Why Christians Can't Trust Psychology

by Ed Bulkley

Where should Christians go to heal the deep hurts in their hearts? Today’s search for inner fulfillment has exploded into the Recovery movement, complete with twelve-step seminars, counseling programs, and self-help books. Thousands are looking to Christian psychology to help them attain victory over modern dysfunctions. Does that mean the Bible alone is no longer adequate for the problems faced by Christians today? Some say we need the Bible plus psychology. Others say the Bible alone is sufficient. With deep insight and candor, pastoral counselor Ed Bulkley presents the opposing sides of this issue―and offers trustworthy, biblical answers for those who long to break away from pain and guilt and know true freedom…genuine inner peace…and a fresh beginning. The pressures to find the solutions to human hurt and suffering have never been greater. Clear answers are urgently needed for the hurting―today.

Genres: Christian, Counselling, Psychology, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Theology

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lacey Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was required reading for a biblical counseling class I'm taking.

Bulkley split each chapter into an informational/educational essay then each chapter segued into a fictional narrative illustrating his previous points. He systematically shows how incompatible modern psychology is with the Bible and he does so thoroughly; delving into the history, inconsistencies and critiques of psychology. He is against integration of the two methods. The last quarter of the book mostly focuses on what Biblical counseling actually is.

While I appreciated Dr. Bulkley's heart and passion, (it is obvious he has spent years in this field, dedicating his time and energy to helping people) I struggled with his overall tone. The book had an urgent, hyped up feel; he seemed fed up with the wreckage that psychology has left in it's wake and his incredulity came through his writing. Several of his examples seemed culled from the fringes of psychology- perhaps not the usual. I say this cautiously because it was only my impression. I realize Dr. Bulkley does not stand alone in his critiques and I know close to nothing. Yet, I still found it more on the offensive side.

In conjuncture with the other books I am reading I can see why it is a needed component to our education. I just wouldn't recommend this book to someone casually interested in biblical counseling; I would be concerned the tone would turn them away.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bulkley defines 'integration' as "the counseling system and its adherents who seek to combine the Bible with secular psychological theories and practices." p8

He pokes fun at those who seek solutions from psychological 'experts' rather than the unadulterated Word of God. p8

PART ONE: A Look at the Issues

The contention is that the integrationist's foundation is on the psychological concepts of man rather than the scriptural precepts of God p32

Their theories of counseling appear to be strongly influenced by unproven psychological concepts. p33
which causes integrationists to lose their spiritual authority and perspective p33

Many integrationists believe that pastors help with spiritual problems and psychologists are needed to meet the deepest needs of the human experience. p36

Much of psychological problems are passed off as a 'sickness' not sin, therefore personal responsibility is diminished p 37

PART TWO: The Myths of Psychology

Psychology is Effective
Laypeople can counsel as well or better than professionals p75
Can't say that psychology has NEVER helped anyone p80
Christians cannot uncritically trust a counseling system that is based on nonbiblical foundations
p80

Psychology is Motivated by Compassion
Psychotherapy is costly and a big business p90
Measure psychotherapy in terms of cost and also damage done to society. It's huge: emphasis on self and denial of personal responsibility has caused damage to family life, justice, and society in general. p94
Often, there is little emphasis put on the power of God to change people in "Christian counseling" p101
Emphasis on being a child of God is superior to label of 'victim' of.... p 104

Psychological Labels
They can produce more confusion than healing p107
1. The Excuse Label
- for sinful behavior p108
- a label like 'mental illness' communicates the inaccurate concept that the mind is synonymous with the brain p109
2. The Alcoholism Label
- not a disease but a huge insurance industry has grown up around the 'disease' p111
3. The Disease Label
-with a label, so many people are potential clients for 'professionals' paid for by insurance companies p112
4. The Addiction Label
-prostitution, alcoholism, sexual immorality, incest, mate-swapping, rape, pornography p113
-if the entire population has some sort of mental health problem and it's related to the mind and not a spiritual problem, no need for God or the Bible. p114

Victimization
-accepting a label and forever categorizing oneself can keep one from accepting responsibility for "what you once WERE and rejoice in what you now ARE in Christ." p114
God forgives our past sin and we no longer have to remain a slave of past sins p114

Forever Children
- accepting psycho labeling can stunt the mental, social, and spiritual maturity by being unwilling to accept change, pouting over disappointment, preoccupation with self, tending to lie, not accepting responsibility, blame-shifting, demanding instant gratification, temper tantrums p116

Endless Therapy
-opens the door to never growing out of the need for a therapist p117

New labels, endless list of labels in the DSM p118

Biblical Labels
- Child of God: Jn 1:12, Gal 4:7, Phil 2:15
- Redeemed person: Isa 51:11,12, Eph 1
- Forgiven person: Ps 103:3, 1 Jn 1:9
- New creation: 2 Cor 5:17, Eze 36:26, Titus 3:5,
- Victor: Matt 12:20, Rom 8:35-37, 1 Jn 5:4 p123

Psychology is Trustworthy
Christian psychologists, integrationists can't agree on 'diseases', let alone the cures p132
Psychoactive drugs are dangerous P133
Sometimes they are used instead of addressing undisciplined behavior and can be addictive p133
Lithium, Xanax, Haloperidol, Norpramin, have been known to have side effects which can cause problems p134-6
Integrations defend their position that psychology is trustworthy saying that Jesus wouldn't need to use it and that we shouldn't reject psychology because it wasn't used centuries ago. The real argument against it is that psychology is 'another gospel' based on secular ideas that are truly scientific. p139
Some integrationists don't think that the Bible alone is sufficient to address new issues like cocaine addiction, pornography. But the Bible does address self control, spiritual purity. p139
Modern psychology attempted to define and interpret human behavior in natural terms with NO reference to God: Wilhelm Wundt, William James, John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner, Freud, Jung, Fromm, p140
Some psychologists reveal their hatred toward God in their rebellion p141
Christian psychologist Gary Collins thinks that Jesus and Paul would welcome psychology and for things like stress management and coping p142
Bulkley points out that such techniques and methods is no substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit in one's heart. Goals for the client's better life are shared, but Bulkley can't agree with Collins who thinks that a therapist be competent and not necessarily a Christian. p143 (How can a therapist be competent yet not a Christian and help a person realign their heart toward God's best for that client?)
Is true mental health made possible without a vital union with Christ? p144
Conflicting positions from the following integrationists:
Crabb - one cannot become mentally and spiritually mature until he digs back into his past, exposes his unconscious drives, and embraces his hurts
Schuller - one can't experience Christian maturity or mental health until he learns to love himself
Allender - insists on the need to reclaim submerged memories
Minirth - one must deal with defense mechanisms on the subconscious level
Narramore - believes that it is a medical responsibility to determine if someone is mentally ill and that "counseling with the emotionally and mentally ill is of special psychological and psychiatric concern". p144 (all of the above ideas by integrationists have been debunked by Bulkley
Psychology has found it impossible to define mental health p145
Integrationist Gary Collins: "It may be possible for unbelievers to mature spiritually and remain psychologically unhealthy, but this seems rare and unlikely." p147
God's standard of normalcy: Eph 4:13-16, Gal 5:22-23

Psychology Can Heal the Past
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal." Phi 3:13-14
Integrationist Collins thinks that "visualization, imagination and guided imagery can be used to bring increased understanding, relation or self-confidence." p154
Dave Hunt relates such things as relating to shamanism. p154
Integrationist Norman Wright points out the importance of thought life, yet quoting Ps 139:23-24 it is God who is doing the searching. Self observation can lead to self deception unless it is viewed in the backdrop of Scripture. p155
Healing of memories, once more popular, has three apparent weaknesses:
1. the theory is unproven to be helpful
2. memories are inaccurate and selective; it is often encouraged, perpetuated by therapists themselves. "Think about it, if you have some vague notion that maybe abuse did happen, it probably did."
3. healing of memories focuses on the counselee, his/her pain and suffering, to the extreme, instead of God's healing power to heal and change, and the glorious future ahead in Christ p156-166
In the 200 times memory is mentioned in the Scriptures, the focus is on remembering what the Lord has done p166
Phil 3:12-16 and Phil 4:4-9 is the Biblical way to deal with memories p167

Are Psychology and Christianity Compatible?
Psychology and religion are competing faiths. If you seriously hold to one set of value, you will logically have the reject the other" - a psychology professor p180
The most dedicated proponents of integrating these two world views are Christians. The most ardent defenders of psychological counseling are Christian therapists, while the most credible critics of psycho-therapy are secular psychologists and psychiatrists who have see the damage their own systems have produced. p180
The issue with psycho-therapy and Biblical counseling is about the authority and source of truth. p185
Psychological treatments, psycho-therapy, psychiatry directly challenge and contradict the Scriptures p185
Integrating psychology into Biblical counseling inevitably weakens one's confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture and ultimately in God's power to transform human lives. p187
Truth is not important to secular psychologists but it is fundamental for Biblical counselors p193
Integrationists weaken the gospel message, substitute psychological techniques for the work of the Holy Spirit p197
Ultimate issues in integrationism is the mixing of opposing assumptions and conclusions about the very nature of God, man, sin, rebellion, suffering, and salvation. Again, the issue is over the ultimate truth and authority. p199
It is confusing when integrationists say that both secular and and Biblical approaches "involve teaching, correcting, training, accepting, building up, advising, showing patience, comforting, strengthening, giving hope: 1) to whom Christians should go for counseling that involves the changing of attitudes, values and beliefs, and 2) from what source should their solutions come --- humanistic philosophies and theories, or the inspired word of God. p201
"If one accepts the logical conclusions of psychology, sin must be reduced to medical dysfunctions and a person can no longer be held responsible for his behavior, his ethical conduct, his thought life or his morality. Since man is ill rather than disobedient to God, he does not need salvation, but improved self-esteem." p203
Psychology is taught in many seminaries and Bible colleges because the modern church has abandoned the Scriptures as the final authority for faith and life. p222
A necessary presupposition of Biblical counseling is that God has indeed provided every essential truth the believer needs for a happy, fulfilling life in Christ Jesus. 2 Peter 1:3 p268
The source of holiness: truth Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth John 17:17 p289
Four Biblical Steps to Permanent Change
2 Timothy 3:16,17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
1. Teaching doctrine
Jesus said that the reason people fall for error is the they "do not know the Scriptures or the power of God" Mt 22:29 p311
doctrine = wisdom from God
Know that the counselee believes about God, man's need, Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, whether he is committed to obeying all the commands of Scripture or just a few he likes p314
2. Rebuking
Confronting sin, reproof, admonition, any appropriate expression of disapproval of wrong beliefts, attitudes, or action.
"Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover ovr a multitude of sins" James 5:20
example: Nathan the prophet confronted David in 2 Sam 12:7,9
Biblical rebuke confronts wrong beliefs and sinful behaviors p317
3. Correction
"to make straight again"
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God" Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters not adulterers not male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards not slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, your were sanctified, your justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6:9-11
Begins when a person becomes a Christian and continues with the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. p319
4. Instruction in Righteousness
Correction helps the counselee put off the old nature and put on the new nature, Rom 7:15-19
Correction is a choice, often helped by the focus of our mind being on things above, Col 3:2, Heb 8:10,

This book is written from a pastor's perspective and the tone of some of the statements seem to me to be too generalized or all-encompassing. For the most part, the anti-psychology conclusions seem to bear up under the weight of scrutiny. Most statements and conclusions there is little doubt the psychology and the Bible draw from two different wells of "truth".

I appreciated the on-going story at the end of some of the chapters to illustrate the point of the chapter.
I would recommend the book, with some reservations about the need to be more precise or less dogmatic on a few points.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for ANY Christian. It truly explains how psychology has NO business in the church or the lives of Christians and confirms completely that God's Word alone is sufficient to help us with all of our supposed "mental health" issues. Sin needs to be called sins, not diseases.

His style is amazing and captivating. Each chapter is subdivided into two parts. The first half deals with facts on the issues of psychology as it relates to Christianity and the second half is a fictional story in which the characters are confronted with the issues addressed in that chapter. You are anxious to get through each chapter just to see what happens to these characters yet the information before the story is just as captivating. It really helps put into perspective how these issues affect your every day life and walk with God.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, persuasive, and soaked with Biblical references and arguments. Bulkley takes a very hard line on the use of psychology in the Christian life and society, emphasising the sufficiency of Scripture and Christ in providing the solutions we all need for life as sinful and hurting people. Although the narrative sections were interesting, they were sometimes on the nose and may open Bulkley up to accusations of appealing to emotion. Overall, a great introduction for me into the world of biblical counseling, I look forward to thinking deeper and more practically about how to counsel according to the Bible.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good critique of modern psychology from a Christian perspective (arguing that they are incompatible and opposed to each other).

[Alex Csepregi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening must-read. Simply brilliant!

[Steven H · Rating 2 out of 5]

A STRONG CRITIQUE OF PSYCHOLOGY, IN FAVOR OF "CHRISTIAN COUNSELING"

Author Ed Bulkley is senior pastor of LIFE Fellowship near Denver, and "has an extensive counselling ministry that has served as a valuable role model for pastors and lay people nationwide." He wrote in the introduction to this 1993 book, "I believe in the need for counsel; where I differ from my psychological brethren is the SOURCE of the counsel Christians are to receive... This is not an indictment against all forms of psychological research, such as those dealing with physical causes of psychopathologies, the physiological workings of the brain, or other non-value-oriented studies. The terms 'integration' and 'integrationist' refer to the counseling system and its adherents who seek to combine the Bible with secular psychological theories and practices." (Pg. 7-8)

He asks, "Of course therapy can make people feel better---temporarily. But does it solve their problems? Do they become more like Christ? Are they led into Christian maturity? Are their thought and behavior patterns brought into conformity to God's Word? Those should be the tests of effectiveness for Christian counseling." (Pg. 79)

He notes, "Integrationists seem to believe that there are counseling issues about which the Bible is silent and which therefore require psychological insights. It is true that the Bible does not specifically speak about cocaine addiction, but it deals with the principles of substance abuse... The Bible does not specifically address pornography, but it does deal with mental and spiritual purity... There is no single mental/spiritual issue upon which the Bible is silent." (Pg. 139)

He quotes a radio interview with a Denver-area pastor, who said, "Even under some Christian therapies, man is viewed as a basically good being who is just dysfunctional... The Bible, on the other hand, says that all have sinned and have willfully put God out of mind. A second major psychological doctrine is the belief that to heal the damaged psyche of those who have suffered abuse, people must return to their past under the guidance of a therapist and embrace their pain. Nowhere is this doctrine taught in the Scriptures... A third major error... is that we should ... trust our inner urgings and motivations... The Bible says that the human heart is desperately wicked and that we should not trust ourselves." (Pg. 224)

He concludes, "Perhaps the single most important reason that Christian counseling belongs in the local church is that the counselee can be held accountable for his beliefs, attitudes, and actions by the church leadership." (Pg. 294)

This book will be of keen interest to Christians looking for critical perspectives on psychology

[Sarah Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate Bulkley's dedication to Scripture, but his arguments were not particularly thorough or persuasive. Many of his practical criticisms of modern secular psychology were valuable and striking, yet he did not convince me that there is no place for a Christian psychology in pastoral counseling. It seems that if God created man, we as Christians should want to know about every part of him so that he can thrive under God. While Scripture must be the center of this investigation, there should also be a place for psychological studies just as there are for scientific. Bulkley seemed to take 'sola Scriptura' to an extreme not necessarily consistent with the Reformed tradition. The illustrative stories were entertaining and at times helpful in illustrating a problem but also seemed quite stilted and stereotypical.

[Cassie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed returning to this book after reading it in college. Dr. Buckley points out every falsehood to the dangerous teachings of atheistic psychology and why Christians shouldn't fall prey to its deceptive heresies. We need to stop putting our trust in man. Neither Psychologists nor Psychiatrists can positively help Christians solve their problems. This book helps us to understand that. Pastors, Christian leaders, and Christian Psychologists need to get a copy of this book and read it thoroughly.

[AnThRaX · Rating 3 out of 5]

Плюсы - разумные доводы против использования психологии в христианстве
Минусы - Отсутствие ссылок на источники информации. Зачастую автор боится называть имена цитируемых христианских авторов, с которыми не согласен.

[JR Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay. I don't think Bulkley represented the integrationist position very well, but some of his points were certainly good.

[Rebekah Montesdeoca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written in the 90s but is more relevant than ever

[Alexander Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with many of his criticisms of the religious cult of modern psychology, but I disagree with the principle of Nuda Scriptura that got him there.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book several times and am still learning from it. Having been through the secular system myself, (supposedly successfully) when I was saved and began studying God's Word, I began to realize that much of what they had taught and told me was totally against God's Word. This book confirmed that and showed me so much more that was wrong with it. I wish everyone would read this book. It's far from boring and dry. It will open your eyes to one of Satan's very successful schemes to make Christians ineffective victims instead of living a full life of joy and victory. This book is a "MUST READ" for everyone!

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for the first Biblical Counseling class I took, and it really influenced the way I looked at psychology. I had always sort of distrusted much of psychology, but this book opened my eyes to specific ways in which it is unbiblical. It also pointed out areas where it has crept into the church, to our great detriment. It's been a while since I read it, so there may be things in it with which I would disagree, but over all I would recommend it as a Biblical response to the world's answer of psychology.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent eye-opening book. I will be much more cautious of psychologists from now on. I do however think there are certain areas that are more physiological where psychology can be beneficial but I am very weary now of "talk therapy" or consulting personally with a psychologist, even Christian psychologists who are trained firstly to help all people not just Christians. I am also weary now of any "self-help" books written by Christian Psychologists and when a counsellor insists on digging up the past to bring about healing.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heavenly Father -
In Christ Alone
Sola Scriptura
My All in All
the church says all the right things - but where does its faith lie? The Bible - Prayer - a journal - that is what it took. I tried counseling - and the prescribed drugs - in the end I was told I was broken and would remain broken. God had other plans. Trust God - Trust His word ~ Great book for understanding the place for psychology in the church.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was extremely insightful for me! I know very little about this matter of psychology. This book really opened my eyes to the dangers of it. The biggest question was, "Will you trust psychology over God's Word?" Does God's Word really have all the answers to life? Great book for a new perspective!

[David Mattson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very "weighty" book. Though there is good material, the book isn't an "easy" or a "quick-read."

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. The author lays out very clearly how Psychology even under the guise of 'Christian counseling' is not biblical. It is an easy read not to technical.

[Soaringspirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent