A Common Problem Today For Adolescent Christians

Be familiar with the following content from The Preface, Introduction, Appendix, & Chapters 1-5 of “Living Out the Mind of Christ: Practical Keys to Discovering and Applying the Mind of Christ in Every Day Life” by Dr. Gutierrez

In the work of professional psychology, we have now a forray of theories, therapeutic techniques, and modern psychotherapies which has all too frequently ignore the spiritual element in human life. In Care of Souls, Dr David Benner recaptures the place of the spiritual in psychological work. Among the many benefits of the use of modern therapies and medical science, he has also emphasised putting God's priorities above one's own in the practice of Christian soul care.

The integration of psychology and theology is so intertwined that it has caused ill-well between the two disciplines. The over-arching concern for a counselor is to understand the why of a person disorder. In trying to understand the why, there are issues concerning the mind of the person, the thought process, their body, their soul, their temporal and the supernatural systems that can be manipulated if they are not living with a healthy lifestyle. So what a counselor is trying to discover is the physical function of individuals as well as trying to uncover the spiritual components of their lives, which can be worked through within the intake process, however it does not need to be left out during the counseling process. This is best said in the words of McMinn (1996) who declares “the best interdisciplinary integration work usually comes from those who have formal or informal preparation in both psychology and theology” (p. 9). Scripture states in, II Chronicles 1:10, says “give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours” (New International Version)? This research article will endeavor to search through varies theories to aid counselors in the integration process of psychology and theology. Because the ultimate goal for any counselor especially the Christian counselor is to be used as an instrument for God to bring about healthy living, corrective thoughts, and eradicate persistent sins.

Inward disciplines are related to those ones where the inner self –awareness part is involved- Mind and Spirit. Are the reflection of a life of self-disciplined and hunger for the things of God. This inward disciplines are Meditation, Prayer, Fasting and Study in the Christian Life, all related to God and His

Edwards’ begins his writing by further commenting of Peter’s words on persecutions. Further explain how trials of one’s faith serve as opportunities for a Christian to achieve true virtue and to test whether one’s religion is true or false. If one’s has true religion successful response to trials further purifies, refines, and increases her religion. Edward remarks, “True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections.” (141). Edwards further defines affection as one’s ability to follow the inclination of one’s soul. The soul holds two faculties: the first facility holds the task of understanding. The second facility controls inclination. Edwards reveals the physiological connection of our body and affections stating: “from

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how the Sacramental Life or Incarnational Tradition help me focus on my life as a harmonious unit and to illustrate how my life is impacted by my view of worship. In addition, I will give a theological analysis on how focusing on life as a harmonious unit is essential to the myself, the individuals I administer spiritual counseling to and my ministry constituents.

The Little Guide to Christian Spirituality offers a simple, but not overly simplified, look at this subject. The content is organized in such a way that makes it accessible and relevant to believers at any stage of their faith journey. The three dynamics – relational, transformational, and vocational – cover the majority, if not all, aspects of Christian spirituality. There is attention given to areas that were even

In a contemporary Christian environment one of the most prominent practices to have a significant contribution to Christianity as a living religious tradition is Baptism. Baptism is of utmost importance for most Christian denominations. It has profound significance for the individual who is baptised and is also important for the Christian community as a whole. As a sacrament of initiation, Baptism calls its adherents to become missionary Disciples of Christ. It is through baptism that one’s faith journey begins and Christians are called to follow and live their lives in the light of Christ.

Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, was first published in 1978. It presented sets of Disciplines that, if followed, would serve as vehicles for a deeper relationship with Christ as well as preparation for service. These disciplines are divided into three broad categories: the Inward Disciplines, the Outward Disciplines, and the Corporate Disciplines (Foster, 2003). Each category contains four Disciplines, which indicated by their titles, moves the disciple from the very personal to the larger congregational community (Foster, 2003). Recognizing humanity’s trend to make any process a law or regulation to follow, Foster warned against this by reminding the disciple that to do so would turn

2) Christian mysticism originally consisted of a threefold path for achieving the unification of their soul to the presence of god. However, the author Evelyn Underhill recognized two additional paths to achieve unison. The initial stage where one begins to wonder the possibility of a divine existence has been termed as The Awakening. Awakening within a person can be due to any number of reasons or situations which the person experiences. Purification or purgative is the initiative step taken by aspiring Christian mystics who have felt the divine power. It required the mystic to be disciplined in many factors with an emphasis on the human body. As such, Prayer and meditation at regular times and different postures like standing or kneeling

During Sunday School recently, someone wisely noted that our minds are like a parachute; they only work when they are opened. This article reminded me about how true that is. When we close ourselves off, using defensive activities, to the realities around us, we often miss the opportunities for Christ to speak and commune with us as he intends. Johnson and Burroughs (2000) tapped into a deep truth about how our flesh, both consciously and unconsciously, protects and constricts our relationship with Christ and experiencing him fully. The world will never experience the freedom from sins hold until they relinquish control to him and experience brokenness; submissively accepting God’s grace. Only then, will the flesh and sin

As Christian educators, we are called to promote and support learning in those areas. True teaching is a sharing of realities, likening the teaching process and weaving connections between their teachings and understandings themselves and the world around them. If we do not make connections for the students to the world around them, many times these precious gifts graced upon them will be overlooked or passed by because the young minds may not be able to recognize them. Some areas of observation might be seen as open doors to see or perceive and understand something of God and His motion as reflected through the created world and the Bible. Other areas might be seen as open doors to respond, apply, express and practice in ways that are consistent with biblical values. When these areas are discovered and embraced, many times they can address the major developmental needs in the spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional realms of the student’s life. Identifying these areas is helping the students begin their walk with the Lord and their own calling.

The book Steps to Christ discusses our relationship with God. The author Ellen White describes thirteen steps we must take to enable us to have a loving and committed relationship with our Heavenly Father. In this essay I discuss each of the thirteen steps.

Throughout the book, the author carefully details the need for balance between theology and spirituality, and psychology and Christianity. Though the author discusses methods and approaches that are spiritual but based on a strong theological foundation. “Nothing is more crucial to an effective Christian life that a clear awareness of its foundation” (p. 25). Essentially Crabb (1977) maintains that spirituality is a product of the correct thinking associated with strong theological foundation.

I will explore a few of unique approaches as outlined in the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola. I will describe my experience of integrating some of the concepts of spiritual direction into my practice.