MCMINN 4MAT REVIEW
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling
Trina Tindal Allen
Liberty University
Summary
McMinn, Mark R. Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996.
Dr. Mark McMinn is the author of this great resource for Christian counselors and those studying to be Christian counselors. There have been years of research and discussion about the relationship between theology and the science of psychology. The focus of this work goes beyond that aspect and takes us into the counseling office. This intimate place is personal to the client and the counselor, as well. It is a place of integrating the counselors’ spiritual life and formal training in theology and psychology.
Chapter one of the book, was written jointly with James Wilhoit who addresses the topic of religion in the counseling office. He is of the opinion that the emphasis should be on the utilization of the Christian faith instead of on the relationship between psychology and theology. There are challenges that come with that, yet there are also methods that may be used to deal with those challenges.
In the second chapter of the book called, ‘Toward Psychological and Spiritual Health’, McMinn concentrates on an individual’s life and their specific traits. He says that there are three areas of a person’s life that can be strengthened by Christian counseling. They are: sense of self, having an awareness of human need and limitations and lastly, disclosing personal relationships with God and others.
Each chapter is formatted in such a way that makes it relatable and easy to understand. The chapters contain scenarios along with the challenges the counselor may face. The psychological and spiritual well-being applications, and also the intended results by each critical element of counseling including psychological, theological, and spiritual. The majority of...