Most of your specific writings are well over my head. However, I think you are correctly discerning the basic reasons Christians often argue over secondary issues rather than ask more basic questions. For example, as a retired therapist I am constantly told I falsely recommend unbiblical interventions. In most cases, I see the interventions as scriptural because I see the causes of their depression or addiction as being other than disobedience.
I developed a different way of thinking about behavior often thought to be 'sinful disobedience' after reading the theology of Dr. James Kallas who writes that there are three very different 'streams' of theology about behavior we say is wrong.
Kallas traces the difference to different theological systems. In some ways to the modern application of Calvin, Luther, and Wesley. He concludes that all are biblically relevant in our minds and groups who think they must choose only one theory of misbehavior and we can find healing by understanding that approach.
Catholics focus on Guilt not its cause.
Calvinists focus on Bondage.
Wesleyan's and Baptists focus on Bad Choices
I offer this as a way to hint I am with you in searching for ways to more logically and healthily interact with others in ways that deal with foundational differences in discovering where our ideas come from. I think you seem to be on a similar journey at a much higher level. In Counseling all these things collide daily.
Gary, thanks so much for reading and commenting! I think those different theological approaches do show up; that's a helpful formulation.
What you're saying about recommending "unbiblical interventions" is exactly what I am on about. Not everything people or even Christians need is specifically biblical. Sometimes we just need to know what works. Or we need to know what is actually causing our psychological condition. Thanks again.
By ‘biblical’ many mean ‘a proof text’ as though every thing we do must have a verse that give the exact ritual we must follow.
In my recent class I used the text about ‘Take the log out of your eye’ and the class was befuddled about its meaning! Metaphors and parables are not easy to put into a ritual.
When I went to the process of careful self assessment they could not find a log to take out.
In some ‘Christian Counseling’ one needs a list of scriptures to quote in every person’s stated issue.
That kind of Bible reading makes every sermon end with an action step to be taken. So the Prodigal son’s sin is the focus! The father and brother are not important.
Most of your specific writings are well over my head. However, I think you are correctly discerning the basic reasons Christians often argue over secondary issues rather than ask more basic questions. For example, as a retired therapist I am constantly told I falsely recommend unbiblical interventions. In most cases, I see the interventions as scriptural because I see the causes of their depression or addiction as being other than disobedience.
I developed a different way of thinking about behavior often thought to be 'sinful disobedience' after reading the theology of Dr. James Kallas who writes that there are three very different 'streams' of theology about behavior we say is wrong.
Kallas traces the difference to different theological systems. In some ways to the modern application of Calvin, Luther, and Wesley. He concludes that all are biblically relevant in our minds and groups who think they must choose only one theory of misbehavior and we can find healing by understanding that approach.
Catholics focus on Guilt not its cause.
Calvinists focus on Bondage.
Wesleyan's and Baptists focus on Bad Choices
I offer this as a way to hint I am with you in searching for ways to more logically and healthily interact with others in ways that deal with foundational differences in discovering where our ideas come from. I think you seem to be on a similar journey at a much higher level. In Counseling all these things collide daily.
Gary, thanks so much for reading and commenting! I think those different theological approaches do show up; that's a helpful formulation.
What you're saying about recommending "unbiblical interventions" is exactly what I am on about. Not everything people or even Christians need is specifically biblical. Sometimes we just need to know what works. Or we need to know what is actually causing our psychological condition. Thanks again.
Joel,
By ‘biblical’ many mean ‘a proof text’ as though every thing we do must have a verse that give the exact ritual we must follow.
In my recent class I used the text about ‘Take the log out of your eye’ and the class was befuddled about its meaning! Metaphors and parables are not easy to put into a ritual.
When I went to the process of careful self assessment they could not find a log to take out.
In some ‘Christian Counseling’ one needs a list of scriptures to quote in every person’s stated issue.
That kind of Bible reading makes every sermon end with an action step to be taken. So the Prodigal son’s sin is the focus! The father and brother are not important.
Help us Lord!
Shalom,
Gary
Joel, I think I saw that you are from St. Charles. I am from near Mt. Vernon, IL. I enjoy your approach.
Your production rate has been insane!
Thanks, Ross! Helpful for me to remember in those hours when I sit around and do nothing and feel unproductive…