Author: Blomberg, Craig L.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 137-154

Abstract:

Is forgiveness a necessity or a nicety for the Christian? A close examination of Matthew 18:15-35 reveals that this question is a vital one for everyone concerned with the psychotherapeutic and counseling fields. The article argues that the central idea of this passage, contained in verses 21-22, is best interpreted in light of the sections immediately preceding (verses 15-20) and immediately following (verses 23-35). These two sections give us implied qualifiers for verses 21-22 that disciples of Jesus would have understood but that we often miss. This article concludes with the reminder that the extension of forgiveness is essentially related to the well-being of the believer in this life and the next.

Author: Roberts, Robert C.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 127-136

Abstract:

Psychologists by definition are people concerned with how to help others live well. As such, they are purveyors of wisdom. In the days of Hellenistic philosophy, the psychologists were all philosophers. No one should think that psychology or psychotherapy is a recent phenomenon. Christianity came into a world well-populated with psychotherapies. This paper reviews Paul’s approach to wisdom as described in his first letter to the Corinthians. When the distinctiveness of this Christian wisdom is ignored, lost, or sidelined, the wisdom psychotherapists pass along to hurting people will not nurture or produce Christian character, but some other kind. The article concludes with an example of the process regarding forgiveness in the work of Lewis Smedes.

Author: Averbeck, Richard E.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 25(2), Sum 2006, pp. 111-126

Abstract:

Calvin’s (1960) discussion of “double knowledge” helps us understand the relationship between psychology (knowledge of the human person) and biblical studies/theology (knowledge of God). The double nature of these two forms of knowing illustrates the natural and necessary mutual interaction they have. Neither one is complete in itself; both need the other. We can see this theme throughout the pages of Scripture: in the redemption-sanctification-wisdom strands of theology as well as in the creation-corruption-foolishness teachings of the Bible. True wisdom is bringing the knowledge of God and people together in the midst of the mess which we ate and in which we live. This is what both the Bible and counseling are really all about.