26. Write a short paragraph on
each of the following: healing of the memories, visualization techniques,
12-step and other recovery programs, self-image. In your answer, define and give a biblical
analysis of each concept. (Do not
guess. Research these concepts)
“Healing
of the memories” refers to a process used by some psychologists and counselors
in which they have counselees review/recover past memories and attempt to
replace or “heal” them by adding Jesus to their remembrance of an experience,
changing how they recall the past. This
psychology practice began in the 1940’s by Agnes Sanford, rooted in Freudian
and Jungian theories. In her book “The Healing Light” Agnes Sanford writes; “So
He cleansed the thought-vibrations that surround this globe as a purifying
plant cleanses our drinking water, taking it in dirty, throwing it up into the
sunlight, and sending it forth clean. So He removed the thundercloud of man’s
hate and released the clear shinning of God’s love.”1 Though some of
her teaching and system of counseling is biblically based Agnes takes much
liberty, and makes many theological mistakes in her approach to the Word, and
it’s application to our lives. It is unbiblical and unwise to be involved in
this type of process and deeming it “Biblical/Christian” counsel though it has
become widely accepted in evangelical circles. “Inner healing is based upon the
implication that we clearly need something more than God's love and forgiveness
in order to love and forgive others who are perceived to have wronged us in the
past.”2
“A
twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles (accepted by members as
'spiritual principles,' based on the approved literature) outlining a course of
action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.”4
At face value many of these programs can appear Biblical
and
correct. However it can easily become
legalistic, the worship of a system rather than God, and it is very vague and
allows for any view of God in it’s very core statement. The third step to these programs is; “Made a
decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood Him.” What basis of truth is
used to come to an understanding of God?
This is unclear and up to the individual’s own definition and practice,
not defined by Scriptural truth.
“Self-esteem, which is the positive values a
person places on his or her sense of worth”5 is believed to be vital
in a healthy person to live, enjoy relationships, and pursue their goals. Self-image
is a very culturally hot topic, and many issues people face are diagnosed to be
rooted in incorrect self-image. It is falsely believed and taught that at the
core we are all good people. This is scripturally
incorrect (Romans 3:10). When the focus
on counseling is self and valuing your own being and opinion, this excludes
God, totally enables idolizing, sin and serving self. It’s a wrong foundation to build upon and
counsel from.
In Scripture we read; “How much more will the
blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish
to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
(Hebrews 9:14) Scripture, Jesus Christ,
salvation by grace through faith, and the process of sanctification of believers
ought to be the basis, the practice, the means through which we counsel. It is important to be discerning, Biblical,
and wise in sticking with truth according to God’s standard, and not mans’.
1 “The Healing Light”,
Agnes Sanford, page 122
3 http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/visualization-techniques-00100000103183/
5 “Psychology”,
Ciccarelli, Harrigan, Fritzley, page 501
Wow! Loved reading these Karen!! God's Word of Truth, alive and active. Thanks for bringing that thought to life!
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