Page 10 - Biblical Counseling II

heavenly bodies circled the earth. Reason, they believed, must be aided by observation and experiment in
matters of science, and by spiritual revelation in matters of faith” (p. 3).

Professors Myers and Jeeves clarify that scientific pursuits also apply to the “scientific study of human
nature, because humans, too, are part of the created order. This can be both a humbling and uplifting
thought. In the Hebrew Scriptures, humans are created by God ‘from the dust of the ground.’ Thus, after
gazing at the heavens, the psalmist could wonder, ‘What are human beings that You are mindful of them?’
Yet this human creature was a special creation, a majestic summit of God’s creative activity, of whom the
psalmist could, in the next breath, rhapsodize (enthuse), ‘Thou hast made him little less than God, and dost
crown him with glory and honor. Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hand “ (p.3).

As we learn about psychology as the science of the mind and behavior, where does it fit with the Christian
faith? Myers and Jeeves state, “Psychological explanation has provided satisfying answers to many important
questions regarding why people think, feel, and act as they do. But it does not even pretend to answer life’s
ultimate questions. Let us therefore celebrate and use psychology for what it offers us, remembering that it
is but one aspect of a larger whole (p. 11).” As we learn throughout this course, we will build on what you
learned in Biblical Counseling I by adding the study of the mind and behavior.

In Biblical Counseling I, you learned that help can only come through God’s revelation. This includes the
belief that “people are capable of making accurate observations of the world” (BCI, p. 9). Your Biblical
Counseling I text states:

“As we think about the discoveries of modern science, and especially modern psychology, we must be careful
to note that God has given humans an amazing capacity for knowledge. Believer and unbeliever alike are
capable of observing the world with great insight and detail and of categorizing these observations into
systems and patterns that accurately represent the truth. We ought not to reject any information collected
and collated by non-Christian sources simply because they reject our biblical worldview. Much of this
observational research can be very helpful in understanding the common ways in which people respond to
their environments and circumstances. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:14 that the temptations that men
face are common to all. Since this is true, it ought not surprise us when careful observers can identify
patterns of behavior in response to the various forms of suffering in the world” (p. 9).

According to Dr. Gary Collins (2007), when we think of how Jesus lived, “often Jesus helped people through
sermons, but he also debated skeptics, challenged individuals, healed the sick, talked with the needy,
encouraged the downhearted, and modeled a godly lifestyle. In his contacts with people, he shared examples
taken from real-life situations, and he constantly sought to stimulate others to think and act in accordance
with divine principles. Apparently, he believed that some people need an understanding helper to listen,
comfort, and discuss before they can learn from confrontation, challenge, advice-giving, or public preaching”
(p. 30).

Dr. Collins goes on in his book to state, “According to the Bible, Christians are to teach all that Christ
commanded and taught. Surely, this includes his teaching about God, authority, salvation, spiritual growth,
prayer, the church, the future, angels, demons, and human nature. But Jesus also taught about marriage,
parent-child relationships, obedience, race relations, care for the poor, and freedom for both women and
men. He taught about personal issues such as sex, anxiety, fear, loneliness, doubt, pride, sin, and
discouragement” (p. 30).

As you reflect on Dr. Collins words, think back through your life map. When were there times when someone
counseled you? Who listened to you when you were struggling? Who has given you advice when you felt
lost? Now think of how Jesus responded to people: “He frequently listened to the inquirers and accepted
them before encouraging them to think or act differently. At times, he told people what to do, but he also

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