21 Jun 07
1 edit
Originally posted by josephwLet me help with a few questions for you to develop.
The answer is no. But it's late and I'm going to bed. So you all will just have to wait for me to explain why later.
I promise it will be good!
1) Have I ever been in psychotherapy? If not, how can I speak authoritatively on this question?
2) Is it possible that God may ever use this as a means of recovery?
3) Did Christ ever use any "counseling" technique as he ministered to people?
4) Is there not a place for psychotherapy in light of the many emotional wounds that some have experienced in the name of "religion"?
5) Is AA (and other recovery programs) valid in its concept of the use of a "Higher Power"?
21 Jun 07
Originally posted by rwingettScientologists have their members pay for "sessions" in which they help you overcome problems in your life. For example, if one were to have depression, one would simply take a "class" on how to overcome depression. They feel as though you have within you the mental capability to overcome anything and that all one needs to do is simply tap into such capabilities. I don't know if you remember, but Tom Cruze recently made remarks about Brook Shields taking antidepressive medications to help her with her depression. It was of his opinion based upon being indoctrinated with this stuff that medications were not the answer, rather, all she really needed was to pay for one of these classes.
Huh?
21 Jun 07
Originally posted by whodeyThis is essentially what I was wanting to know from Josephw. The story you just recounted is in fact almost identical to the thinking of many churches: you don't need this kind of help if you have Jesus. Or as I heard one preacher say, "you don't need the twelve steps if you have the one way."
Scientologists have their members pay for "sessions" in which they help you overcome problems in your life. For example, if one were to have depression, one would simply take a "class" on how to overcome depression. They feel as though you have within you the mental capability to overcome anything and that all one needs to do is simply tap into such capabil ...[text shortened]... ons were not the answer, rather, all she really needed was to pay for one of these classes.
I am hoping Josephw will address my questions and maybe perhaps if given a choice between a Christian surgeon and a Jewish surgeon, which he would choose.
21 Jun 07
2 edits
Originally posted by kirksey957I think when one turns to Christ, one is conceeding that the answers do not lie within, rather, the answers lie outside their own power and capabilities. One is also conceeding that Christ has the answers, so to speak, and that through seeking him such answers can be found. Such answers after seeking the face of God MAY, in fact, be in turning to others for help whether they be Christian or otherwise.
This is essentially what I was wanting to know from Josephw. The story you just recounted is in fact almost identical to the thinking of many churches: you don't need this kind of help if you have Jesus. Or as I heard one preacher say, "you don't need the twelve steps if you have the one way."
I am hoping Josephw will address my questions and mayb ...[text shortened]... s if given a choice between a Christian surgeon and a Jewish surgeon, which he would choose.
21 Jun 07
Originally posted by kirksey957Why do they separate psychological help from medical help? I have always wondered why people who claim that faith healing exists still get sick and still go to hospital.
This is essentially what I was wanting to know from Josephw. The story you just recounted is in fact almost identical to the thinking of many churches: you don't need this kind of help if you have Jesus. Or as I heard one preacher say, "you don't need the twelve steps if you have the one way."
I had a friend whos father was a 'witch doctor' (an African Traditional healer often claiming to have magical powers) yet when his son (my friend) got sick he took him to the hospital.
I do think that some problems that are treated with psychotherapy can be treated by being a member of a social club like a church or the AA etc. They say that people who have pets are generally healthier probably due to the extra social interaction.
21 Jun 07
Originally posted by kirksey957Could you answer the questions for yourself, reverend?
Let me help with a few questions for you to develop.
1) Have I ever been in psychotherapy? If not, how can I speak authoritatively on this question?
2) Is it possible that God may ever use this as a means of recovery?
3) Did Christ ever use any "counseling" technique as he ministered to people?
4) Is there not a place for psychotherapy in li ...[text shortened]... ) Is AA (and other recovery programs) valid in its concept of the use of a "Higher Power"?
21 Jun 07
Originally posted by lucifershammerBe glad to.
Could you answer the questions for yourself, reverend?
1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Something as basic as Jesus' response "Do you want to be well?" would be a good example. Another example would be his understanding of family systems when he talks about family members turning against one another or the account of the prodigal son.
4) Yes
5) Yes
21 Jun 07
1 edit
Originally posted by josephwI would not go that far Joe.
The answer is no. But it's late and I'm going to bed. So you all will just have to wait for me to explain why later.
I promise it will be good!
I think a Christian could possibly benefit from psychotherapy in some instances.