Chapter Two

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) A DERIVATIVE SYSTEM OF COUNSELING

In Chapter One, it was suggested that a derivative counseling methodology, while incorporating those physiological constants accepted within most (if not all) counseling models, was rather free standing in that it was built upon one primary premise from which the entire derivative system was synthesized.

Biblical Directionism is the name chosen to represent the synthesis of a methodological development which claims as its foundational premise a single non-negotiable element that is primary to all the research and development which was conducted toward the synthesis.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The Foundational Premise

The foundational premise, upon which Biblical Directionism counseling is built, is that the sixty-six canonized books of the Old and New Testament Bible constitute the infallible Word of God to man; and, as such, represent and contain all truth necessary for the proper development, correction, and maintenance of the human mind. This foundational premise is firmly established in the Bible itself. The following passages, while certainly not exhaustive, are representative.

"The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:7-8.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word." Psalm 119:9

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God maybe thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17

"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubled-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and morrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

That the Scriptures represent themselves to be an adequate handbook for the human mind can hardly be argued. Existing support for Scriptural integrity is another issue.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) Biblical Integrity

Of its own integrity, the Scripture testifies: "The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy" Psalm 19:7. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever" Isaiah 40:8.

Nevertheless, critical thinking compels one to seek additional proofs which independently collaborate without collusion. The proof, then, hinges upon the question of "infallibility," or whether the Bible actually is totally without error. The question has been succinctly articulate in the following statement.   "To many thoughtful conservatives, the greatest weakness...lies in the lack of an adequate view of the inspiration of the Bible. Are the Scriptures to be thought of as merely the human witness to divine revelation, subject to error as other human productions, their record to be judged merely as other ancient writings are to be judged? Is the Bible the Word of God in itself or only when and to the degree that God uses it to confront us by His Spirit in the reading and preaching of the Scriptures. Can we really have a revelation without a Bible which is doctrinally inerrant and factually trustworthy?"1

In answer to this question, Rousas J. Rushdoony has suggested: "The biblical philosophy...is grounded...on the doctrine of the Infallibility of Scripture. A God who is struggling together with man against the darkness of a universe of brute factuality is a God who is struggling to realize himself. He cannot, therefore, speak predictively but only hopefully, because he is not in total control.  Again, because he has not fully realized himself, he is not fully self-conscious, so that his word lacks perspicuity and lucidity; it cannot be infallible, because he is neither perfect, omnipotent, nor sovereign. It can merely be an inspiring exhortation from another leading 'freedom fighter.'"2

When one considers the sobriety of Rushdoony's observation, it becomes clear that the concept of Scriptural infallibility must be predicated upon something other than the witness of the Bible itself or that of those who naively accept its validity. While not intending to give support to all of Rushdoony's views on biblical authority, he has, nevertheless, contributed significantly to a helpful criticism of the conservative view of Scriptural inspiration. His insight at this point is helpful.

"But the orthodox doctrine holds to the infallible Word because it recognizes that God created all things, governs all things, and knows all things, and 'known unto God are all His works, from the beginning of the world.' (Acts 15:18). A perfect, omnipotent, and totally self-conscious God can only speak infallibly; His Word is inescapably an infallible Word."3

The integrity of the Bible cannot rest upon human participation in either the original autographs or the work of preservation. Ultimately, the integrity of the Bible must rest upon the integrity of God Himself. Either God is, or He is not; if he is, then He is God, and His capacity to present and preserve His Word to mankind cannot be increased or decreased. Beyond this barrier to belief, one cannot go except by faith.

No one has ever said it better than the writer of the Book ofHebrews (admittedly a biblical witness). "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.

While the whole matter of Scriptural infallibility rests ultimately upon the prerogative of faith, it does not rest there devoid of external support. The integrity of the biblical record has been systematically vindicated down through the centuries. No other written document in the history of mankind has been the subject of such intense interest as has the Bible.

Also, it is quite reasonable to suggest that the more we know of true science, the more respect one has for the integrity of the Bible. This fact is especially confirming as it relates to the relatively new science of archaeology which has provided an almost inexhaustible supply of validating and vindicating proofs of biblical integrity without invalidating a single fact of biblical historicity.4

What is said here of archaeology may be said also of linguistics, hermeneutics, biology, anthropology, psychology, cosmology, astronomy, thermodynamics, physics, geology, and a host of other scientific disciplines.5

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) Biblical Authority

Biblical Directionism counseling prefaces its entire methodology upon the belief that the Bible is authoritative in all its dealings with man. Warren C. Young has stated this philosophy quite well. "Christian philosophy begins, then with the assertion of a positive, supernatural, and authoritative message. This message is never to be thought of as a human achievement but always as a divine gift. It is a Word which comes to man from an order beyond the world of natural experience. It is a Word directed toward the whole man, to his emotions, his intellect, and his will, not to any one aspect of his personality."6

The place of Scripture in the development of a methodological derivative, such as Biblical Directionism counseling, is total. The authority of the Bible is seen as over the whole of the affairs of man. Therefore, it will permeate every area of counseling technique and therapy in a redemptive, supportive, and directive fashion.

Even Christian psychotherapists who are not specifically schooled in the use of Scripture as an authoritative absolute find it difficult to avoid using the Bible in that very manner. Dr. O. Quentin Hyder observed: "There really is something different about Christian psychotherapy if that difference is the additional power and influence of God mediated by the Holy Spirit. As I have increased in confidence and experience, I have felt more and more free to integrate Scriptural principles into the strategy and tactics of psychotherapy that I learned while in training. Quoting or reading from the Bible is frequently not only appropriate, but often freshly illuminating and helpful to patients."7

While integrating Scriptures into some other system of psychotherapy is, in and of itself, all fine and good, it is precisely the dilemma that the biblical counselor must seek to avoid. We are referring here, again, to the problems associated with superimposition.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) Biblical Sufficiency

It is the contention of Biblical Directionism counseling that the Bible is, in and of itself, a sufficiently adequate source-book on the human mind; and, as such, constitutes a sufficient reservoir out of which a methodological derivative may be synthesized. This is what is meant by Biblical Sufficiency.

Not only is the Scripture viewed as sufficient, more importantly, it is viewed as obligatory. Jay E. Adams has correctly pointed this out. "The Holy Spirit expects counselors to use His Word, the Holy Scriptures...He gave it for such a purpose...it is powerful when used for that purpose. His counseling work is ordinarily performed through the ministry of this Word."8

This sufficiency is clearly indicated in II Timothy 3:16-17. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." It is the chief calling of man to live righteously under God.9   Unless that calling is fulfilled, there can be no mental health. In fact, it is this very calling that seeks to establish the mind as healthy. For the establishment of a healthy mind, the Scriptures are sufficient.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The Derivative System

The methodological development of Biblical Directionism counseling is the result of a derivative synthesis of the biblical principles of counseling. Three fundamental questions served as the motivator for the system's development. These were: (1.) Is the Bible an adequate source-book on the human mind? That is, does it contain sufficient information for the development of a counseling methodology; and is that information in the form of a complete and unified whole? (2.) Can the complete and unified whole be synthesized into a recognizable counseling methodology? (3.) Does the methodological development result in a derivative synthesis that is both coherent and logical?

Unless the Bible constitutes an adequate source-book on the human mind (and consequently human behavior), is amendable to reasonable development, and results in a logical approach, it cannot possibly be accepted as a valid constitution for the formulation of a viable counseling model. If, on the other hand, it can meet these requirements, it is clearly the "ratione et via certus."

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The Adequacy of Scripture

Christian psychologist, William Bacus, has noted: "The Scriptures teach that we don't have to be content with relative truth. We can actually know ultimate truth about reality. In fact, we can even have a personal relationship with God Himself through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we believe this, the Spirit of Truth literally teaches us truth through the Word of God. When a person comes to believe the truth and actually cognizes it (uses it to live by), that person will experience emotional and behavioral consequences which are truly positive and healthful."10

In this statement, Dr. Bacus is recognizing the revelation of the truth in Jesus' statements: "If you hold to My teachings, then you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32. "Your (God's) Word is Truth." John 17:17.

The teachings of Jesus and all that is quantifiable of God cannot be known nor has it been revealed outside of Scripture. Hence, the Scriptures are the only adequate and structured repository of absolute (ultimate), truth.

The word "absolute" is considered objectionable to a great many individuals within the academic and scientific disciplines. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary lists ten related definitions for the word "absolute". The primary definition is: "free from imperfections."  It is this definition which is applied herein applied. Restated, it may be said that the Bible is the only repository of truth which is free from imperfection. Stated in this manner, it may seem redundant to suggest that truth may be absolute; seemingly, either it is truth or it is not.

However, when one considers truth may also be viewed relativistically, the term "absolute truth"is both reasonable and instructive. The testimony of the Bible itself is that it represents absolute truth; and if absolute, then certainly adequate. The word "adequate" is defined here as, "sufficient for a specific requirement." Thus, the Scriptures being the only repository of absolute truth, constitute the only source-book of information which is fully sufficient for meeting the specific requirement of a totally trustworthy derivative counseling methodology.

Again, we consider a statement from William Bacus: "Let us suppose you are going to try to change the thoughts in some 'black box' by rooting out a person's misbeliefs and replacing them with the truth. What can you use as a guide or criterion to determine what is true and what isn't? The Christian criterion for the contents of the black box is the truth of God. That is, of course the criterion Jesus Himself recommended. And in the Christian view of things, the ultimate source of the distortions and irrationalities which disorder human lives is the devil. Thus, the Scriptures offer their own criteria for behavior and their own use of 'cognitive therapy.'"11

Dr. Bacus' statement is congruent with the premise of Biblical Directionism counseling; which is: The system accepts, without equivocation, the belief that the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament Scriptures constitute the only certain and accurate source of information regarding the answers to life's most perplexing problems. It further accepts the belief that if these answers are honestly and faithfully applied to the individual life, they will assure the highest and most meaningful existence possible. Expositional Development Having established the adequacy of Scripture, the next step is to seek a method by which the complete and unified whole of the Bible can be synthesized into a recognizable and comprehensible methodology.

In other words, how can this repository of absolute truth be methodically formulated into a systematic and comprehensive counseling procedure. Exposition is defined here as: "a discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand." By "expositional development," it is meant that the Scriptural whole is reduced to a synthesis which renders the complex body of truth contained therein into a certain form which is compatible with a logical and workable counseling methodology.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The System Logic

Logic, as applied in this context, is defined as: "the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable."   It is the logic of Biblical Directionism counseling that the Bible, as the repository of absolute truth and as an adequate source book for dealing with the human mind, ought to inevitably contain a methodological system which is predictable and verifiable.

Thus, it seems reasonable that a logical methodology does, in fact, exist as a coherent system within the whole of the Scriptures. The remaining step being that of developing a derivative system by reason of a viable synthesis.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The Derivative Synthesis

The question of how to derive a counseling methodology from an almost overwhelming bulk of biblical data is not an easy one to answer. The fact that theological diversity exists on every major biblical doctrine is demonstrative of the difficulties involved in any biblical interpretation; and, after all, synthesis inescapably involves interpretation.

Therefore, in attempting to arrive at a derivative synthesis, a hermeneutical approach was employed. However, a hermeneutical approach to synthesis need not degenerate into an exercise in merely subjective interpretation.

Properly speaking, hermeneutics is: "the study of those principles which pertain to the interpretation of Holy Scriptures...hermeneutics is both an art and a science. It is a science in that it can reduce interpretation within limits to a set of rules; it is an art in that, not infrequently, elements in the text escape easy treatment by rules. Some writers have argued that the giving and taking of meaning in understanding (Verstehen) is more art than science. But at least it is not all art, and what is not art can be treated by rule."12

In keeping with Ramm's definition of hermeneutics, both science and art were employed in the methodological development of the derivative synthesis we have identified as Biblical Directionism counseling; and, as will be demonstrated, the careful use of interpretation has guarded its development.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) Developing A Working Model

The term "Biblical Directionism" was chosen to represent a counseling system based upon the principles and truths revealed in the Bible. The word "direction" is herein defined as: (a.) "a guidance or supervision of conduct"; (b.) "assistance in pointing out the proper route." Thus, "Biblical Directionism" counseling seeks to point the individual to God's Word for accurate and dependable guidance, supervision, and assistance.

However, for a system to be more than theory, it must be developed into a working model. Developing a working model, in the context of this approach, does not refer to some superimposed methodology upon the collective body of biblical truth, That would only result in one more flawed superimposition which violates the Scriptures by utilizing them as a convenient theme.

Arriving at a working model, in the context of this approach, refers to the methodological development of a working model which is the actual derivative synthesis of the three questions postulated earlier in this chapter. These are: (1.) Is the Bible an adequate source book on the human mind? That is, does it contain sufficient information for the development of a counseling methodology, and is that information in the form of a complete and verifiable whole? (2.) Can the complete and verifiable whole be synthesized into a recognizable counseling methodology? (3.) Does the methodological development result in a derivative synthesis that is both coherent and logical?

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) Setting Up An Approach

For the development of a proper working model, the following question was postulated: "Is there a generic biblical method of counseling; and if there is, how does it work?" From this postulate, an approach is suggested. This approach is simple; it is designed to answer the postulate in the clearest and most uncomplicated manner. The resulting methodological development culminates in a derivative synthesis which takes on the form of a working model consisting of five distinct, yet inter-related, steps to counseling. These five steps involve the entire counseling process, from initiation to closure.

bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The System's Foundational Requisites

Any treatment of the system's five steps must be prefaced by several foundational requisites. These four foundational requisites are:

I. The System's Guiding Principle

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17.

II. The System's Scriptural Motto

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8.

III. The System's Goal

Biblical Directionism counseling has, as its primary goal, the task of assisting the counselee in becoming mentally and spiritually whole. This may be fully accomplished only when the individual enters into a right relationship with God. Both mental and spiritual wholeness are totally dependent upon one's personal willingness to accept and act upon known truth as revealed to them by God. It is a fundamental belief of the  Christian Faith that this truth is inerrantly revealed in the Bible. The goal of the biblical counselor must be to present this truth to the counselee in a manner which will facilitate cognition and actualization.

IV. The System's Statement of Belief

It is an unchangeable law of God that those who reject what they know to be the truth of God will come ultimately to ruin. Genuine fulfillment in this life can only be achieved in total submission to the Creator as one willingly subordinates his or her life to God's control.

 bdsqbtn.gif (1060 bytes) The System's Five Steps and Sequence Of Implementation

The following five steps and sequence of implementation are not the result of forming Scripture around a previously developed methodology.  they are to be understood as the results of recognizing the generic format of a biblically derived system of counseling procedures.

STEP I: DETERMINATIVE PROFILING

Scriptural Premise: "Let us examine our ways and test them..." Lamentations 3:40.

Determinative profiling is, broadly speaking, essentially date gathering. More specifically, Determinative Profiling is a biblically focused "examination" or "testing" of the individual's past and present state of being.

STEP II: COMPARATIVE SILHOUETTING

Scriptural Premise: "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and morrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12.

Comparative Silhouetting is the process of using the data gathered during Determinative Profiling in such a way as to obtain an outline of the individual's past and present state of being over against that of the biblical norm. From this "comparative silhouette", a revealing picture is developed which, when assessed, will provide the counselor a base from which to determine counseling need and potential. This is because when the "Determinative Profile" which is essentially data, is contrasted with the "Comparative Silhouette", the result is the creation of biblically processed data into useful counseling information

STEP III: REDEMPTIVE CONFRONTATION

Scriptural Premise: "Will you judge them? Then confront them...and say to them:  This is what the Sovereign Lord says:"  Ezekiel 20:4,5.

Redemptive Confrontation involves both explanation and possible demonstration of how the individual's present state of being may be the result of the failure or success of having lived in accordance with the standards of God's Word. Redemptive Confrontation may also involve pointing out what may be expected in the future as a consequence of obedience or disobedience to the standard of God's Word.

STEP IV: INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT

Scriptural Premise: "Come unto Me will you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Individual Commitment involves bringing the counselee face to face with the need to make a commitment to follow the biblical direction necessary for healing, spiritual rest, and individual wholeness.

STEP V: PERSONAL CONDITIONING

Scriptural Premise: "They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean." Ezekiel 44:23.

Personal Conditioning involves assisting the counselee in the initial process of putting into actual practice the biblical principles necessary for healing, spiritual rest, and personal wholeness, and confirming verification of this initial process. The length of time necessary to fully implement each of these five steps depends upon a great many variables. Actual implementation may not always be chronologically proportional. Just as God deals with individuals in a fashion suited to their uniqueness, so will the five steps of Biblical Directionism counseling be implemented according to the uniqueness of the individual and his or her situation.

 


END OF CHAPTER QUESTIONS

Chapter 2

Instructions:  After reading the chapter, study each question.  Try to determine the correct answer without referring back.   Check the accuracy of your answer by clicking the hyperlinked portion of the question.  The link takes you to the correct place in the chapter.

Q.1  Explain the foundational premise of Biblical Directionism.

Q.2  According to the study, upon what foundational principle does the entire concept of biblical integrity rest?

Q.3  Explain any tension that may exist between biblical authority and integration.

Q.4  What is meant by the term "Biblical Sufficiency?"

Q.5  What are the three (3) fundamental questions which initiated the development of Biblical Directionism?

Q.6  Define the term, "Biblical Directionism."

Q.8  What foundational requisites are essential to a proper understanding of Biblical Directionism?

Q.9  Recall the five steps of Biblical Directionism, the biblical premise for each, and a succinct definition of each step.


ENDNOTES - CHAPTER II

1. Purkiser, Exploring Our Christian Faith, p. 68.
2. Rushdoony, p. 8-9.
3. Ibid, p. 9.
4. Ramm, p. 54-66.
5. For an exhaustive and contemporary treatment of the whole question of biblical integrity and modern science, see: Morris, Henry M., The Biblical Basis For Modern Science. Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Book House, 1985.
6. Young, p. 201.
7. Hyder, p. 187.
8. Adams Competent To Counsel, p. 23.
9. Henry, p. 875-876.
10. Bacus, p. 20.
11. Ibid, p. 22.
12. Ramm, Op, cit., p. 8-9.

 


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