Is there a conflict between Christianity and Modern Psychology?
Are modern psychology and Christianity compatible? Many Christian leaders and counselors would say they are. I beg to differ. In many respects, the various applied theories of psychology (and psychotherapy) and the gospel’s message operate from irreconcilable paradigms. Therefore, in some respects there is a fundamental conflict between modern psychology and authentic Christianity.
The paradigms for the mechanisms of change in popular psychology are based on natural self-interest. In contrast, the means of Christian transformation and liberty are either supernatural (i.e., from the Holy Spirit) or not. If they are not, then God’s power to liberate the soul is negated because Christ is not the source of that change.
What does the New Testament Teach?
The basis of my claim is found in the New Testament. Jesus says, “apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5) He also says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (Jn. 6:63)
What is Jesus telling us? Is he saying that without the Spirit, we cannot eat lunch or drive a car? Obviously not. Is he saying that without His help, we cannot do a good deed for someone?
The answer to this question is surprising; yes, we cannot. How can this be? The lost message of the New Testament that is the basis for my website, ChristianityRediscovered.com, is all about the answer to this question.
I contend that popular Christianity tells us that to do good, we must simply decide to do so. It seems from this passage, however, that perhaps Jesus disagrees. Moreover, it is not just Jesus who is saying this, but it is thematic throughout the New Testament.
How to Please God
For instance, Paul says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Col. 2:8) There are numerous such statements by Paul and all the writers of the New Testament.
Breaking down the quotes I just offered, we can see that there is a clear message embedded in these words. What is being said is that even if you did a good deed for someone, if Christ was not (supernaturally) empowering your behavior, it was not a work pleasing to the Father. It was not real obedience by God’s definition. This is because only God is righteous in Himself, and that which comes forth from the will of man is not intrinsically capable of true holiness – it is thus unclean in the sight of God.
This is confirmed, for example, by Paul’s amazing proclamation, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
True Christianity is Supernatural
This foundational concept in Christianity has many implications beyond this article’s scope. The significance relevant to this article is that the kingdom of God is supernatural and eternal and is beyond human reach apart from Christ and the life in Him. In other words, to live in the freedom Jesus promises, we must be dead to ourselves, and our life must originate in Christ. Christ’s life overcomes the world; ours cannot.
Therefore if we are operating our soul life from our natural human motives, we are dead to
Christ and can do nothing in or for His kingdom. On the other hand, if we are alive in Christ, we are dead to our self-interests, and our interests are from and for God.
Psychology and Christianity are Essentially Incompatable
Moreover, we must realize that we can never be operating out of both at the same time. We will either be for ourselves or Christ. This does not mean that in New Testament Christianity, we are against ourselves, but we are, through the Spirit, doing what He is doing and serving His (perfect and righteous) interests. Since we are for Him, He is also for us, and we abide in that love.
This also does not mean that use of modern psychology is evil or something to be feared. It certainly has its place in the operation of modern society. I also am not suggesting that my Christian colleagues that choose to use modern psychology are doing wrong.
What I am suggesting, however, is that for the believer, there are stores of unfathomable riches that are being overlooked and that the Church is missing the boat on its potential for healing, liberation and transformation of the soul. This is a tragic loss. We have so much more to offer.
Authentic Christianity, not False or Toxic Religion
Moreover, the truly Christian solution to our soul’s troubles also does not constrain the Christian to some hyper-religious format of self-negation. Nor will it force the believer into a double-bind of having to choose between getting help or being pleasing to God. Instead, Christ liberates the believer from these sorts of double-binds because grace operates independently from our own capacities.
Beyond this, the Spirit of God liberates us from the old self daily, with all its attending fears and manipulations. The gift of grace from our gracious Giver is always given freely and without cost. And with that liberation comes freedom also from the pathologies embedded in the soul – pathologies that imprison us all.
So, am I suggesting that there is no place in Christianity for counseling? Not at all. Counseling is an important ministry within the Church. What is being challenged here is the methodology commonly being used. This, then, is the sense in which Christianity and modern psychology are incompatible or methodologically irreconcilable.
We must then consider our goals when we, as Christians, seek answers to the dilemmas in our lives. Could it be that the difficulties we face are not without purpose? Perhaps, these dilemmas are the most tangible opportunities for true transformation we will encounter in our lives. In this light, we would be wise to seek the Lord regarding how we will come to terms with them. The quick and seemingly easy solutions may not be the best or the most profitable. In fact, they may not even be the quickest and easiest either.
