclectic in reference to the authority of scripture, the last sees the scripture alone as necessary for “every good work” (II Timothy 3:16), including, if not especially, the work of counseling.

The sad think here is that many Christians identify on or more of the first three as Christian counseling as well. Why is that? In fact, they are compromising the purity of God’s Word with the confused ideas of fallen men.