PSYCHOLOGY: A BIBLICAL ANALYSIS
by Mel and Gloria Bowers
“And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of
the LORD... And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them
into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the
hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer
stand before their enemies” (Judges 2:11-14).
“God is love” (John 4:8). God is also loving and kind and compassionate (Lam. 3:22-23). But God is, above all and through all, Holy! (1 Pet. 1:15). As His ambassadors in this wicked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15), He has called us to Holiness – a reflection of His Holiness – as well (1 Pet. 1:15). Because He is God and because He is Holy, He had no choice but to “deliver them (His disobedient sons) into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them... so that they could no longer stand before their enemies.”
The Church of Jesus Christ is being plundered and sold into the hands of its enemies because it has played the harlot with the god of psychology, whose unbiblical goal is to make people “feel good about themselves,” rather than to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37), to glorify Him in all things, (1 Cor. 10:31) and to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).
Psychology is a very deceptive and dangerous theory conceived in the mind of unredeemed man in his state of rebellion against God as the answer to his problems. Psychology has been the god of the people since the late 1800's, when Freud systematized his atheistic assessments about the psyche (soul) of man. Psychological theories have replaced the clear teachings of Scripture. Christians stream to its practitioners for affirmation, comfort, and guidance, rather than to God, His Word, and the Body of Christ.
Because psychology, like the god of Baal, helps people temporarily feel better about themselves, it is now revered and worshiped. Great energies and time are invested in its service. But the Bible says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14).
Rather than coming out from the godless practice of psychology, we have embraced it, incorporated it into our beliefs, and twisted and distorted Scripture to “prove” psychological theories!
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise?... hath God not made foolish the wisdom of this world?... God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 1:19-20; 14:33).
There are currently hundreds of conflicting and contradicting psychotherapies being taught and practiced today. That in itself shows the foolishness of the wisdom of the world (1 Cor. 1:20).
“But we are all as an unclean thing... Every one of them is gone back; they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one... The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Is. 64:6; Ps. 53:3; Jer. 17:9).
Common to all psychological teaching is a biblically defective view of the nature of man. Namely, that man is basically good and able to solve his problems (when properly “enlightened”). Nothing could be farther from the Truth!
“For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods... But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God...” (Deut. 7:4-6).
The gods that psychology has created – “self” obsession and worship, materialism, pain-free living, and a thousand other “feel good” fantasies – are as ungodly and pagan as the Asherim of the Sidonians. God says we should destroy these heathen idols and cling to Him alone, seeking Holiness and Christ-like-ness, not preoccupation with “self.”
Whenever we attempt to “mix” the unholy with the Holy, such as “Christian Psychology,” we profane the precious Holy Name of God (Ezek. 36:22), and we make a mockery of His sovereignty, authority, and sufficiency. We imply that God is not capable of dealing with a certain class of problems – “psychological.” History clearly illustrates that anytime the people of God attempted to mix the Holy with the profane it was only a matter of time before they “forsook” the Holy and were “consumed” by the unholy (2 Chron. 28:22-23).
Surely, we would be wise to heed the call to purity and obedience. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (1 Cor. 10:6).
Jesus Himself warned against the danger and impossibility of serving two masters: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matt. 6:24).
It is not that we doubt for one moment the sincerity or intelligence of many Christian “experts,” who unashamedly utilize psychological “techniques” today. Many may be saved, sincere, and extremely intelligent. But even saved, sincere, and intelligent people can be deceived. All of us are, at times, deceived by the schemes of Satan (2 Cor. 2:11), as he appeals to certain presuppositions based on personal experiences, “personality” bents (often sinful weaknesses), circumstantial appearances, and so forth. That is why the Bible exhorts us to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25); to teach, exhort, and admonish one another (Col. 3: 16; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:18); and to have a teachable spirit (James 3:13-18). That is the purpose of the body of Christ. God calls preachers and teachers to speak forth the clear warnings of Scripture, warning us of waywardness (Ezek. 33:7-9). In obedience to God, many of these godly saints today are “crying out from the wilderness” concerning the dangers of psychology. But who is heeding the cry?
The first 6 books of the Bible are dedicated to establishing the foundation on which the rest of the Bible rests:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD... Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you... For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God” (Deut. 6:4, 13-15; 7:6).
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18).
Whether we recognize it or not psychology always adds “enlightened theories” to Scripture. Satan is a master counterfeiter. Our fallen minds are bent toward deception. In the area of psychology, scriptural terms are carefully chosen. “Biblical models” are set up as altars upon which the heathen gods of humanism and reason are erected. There is no such thing as “Christian Psychology.” It is impossible to wed the Holy with the Unholy. Yet, respected “Christian Psychologists” have convinced wayward sheep that, not only is it possible to “integrate” psychology and the Bible, but it is desirable and superior. God, forbid!
To “prove” the “goodness” of this marriage, psychologists are quick to relate “experiences” of people who have been “helped” by their techniques. All outside indication would support their arguments. But is it not more deception? God is the only one who can heal. Since the devil is the perpetrator of sin, sickness, and disease – especially mental and emotional disturbances – he can quite strategically lift his heavy hand of destruction for a time to make it “appear” as if the psychological technique is actually bringing healing when in reality the “healing” is not healing at all but only a temporary reprieve. Lacking a disciplined, seasoned discernment, the already weakened and unstable person is eventually led down another path of deception and failure. A vicious cycle develops: Therapy, a reprieve, a new crisis, more therapy, a reprieve, a new crisis, more therapy, and so on.
We are fully aware that in some instances people are genuinely “helped” during a period of time they are under the treatment of a “Christian Psychologist.” But again, it is clear that the healing did not come from the “therapist” or the “psychological technique.” The healing came from a compassionate touch of the GRACE of God, as these people received salvation or renewed their commitment to Christ and to the study and application of His Word – obedience.
At the heart of our concern in all this is that the wrong “gods” are receiving the glory – “Christian Psychology,” psychological techniques, the therapist, or the newly resurrected god of “self-esteem.” The Bible clearly warns: “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another” (Isa. 42:8).
The vast array of “psychological problems” are, in reality, spiritual problems that have never been properly dealt with according to God's Word. When we try to wed God's way of dealing with the human problem of sin - the cross, forgiveness, personal responsibility, accountability, discipline (obedience) – with man's ways – blaming others, “getting in touch with our past,” self-pity/victimization, and relying upon “self” – we are certainly playing the harlot (Josh. 23:8-13).
Sin and its devastating consequences – shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness – cannot be solved by any other means than the redemptive blood of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit of God. Putting a psychological band-aid on these spiritual problems only covers an incurable wound (Jer. 30:12). It is true: “With men this (difficult problem) is impossible; but with God all things are possible... Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (Matt. 19:26; Is. 59:1).
By implying that some problems are “too serious” to be dealt with through the proper application of Scripture, we not only deny the sovereignty and the power of God; we begin to develop within people a dependence on themselves, psychology, a therapist, pastor, friends, or a “technique” instead of dependence on God. That is why the Body of Christ is so weak. We are literally sucking the life-blood of the Church of Jesus Christ out of one another in a sincere attempt to be “compassionate” apart from the power of the Holy Spirit and the application of and obedience to the Word of God.
It is tragic that many have been led to believe that victory over various emotional problems can be obtained only through “professional psychological” counseling. This is not only untrue; it is a devastating witness to the already perceived impotence of the Church.
Did God leave His people “in the dark” for over 1800 years after Christ returned to the Father until Freud appeared on the scene in the late 1800's to shed his enlightenment upon the various problems of the human dilemma? Contrarily, history confirms that some of the most productive, fruitful saints lived during this very period, and people in general were much more “stable” before this new era of enlightenment than today. In truth, countless numbers of individuals through the ages have experienced complete, perfect, and lasting victory over the most severe problems through application of Biblical principles, genuine love, and the power of God working through His Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ.
It is time we tore down the Asherim of Psychology and returned in pure and Holy allegiance to the One who said:
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil... If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isa. 1:16, 19, 20).
“God is love” (John 4:8). God is also loving and kind and compassionate (Lam. 3:22-23). But God is, above all and through all, Holy! (1 Pet. 1:15). As His ambassadors in this wicked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15), He has called us to Holiness – a reflection of His Holiness – as well (1 Pet. 1:15). Because He is God and because He is Holy, He had no choice but to “deliver them (His disobedient sons) into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them... so that they could no longer stand before their enemies.”
The Church of Jesus Christ is being plundered and sold into the hands of its enemies because it has played the harlot with the god of psychology, whose unbiblical goal is to make people “feel good about themselves,” rather than to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37), to glorify Him in all things, (1 Cor. 10:31) and to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).
Psychology is a very deceptive and dangerous theory conceived in the mind of unredeemed man in his state of rebellion against God as the answer to his problems. Psychology has been the god of the people since the late 1800's, when Freud systematized his atheistic assessments about the psyche (soul) of man. Psychological theories have replaced the clear teachings of Scripture. Christians stream to its practitioners for affirmation, comfort, and guidance, rather than to God, His Word, and the Body of Christ.
Because psychology, like the god of Baal, helps people temporarily feel better about themselves, it is now revered and worshiped. Great energies and time are invested in its service. But the Bible says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14).
Rather than coming out from the godless practice of psychology, we have embraced it, incorporated it into our beliefs, and twisted and distorted Scripture to “prove” psychological theories!
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise?... hath God not made foolish the wisdom of this world?... God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 1:19-20; 14:33).
There are currently hundreds of conflicting and contradicting psychotherapies being taught and practiced today. That in itself shows the foolishness of the wisdom of the world (1 Cor. 1:20).
“But we are all as an unclean thing... Every one of them is gone back; they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one... The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Is. 64:6; Ps. 53:3; Jer. 17:9).
Common to all psychological teaching is a biblically defective view of the nature of man. Namely, that man is basically good and able to solve his problems (when properly “enlightened”). Nothing could be farther from the Truth!
“For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods... But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God...” (Deut. 7:4-6).
The gods that psychology has created – “self” obsession and worship, materialism, pain-free living, and a thousand other “feel good” fantasies – are as ungodly and pagan as the Asherim of the Sidonians. God says we should destroy these heathen idols and cling to Him alone, seeking Holiness and Christ-like-ness, not preoccupation with “self.”
Whenever we attempt to “mix” the unholy with the Holy, such as “Christian Psychology,” we profane the precious Holy Name of God (Ezek. 36:22), and we make a mockery of His sovereignty, authority, and sufficiency. We imply that God is not capable of dealing with a certain class of problems – “psychological.” History clearly illustrates that anytime the people of God attempted to mix the Holy with the profane it was only a matter of time before they “forsook” the Holy and were “consumed” by the unholy (2 Chron. 28:22-23).
Surely, we would be wise to heed the call to purity and obedience. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (1 Cor. 10:6).
Jesus Himself warned against the danger and impossibility of serving two masters: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matt. 6:24).
It is not that we doubt for one moment the sincerity or intelligence of many Christian “experts,” who unashamedly utilize psychological “techniques” today. Many may be saved, sincere, and extremely intelligent. But even saved, sincere, and intelligent people can be deceived. All of us are, at times, deceived by the schemes of Satan (2 Cor. 2:11), as he appeals to certain presuppositions based on personal experiences, “personality” bents (often sinful weaknesses), circumstantial appearances, and so forth. That is why the Bible exhorts us to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25); to teach, exhort, and admonish one another (Col. 3: 16; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:18); and to have a teachable spirit (James 3:13-18). That is the purpose of the body of Christ. God calls preachers and teachers to speak forth the clear warnings of Scripture, warning us of waywardness (Ezek. 33:7-9). In obedience to God, many of these godly saints today are “crying out from the wilderness” concerning the dangers of psychology. But who is heeding the cry?
The first 6 books of the Bible are dedicated to establishing the foundation on which the rest of the Bible rests:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD... Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you... For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God” (Deut. 6:4, 13-15; 7:6).
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18).
Whether we recognize it or not psychology always adds “enlightened theories” to Scripture. Satan is a master counterfeiter. Our fallen minds are bent toward deception. In the area of psychology, scriptural terms are carefully chosen. “Biblical models” are set up as altars upon which the heathen gods of humanism and reason are erected. There is no such thing as “Christian Psychology.” It is impossible to wed the Holy with the Unholy. Yet, respected “Christian Psychologists” have convinced wayward sheep that, not only is it possible to “integrate” psychology and the Bible, but it is desirable and superior. God, forbid!
To “prove” the “goodness” of this marriage, psychologists are quick to relate “experiences” of people who have been “helped” by their techniques. All outside indication would support their arguments. But is it not more deception? God is the only one who can heal. Since the devil is the perpetrator of sin, sickness, and disease – especially mental and emotional disturbances – he can quite strategically lift his heavy hand of destruction for a time to make it “appear” as if the psychological technique is actually bringing healing when in reality the “healing” is not healing at all but only a temporary reprieve. Lacking a disciplined, seasoned discernment, the already weakened and unstable person is eventually led down another path of deception and failure. A vicious cycle develops: Therapy, a reprieve, a new crisis, more therapy, a reprieve, a new crisis, more therapy, and so on.
We are fully aware that in some instances people are genuinely “helped” during a period of time they are under the treatment of a “Christian Psychologist.” But again, it is clear that the healing did not come from the “therapist” or the “psychological technique.” The healing came from a compassionate touch of the GRACE of God, as these people received salvation or renewed their commitment to Christ and to the study and application of His Word – obedience.
At the heart of our concern in all this is that the wrong “gods” are receiving the glory – “Christian Psychology,” psychological techniques, the therapist, or the newly resurrected god of “self-esteem.” The Bible clearly warns: “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another” (Isa. 42:8).
The vast array of “psychological problems” are, in reality, spiritual problems that have never been properly dealt with according to God's Word. When we try to wed God's way of dealing with the human problem of sin - the cross, forgiveness, personal responsibility, accountability, discipline (obedience) – with man's ways – blaming others, “getting in touch with our past,” self-pity/victimization, and relying upon “self” – we are certainly playing the harlot (Josh. 23:8-13).
Sin and its devastating consequences – shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness – cannot be solved by any other means than the redemptive blood of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit of God. Putting a psychological band-aid on these spiritual problems only covers an incurable wound (Jer. 30:12). It is true: “With men this (difficult problem) is impossible; but with God all things are possible... Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (Matt. 19:26; Is. 59:1).
By implying that some problems are “too serious” to be dealt with through the proper application of Scripture, we not only deny the sovereignty and the power of God; we begin to develop within people a dependence on themselves, psychology, a therapist, pastor, friends, or a “technique” instead of dependence on God. That is why the Body of Christ is so weak. We are literally sucking the life-blood of the Church of Jesus Christ out of one another in a sincere attempt to be “compassionate” apart from the power of the Holy Spirit and the application of and obedience to the Word of God.
It is tragic that many have been led to believe that victory over various emotional problems can be obtained only through “professional psychological” counseling. This is not only untrue; it is a devastating witness to the already perceived impotence of the Church.
Did God leave His people “in the dark” for over 1800 years after Christ returned to the Father until Freud appeared on the scene in the late 1800's to shed his enlightenment upon the various problems of the human dilemma? Contrarily, history confirms that some of the most productive, fruitful saints lived during this very period, and people in general were much more “stable” before this new era of enlightenment than today. In truth, countless numbers of individuals through the ages have experienced complete, perfect, and lasting victory over the most severe problems through application of Biblical principles, genuine love, and the power of God working through His Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ.
It is time we tore down the Asherim of Psychology and returned in pure and Holy allegiance to the One who said:
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil... If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isa. 1:16, 19, 20).
