Introduction to the Special Issue on the Sufficiency of Scripture

Journal of Psychology and Theology ◽

10.1177/0091647121992420 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 009164712199242

Author(s):

William L. Hathaway

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Professions ◽

Biblical Counseling ◽

Special Issue ◽

Biblical Authority ◽

Christian Psychology

This article provides an introduction to the special issue on the sufficiency of Scripture. The special issue examines the biblicist approach to the sufficiency of Scripture and offers alternative understandings or examples of the how the sufficiency of Scripture relates to counseling. The introduction notes the issue includes contributions from integrationist, theological, Christian psychology, and Biblical counseling perspectives that share both a commitment to a high view of Biblical authority and an openness to resources for counseling offered by the contemporary mental health professions.

Download Full-text

An Examination of Two Biblical Cases for One Approach to the Sufficiency of Scripture

Journal of Psychology and Theology ◽

10.1177/0091647121992417 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 009164712199241

Author(s):

William L. Hathaway

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Professions ◽

Biblical Counseling ◽

Peter 1 ◽

2 Peter ◽

Counseling Approach

This article explores the twofold key claim often made within the Biblical Counseling Movement: (1) that doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture necessitates a Biblical counseling approach that is predominantly or exclusively derived from Scripture and (2) that the counseling approaches derived from the secular mental health professions are either unnecessary or so inherently defective as to be improper resources for counseling by Christians. Particular focus is given to two key passages used to support this perspective: 2 Peter 1:1–11 and 2 Timothy 3:1–17. It is argued that neither of these passages provide Biblical warrant for the sufficiency of Scripture doctrine as sometimes advanced by the Biblical counseling movement.

Download Full-text

Affirming Diversity in the Task of Integration: a Response to “Biblical Authority and Christian Psychology”

Journal of Psychology and Theology ◽

10.1177/009164718201000104 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 35-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

James D. Guy

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Biblical Authority ◽

The Bible ◽

Christian Psychology ◽

Biblical Inerrancy

A summary of the author's approach to the integration of psychology und theology is followed by a response to Lawrence J. Crabb's article. “Biblical Authority and Christian Psychology,” which appeared in (he Volume 9, Number 4 issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology. In this response it is suggested that biblical inerrancy does not necessarily result in inerrant theological formulations. It is also suggested that the Bible's unique purpose, as described by Crabb, may not require that theology be given authority over psychology. Finally, it is pointed out that what Crabb refers to as the proportional form of the Bible may not eliminate errors in conceptualizing its revealed truth. A brief discussion of the implications of this position follows, with special emphasis upon affirming the diversity which exists today among Christian mental health professionals.

Download Full-text