4-MAT Book Review: Integration of Psychology and Theology Abstract In his conceptual book, Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality

in Christian Counseling (1996), McMinn offers a presentation of a counselor multitasking but has developed his own. Who has developed approach I in the counseling world? Most New age Christian counselors have begun to develop synchronized skills, which embark on the core components of, Theology, psychology and spirituality. Our journey begins exploring the pathways of understanding the values and perspectives that can be discovered through the work of a well-rounded solid, Christian counselor. The book is filled with illustrations of life and brief counseling scenarios. McMinn (1996) does provide the reader with a fully functional working model that identifies the relating life experiences to Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality. The resistance of modern psychology and theology in todays practices is divisive as it tries to deliver contemporary messages concerning mental health on different approaches. As Psychologist Albert Ellis wrote, The emotionally healthy individual should primarily be true to himself and not masochistically sacrifice himself for others. Versus Christian spirituality that identifies and states in scripture that as individuals we are instructed to look out for the interest of others (Phil. 2:4) and to prefer one another in honor (Rom 12:10) (McMinn, 1996).

McMinn successfully attempts to integrate the concepts of these three distinct

disciplines, Christian counseling then becomes more intricate and comprehensive. The modern

Christian counselor sets their belief upon God as an individuals growth, spirituality and

mental health is in their mind. In placing the remains of a tattered mental health condition in

the forefront, the clients eternity of life and knowledge of God and overall well being remains

an important piece in the treatment. A outlined viewpoint of psychological and spiritual

health, gives the individual the responsibility to recognize their relationship to God, they

family and friends and most of all to themselves. We must first understand and have a

Awareness that identifies our brokenness and therefore, allow us experience grace and hope

in our journey through lifes trials and tribulations with Jesus Christ.

The three disciplines psychology, theology, and spirituality in addition to the niche of

multitasking, will take time, energy, loyalty, and dedication to integrate in the counseling

profession. The latter parts of the book discusses McMinn uses prayer, scripture, sin,

confession, forgiveness, and redemption to give us a glimpse of the counseling

world perspective .The main problem with sin is that it separates us from God; the wonder of

redemption is that individuals are brought back into relationship with God. (McMinn, 1996, p.

265). A Christian counselor must display humility and compassion and gratitude and pray for

Gods grace with gratefulness. Scripture transforms people by identifying the sin and the Holy

Sprit power allows a redemptive God to shine through. Those who are unbelievers see no

need for spiritual redemption. Through Confession we acknowledge our sin and our need for

Salvation through the grace and love of God. We need the redemption for our sins as we gain a

relationship with God our prayer becomes fruitful. Our lives will then be completed and our

hope everlasting. Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and do not forget all his benefits-who forgives all

Your iniquity, which heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you

with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your

youth is renewed like the eagles(Ps. 103:2-5).

Response

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon

you and learn from 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. I had struggled throughout my chaotic

childhood dealing with the presence of crack cocaine, gang violence, and uncertain living

conditions throughout the streets of South Los Angeles I developed the ability to discern sprits

whom were harvest in people most of my life. My perception of family was good. Both

parents worked most of my life. However, my mother s education was quite higher than

fathers. Roughly she was a college graduate while his never passed the eighth grade did not

Experience considerable loss until the death of my mother in 1998 followed by my younger sister

in 2001.my youngest sisters death hit me the hardest as did my father who begin to suffer

Dementia shortly afterward. Christian guidance and support helped my throughout this troubling

times and my first wife and I prayed and shared scripture together. By the age of 33, I learned

the true meaning of prayer. Through time, I learned to forgive others and most important I

learned to forgive myself.

Reflection

In reading Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (McMinn,

1996), There were several key notes to remember and required the extensive use of a

highlighter. Anyone who is starting out in the counseling field should have this as a required

textbook. McMinn does an excellent job of guiding the reader on how to integrate Christian

faith and spirituality into the secular world daily reflections. Christian counselors should wan

to follow gods will and this texts provides the examples, guidance, and techniques on how to

Incorporate God into the counseling session. The drawback with this work is around the

conclusion. Throughout the text, McMinn is clearly preparing the counselor to master the

Skill of multi-tasking. , McMinn summarizes the whole book in two pages. The most important

part of integrating the three areas of studies is important enough for the author to provide a

greater level of detail to a new counselor in reference multitasking. Success always lie in the

strategy that is used in multitasking

Action

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as

innocent as doves. Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils

and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and

kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about

what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say; for it will not be you

speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:16-20). God has

given me back tenfold since the loss of my mother and sister I have established myself as a

praying case manager at PCA. As Jesus calls me into the counseling field, he is also preparing

me for the secular world. In my environment, people request you solve their problems for them. I will use scripture to reach out in Christian love to these individuals and families.

Reference McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.