Psychology and Biblical Counseling: Contextualization, Not Integration
Based on insights from an essay by Dr. John Woodward of Grace Fellowship International
Introduction
The relationship between psychology and biblical counseling has been a topic of debate for decades. Many Christian counselors struggle with how—or even whether—psychological insights should be incorporated into biblical counseling. Should psychology be integrated with biblical principles, or should it be viewed through the lens of Scripture and used in a limited way?
In this discussion, we will explore the foundations of psychology, the dangers of integration, and an alternative approach known as contextualization. This approach allows biblical counselors to recognize certain observations from psychology while maintaining Scripture as the ultimate and sufficient source of wisdom for human nature and spiritual transformation.
Biblical Foundation for Discernment
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." — Matthew 10:16
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." — Colossians 2:8
These verses remind us of the need for discernment. Psychology, like any other academic discipline, is shaped by the presuppositions and worldviews of those who develop it. If its insights contradict biblical truth, they must be rejected. However, if certain observations align with biblical principles, they may serve as tools for understanding human behavior within the framework of God’s truth.
1. An Overview of Psychology
A. What Is Psychology?
Psychology is commonly defined as:
"The science that studies behavior and the physiological and cognitive processes that underlie it, and the profession that applies the accumulated knowledge of this science to practical problems."
This definition highlights psychology’s broad scope. However, while psychology may claim scientific objectivity, its underlying assumptions are often rooted in secular philosophy rather than biblical truth.
B. The Roots of Psychology
Physiology and Philosophy – Psychology emerged as a discipline that combined philosophical perspectives with experimental methods from physiology. Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920), regarded as the founder of modern psychology, believed that self-observation could explain human thought processes.
Psychoanalysis – Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) introduced the idea that unconscious desires drive human behavior. His theories were deeply rooted in determinism and largely dismissed spiritual realities.
Behaviorism – John Watson (1878–1958) and B.F. Skinner (1904–1990) argued that human behavior is simply a response to stimuli and reinforcement. They denied free will and dismissed the concept of the soul.
Humanistic Psychology – Carl Rogers (1905–1987) and Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) emphasized self-actualization and human potential, shifting psychology further toward subjective personal fulfillment rather than biblical truth about sin and redemption.
C. Key Themes in Psychology
Psychology is shaped by several core themes:
Empirical methods – Psychology relies on observation, but human behavior cannot always be understood purely by external evidence.
Theoretical diversity – Many competing theories exist within psychology, making it clear that no single model offers absolute truth.
Socio-historical influence – Psychological trends evolve over time, often reflecting cultural values rather than absolute truth.
Multiple causes of behavior – Psychology recognizes complexity in human behavior but often ignores spiritual realities.
Heredity and environment – Psychology acknowledges genetic and environmental influences, but without recognizing man’s fallen nature.
Subjectivity of experience – Psychology often emphasizes personal perception, which may be at odds with objective biblical truth.
2. Approaches to Psychology and Biblical Teaching
Several models have been proposed regarding the relationship between psychology and biblical counseling. These include:
A. Models of Integration
Separate but Equal – Psychology and biblical truth exist as separate disciplines.
Tossed Salad – Psychological insights are mixed with Scripture without discernment.
Nothing Buttery – Psychology is completely rejected in favor of Scripture alone.
Spoiling the Egyptians – Insights from psychology are used selectively, much like how the Israelites took treasures from Egypt (Exodus 12:36).
B. Different Theological Perspectives on Integration
Some Christian psychologists, such as Larry Crabb, John Carter, Bruce Narramore, and Siang-Yang Tan, have attempted to integrate psychology and theology in various ways. However, this often leads to compromising biblical truth.
C. The Dangers of Integration
Many integrationists appeal to:
General Revelation (Psalm 19; Romans 1:19–20)
Investigative Methods (Ecclesiastes; Luke 1:1–3)
The belief that 'All Truth is God’s Truth' (Acts 17:28)
While these principles affirm that truth exists beyond Scripture, they do not justify incorporating secular psychological theories that contradict biblical anthropology.
3. The Dangers of Psychology
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit." — Colossians 2:8
Psychology poses several dangers when it is used improperly in counseling:
It is rooted in secular philosophy – Most psychological theories are based on human reasoning rather than divine revelation.
It has a humanistic bias – Psychology exalts self-actualization rather than sanctification.
It redefines sin – What Scripture calls sin, psychology often reinterprets as dysfunction.
It prioritizes the therapist-client relationship over God’s authority – Therapy often fosters dependence on a counselor rather than on Christ.
It produces ineffective results – Psychology cannot offer true transformation because it does not address the core issue of sin (Jeremiah 2:13).
4. The Alternative: Contextualization Instead of Integration
A. What Is Contextualization?
Contextualization means communicating biblical truth in a way that makes sense to a particular culture without compromising the message.
Missionaries study different cultures to present the gospel effectively, but they do not change its message. Similarly, biblical counselors can study psychology without adopting its flawed worldview.
B. Recognizing What Can Be Used
Certain observations from psychology may be useful if they:
Are consistent with Scripture
Are descriptive rather than prescriptive
Help communicate biblical wisdom more effectively
Examples include:
Assessment tools (such as personality inventories) to aid in understanding behavior patterns.
Rejection syndrome insights that highlight the consequences of the Fall.
Birth order tendencies that help counselors understand family dynamics.
Communication techniques such as active listening, which enhance biblical discipleship.
However, these insights must always be tested against the sufficiency of Scripture.
5. Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness
Biblical counseling must remain rooted in Scripture rather than integrating secular theories that compromise biblical truth. Psychology may provide descriptions of human behavior, but only Scripture provides the solution—redemption in Christ and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Rather than blending psychology with biblical counseling, we must contextualize psychological observations within a biblical framework—always upholding the supremacy of God’s Word. Only then can we minister effectively while remaining faithful to the gospel.