Free Essay

Christian Mindfulness

In:

Submitted By chikamoday
Words 2218
Pages 9
Chérie Headley-Woodlief
CNS241 – Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
October 26, 2011
Dr.’s Troy Reiner & Jim Anderson

Christian Mindfulness

Christian mindfulness. Can it exist within the context of biblical scriptures; within the context of God’s nature and ways? Mindfulness in biblical form can actually deepen our connection with God, allowing humankind spiritual inspirations by God personally and mindfully reflecting upon God’s nature, will, and creation. The Psalms within God’s Word show just such personal and spiritual reflections:
Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Praise him, skies above! Praise him, vapors high above the clouds! Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being…Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds (Psalm 148:3-5 & 7-10, NLT).
The trees of the Lord are well cared for- the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses. High in the mountains live the wild goats, and the rocks form a refuge for the hyraxes. You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about. Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God. At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest (Psalm 104:16-22, NLT). Mindfulness to the secular world, steeped heavily in Buddhism, has a transcendental meditation perspective. This practice of mindfulness puts one in an instant of unpolluted understanding, completely in harmony with one’s perception of reality, which may not prove the reality of one’s mind. This sensitivity puts one in tune with “the being of whatever it is [one is] aware of” (Nattan, n.d.). According to Marcia Montenegro, former Buddhist turned Christian, Buddhism considers “the mind as a barrier to grasping ultimate reality and truth; therefore, the mind must be bypassed. Mindfulness is designed to do this” (2010). Montenegro declares that the concept of mindfulness proves primarily as a means of self-detachment guised in the package of “stress reduction,” but actually alters the mind similar to hypnosis where judgment and critical thinking are suspended and anything can enter the mind, aiming for the extinction of illusion, including illusion of self. She feels that because of this, mindfulness cannot truthfully result in liberation or true peace, and only leads to emptiness and shapelessness. She proceeds to explain that this method or rationale stands in direct conflict with a Christian worldview and has nothing in common with biblical meditation, which is thoughtful contemplation of God’s Word. A detachment, as she depicts in secular mindfulness, certainly goes against biblical teaching. Biblical mindfulness from a Christian psychological standpoint must begin “by identifying a problem of distorted thoughts, perceptions and judgments and their genesis in the mind and heart…the model of mindfulness might articulate the proper cognitive and attitudinal engagement in an unpredictable and frightening world” (Monroe, 2010). “Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15a, NLT), which proves a form of contemplative awareness by the Holy Spirit. This really contrasts with secular mindfulness, which is non-judgmental awareness. As a Christian, God calls one to depend solely on His Holy Spirit and willfully engage fully in the present moment without passivity. This process known as wisdom, takes what one knows, and allows that knowledge, to meet with what one experiences. Of course, God’s Word stands as a foundational cornerstone to understanding, for without it one’s knowledge bases itself on mere experience and feelings, which leads to a variety of problems (Proverbs 29:18). In order to make secular mindfulness a “Christian” practice or method of counsel, one must develop a habit of regular meditative study of God’s Word, turning it into a type of worship for God (Psalm 1:2). Without His Word to turn mindfulness from secularism into a Christian form of healing and spirituality, one’s mind and worship will focus on something other than God, resulting in idolatry. Mindfulness as an awareness of God (Luke 10:21-22), others (Matthew 7:15-20), and one’s surroundings (Luke 2:17-20), exists as a much deeper knowing than that of an object’s mere existence; it is an intimacy of actually knowing personally and experientially. Christian mindfulness results in an act of intent rather than of reaction to one’s environment or circumstance. A Christian can and must act with integrity out of love, fulfilling God’s purpose with sincerity of heart (1 John 3:18, John 17:25-26, Galatians 6:2, 2 Corinthians 1:12). Christian mindfulness fills, whereas secular mindfulness empties. Christian mindfulness allows oneself the filling of God’s things (James 1:17) such as His Spirit (Acts 4:31) and His love and grace (John 15:912) all from His Word. Mindfulness in God allows for peace, contentment, and a quietness of soul to face uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. Mindfulness in God involves letting go of the past and future worries and living in the present (Philippians 3:13, Matthew 6:34, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2). Above all else, Christian mindfulness proves one of Spirit Mindedness as described in Romans 8. In essence, Christian mindfulness exists as a deeper attentiveness to one’s environment and circumstance, as well as what God is doing there and in one’s soul. Then taking deliberate action based on faith in God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Mindfulness exists as the opposite to mindlessness, which evidences itself in such ways as distraction or avoidance, meaningless activity, insensitivity or selfishness, simple mindedness, worldliness, and/or double mindedness. One can overcome these issues with learning and implementing mindfulness, which changes one from acting haphazardly to acting realistically and accurately. Putting mindfulness into play becomes the next step. 1 John 3:18 tells Christians, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (NLT). God’s expectation of humankind as His children, as He speaks to us in this verse is for awareness of self and on one’s own character and the awareness of others and their needs. In order to carry this expectation of mindfulness out, one must possess and implement three important fundamentals, grace, purity, and sincerity. Scripture depicts how Christians should act with these fundamental qualities:
We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. (2 Corinthians 1:12, NLT).

In light of this precept, the “wisemind ACCEPTS” presented by Linehan (p. 165) to balance feelings and reasoning, need utilized with caution, for this “wisemind” concept proves one of a “fleshly wisdom” (Romans 7:14-20) that without proper subjection to God’s Word, Holy Spirit, and Christ-centered spiritual disciplines, could very well lead one astray and away from God’s grace. Within Christian mindfulness, reliable emotional experiences and intuitive knowing stems from a Spirit-filled conscience and God-given grace, purity, and sincerity, whereas secular mindfulness’s intuition and emotion is within self. Effective action stems from love motivation, hope, and endurance, and humankind receives this “bear all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7) love, hope, and endurance from God alone. Christian mindfulness realizes an often spiritually fatal problem of humanity, one of preconceived ideas and notions. These ideas and notions tend to play out in one’s subconscious and serve as roots of self-deception, misconduct, confusion, misperceptions, and erroneous thoughts and judgments. The Christian worldview calls these issues sin, or missing the mark, which logically translates in Christian psychology as a miss in the human brain, which one plays out in behavior. To resolve this “missing,” God’s key is fulfillment, a continuous action of filling up and overflowing joy and peace (Romans 15:13). In order to accomplish this, one must diminish self, and in Christian mindfulness this happens by exercising self-control (1 Corinthians 9:27), renewing the mind (Ephesians 4:22-24), and taking one’s thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Christian mindfulness utilizes taking thoughts captive by way of discovering contentment with effective action of breaking one’s focus on the “not’s” (“are not,” “have not,” and “do not”), and refocusing on what will resolve the discontent, by “be[ing] still and know[ing] I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The “not’s” represent a form of “spiritual ADHD,” hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, which many borderline personalities possess if not in physical action, in mindlessness. One of inattention’s listed criterion: “often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes;” hyperactivity’s listed criterion: “is often ‘on the go’ or often acts as if ‘driven by a motor’ (though we are not sure where they are going);” and impulsivity’s listed criterion: “often blurts our answers before questions have been completed (or understood)” (“Symptoms of”, n.d.). Mindfulness learns to get away from this disturbing thought process or attitudinal engagement by being still, simply observing the thought without getting involved with it, and returning to the here and now. Taking the thought and holding it captive is best described in the Jameson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary (n.d.):
Arrange the words following thus: "Bringing every thought (that is, intent of the mind or will) into captivity to the obedience of Christ," that is, to obey Christ. The three steps of the apostle's spiritual warfare are: (1) It demolishes what is opposed to Christ; (2) It leads captive; (3) It brings into obedience to Christ (Ro 1:5; 16:26). The "reasonings" [sic] (English Version, "imaginations") are utterly "cast down." The "mental intents" (English Version, "thoughts") are taken willing captives, and tender the voluntary obedience of faith to Christ the Conqueror.
Take these key steps of the apostles and apply them to the application of mindfulness: * observe and describe, putting words on the experience or thought changing them from “imaginations” to fact, * repeat this step until surety and understanding of it illuminates, * test it against and with the Spirit’s guided intuition, * focus on the facts without preconceived and dramatic expletives, * be still in and trust God, * giving over and allowing Him to take away any distractions and prompt any needs, and * act effectively in grace, purity, and sincerity; meeting the needs of the situation (Linehan, 1993).
These steps in turn will demolish what is opposed to Christ, lead the thoughts – taking them captive, and bring them into obedience, thus exercising self-control and a renewing of the mind through Christ. Effective action by dwelling with Christ and delighting in Him in mind, spirit, and action removes one’s hindrances upon God allowing Him to fulfill His promise to His children, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you” (Psalm 37:4-5, NLT).
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus, And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:6-9, NLT).
Finally, remember dear Christians, mindfulness can exist within the context of biblical scriptures; within the context of God’s nature and ways, deepening our connection with Him, allowing us spiritual inspirations by Him by personally, and mindfully reflecting upon His nature, will, and creation and in doing so His peace will be with us.

References
Linehan, M. (1993). Skills training manual for treating borderline disorder personality. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Monroe, P. (2010, February 14). Christian psychology and mindfulness. Society for christian psychology. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://christianpsych.org/ wp_scp/2010/02/14/christian-psychology-and-mindfulness/
Montenegro, M. (2010, November). Mindfulness: no-mind over matter. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/ Articles_Mindfulness.html
Nattan, S. (n.d.). That ye may be mindful. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://blessedquietness.com/journal/housechu/mindful.htm
Symptoms of ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.intuniv.com/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/symptoms-of adhd.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term= hyperactivity&utm_campaign=general_adhd_phrase&mid= I000647&wt.srch=1&wt.mc_id={hyperactivity}&src=1

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

I Spent the Summer Talking to 8,000 People About Money, and Here Are the 11 Best Pieces of Financial Advice

...This summer, I drove 10,218 miles in 137 hours through 38 states in 30 days. I called my trip the Road to Financial Wellness, a grassroots and social-media experiment to turn local money discussions into a national conversation on financial well being. After my backpacking trip around the world in 2012, I realized I was able to live my dream lifestyle because I understood and improved my relationship with money. I used the term "money mindfulness," which means being in the moment and fully aware of all the facts — financially and emotionally — to make better financial decisions. I've learned the importance of applying financial knowledge to help live your dream lifestyle. I wanted to share this with the world — or at least, this summer, with the US. My team of four participated in panel discussions; explored large cities and small towns; spoke with people at festivals and local coffee shops; and held events at churches, restaurants, barbecue joints, bars, colleges, and credit-union locations. I had a mission, and that was to motivate and break the social taboo around money. I began that conversation by sharing these 11 money lessons with over 8,000 people. 1. Take advice from people who are living the life you want to live. 2. Have a lifestyle goal, not just a financial goal. 3. Be mindful of the financial conversations you're having and not having. 4. Wealth isn't measured by how much you spend, but by how much you've saved. 5. Beware of lifestyle inflation...

Words: 294 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Peter and Korby Clark: the Rance Golf Club

...Title of Educational Activity: Mindful Listening Purpose / Goals: To provide information and tools to assist the health care professional in communicating more effectively through the client/patient / care giver relationship, as listening is a significant part of the communication process. M0707121 Objectives List the educational objectives. 1. Response to and discuss the question: “What is communication?” Content (Topics) Provide an outline of the content/topic presented and indicate to which objective(s) the content/topic is related. I. A. B. C. D. E. II. A. B. C. D. E. F. III. 1. 2. 3. 1. Communication - What it is It is NOT about words It is about connecting with another person It is about deep listening It is about frank and honest dialog It is about trust Development of listening skills Increase in patient satisfaction Increase in patient retention Increase in best possible clinical outcomes. Increase in patient loyalty Increase in word of mouth referrals Increase in patient cooperation compliance The Myths of Listening Listening means agreeing: agreeing is not good listening Listening is a lot of hard work: focused, deep listening takes 45 seconds Listening requires you have to “act like you’re listening.” Listening takes too much time: people interrupt their clients after the first 12-14 seconds of the client speaking. What Makes A Mindful Listener A. A mindful listener “gets the whole picture”, not just the words but gestures, tone, attitude, expressions and pauses...

Words: 10068 - Pages: 41

Free Essay

Give

...trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?  And what is fear of need but need itself?  Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?  There are those who give little of the much which they have and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome. And there are those who have little and give it all.  These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.  There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.  And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.  And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;  They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.  Though the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.  It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;  And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving  And is there aught you would withhold?  All you have shall some day be given;  Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'.  You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving."  The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.  They give that they may live, for to withhold...

Words: 511 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mindfulness and Depression

...reserved 0005-7967/95 $7.00 + 0.00 HOW DOES COGNITIVE THERAPY PREVENT DEPRESSIVE RELAPSE AND WHY SHOULD ATTENTIONAL CONTROL (MINDFULNESS) TRAINING HELP? J OHN D. TEASDALE, 1 ZINDEL SEGAL2 a n d J. MARK G. WILLIAMS3 ' MRC Applied Psychology Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 2EF, England, 2Clark Institute of Psychiatry, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Toronto, 3Department of Psychology, University College of North Wales (Received 12 November 1993; receivedfor publication 17 January 1994) S ummary--There is encouraging evidence that structured psychological treatments for depression, in p articular cognitive therapy, can reduce subsequent relapse after the period of initial treatment has been completed. However, there is a continuing need for prophylactic psychological approaches that can be administered to recovered patients in euthymic mood. An information-processing analysis of depressive m aintenance and relapse is used to define the requirements for effective prevention, and to propose mechanisms through which cognitive therapy achieves its prophylactic effects. This analysis suggests that similar effects can be achieved using techniques of stress-reduction based on the skills of attentional control t aught in mindfulness meditation. An information-processing analysis is presented of mindfulness and mindlessness, and of their relevance to preventing depressive relapse. This analysis provides the basis for the development of...

Words: 10431 - Pages: 42

Premium Essay

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

...Description Treatment Focus Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a system of therapy originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan, a psychology researcher at the University of Washington, to treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice. DBT may be the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be generally effective in treating BPD. A meta-analysis found that DBT reached moderate effects. Research indicates that DBT is also effective in treating patients who present varied symptoms and behaviors associated with spectrum mood disorders, including self-injury. Recent work suggests its effectiveness with sexual abuse survivors and chemical dependency. Linehan observed "burn-out" in therapists after coping with non-motivated patients who against cooperation in successful treatment. Her first core insight was to recognize that the chronically suicidal patients she studied had been raised in profoundly invalidating environments, and, therefore, required a climate of unconditional acceptance, in which to develop a successful therapeutic alliance. Her second insight involved the need for a commensurate commitment from patients, who needed to be willing to accept their dire level of emotional dysfunction. Treatment Strategies and/or Techniques ...

Words: 2868 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Psych 515 Week 2 Dq 6

...Avoidance, Stress, and Mindfulness In my psychotherapy practice, I often use mindfulness meditation and related methods as a therapeutic intervention to help individuals face their distressing inner and outer experiences. Mindfulness also has implications for immune system functioning. Mindfulness can be defined as “awareness of present experience, with acceptance” (Germer, 2005). To my clients, I might suggest that they pay close attention to their thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to become more aware. As the great cultural icon Yogi Berra once said, “you can see a lot by just looking”. Mindfulness involves more than present-centered awareness. It involves a certain set of attitudes such as acceptance, patience, gentleness, openness, non-judgement, and non-striving. The “non-striving” attitude is challenging for many people because most of us have been taught (i.e., “conditioned”) to believe that there is something “better” to attain. The paradox for many people is that when they “try to be at peace”, they set up an opposition to being peaceful. When facilitating select clients in mindfulness I sometimes state, “don’t try to relax…just allow yourself to be present, open, and accepting to whatever you are experiencing.” When they stop trying to relax and stay open and accepting to what they’re experiencing, many times they end up feeling deeply relaxed! There are now several research-validated therapies that integrate the process of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be practiced...

Words: 364 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Conscious Parent Analysis

...MINDFULNESS has become a powerful revolution, because we are discovering that the more present and focused we are, the happier and more fulfilled we will be. It's a practice that offers a pathway to better physical and mental health, productivity, creativity and joy.    Most critical to this 'mindfulness revolution' is the ability to reach our children.    Teaching mindfulness to our kids is one of the most important things we can do as parents and as a society.  In light of the tragic events we are experiencing throughout the world, the distractions and overstimulation brought on by a technology-based culture, the academic expectations placed upon them - it can create an overwhelming feeling of responsibility, even helplessness, for our youth...

Words: 831 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Psychology and Theology

...book is to explore the claims and the strains, “given the historical animosity of some psychologists toward religion and some Christians toward psychology” (p.217), that arise from the intertwining of psychological and Christian theological views, in order to help us understand and appreciate humanity better than viewing from either perspective individually. “The closer one gets to considering psychotherapeutic and pastoral concerns, the greater the common ground and the greater possibility for conflict” (p. 36). The book’s focus is on integrative approaches in a well comprehended Christian worldview by which “we can evaluate our beliefs and behavior in light of the biblical message (p. 63), and “form a body of theories from which all prejudice, bias, and unjustifiable conjecture have been eliminated” (p. 199). The historical opposition and advocacy of the integration of the two views, along with the current integration research and application, is presented with the help of multiple psychological researchers. Entwistle’s view is that integration is possible if the proper cautions are taken; that “human nature can be mapped from two directions” (p. 198), if the disciplines participate in a productive interchange of complimentary findings. He seeks to treat the total patient - mind and spirit through integration, noting that ethical teachings of Christian faith are integral to psychology, not merely parallel to it. Entwistle takes the position that if we keep the books of God...

Words: 924 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Business Ethics

...have, the purpose of the Lord will always stand (Proverbs 19:21). Ruddell describes these views as Christ the Transformer of Business Culture, Christ Above Business Culture, and Christ Against the Business Culture. Each of these views portrays a different choice that each of us can make as we take part in our place of business. As we make our decisions, we should always remember that as much as we can I believe that as Christians we should all be Christ the Transformers of Business Culture. By choosing to be a transformer, we stand firm against the worldly theory of ‘business is business,’ which is often portrayed by those with the Christ of Business Culture View. In order to transform others, we need to believe in sharing our faith by example, and not falling into worldly beliefs and activities of those around us. The Christ the transformer of Business Culture view tells us that we should hold high to our standards in the workplace, for them not to be lost, and to make ethical business decisions in regards to our Christian beliefs. This model portrays Christians as people who work hard, treat others well, show wisdom, show fairness, and follow the intent of the law, all while being a leader who changes others (Ruddell, pg. 40). A leader who is focused on transforming their workplace is not deceptive; they are real and...

Words: 679 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

St Georges Day

...On 23rd April, a lot of people celebrate St Georges day. Though I never understood why and who is exactly St George? There is a lot written about St George, some of it is fact but some is fiction. Let's start with what is believed to be facts. George was an excellent soldier and was chosen to protect the Emperor, Diocletian. Emperor Diocletian was not a Christian, in fact he hated Christians! He order that any Christians within the Roman army should be killed! George disagreed with the emperor and told him that he was himself, a Christian. The emperor didn't want to lose one of his best soldiers and tried to convince George to stop being a Christian. He even offered him land and money! Time and time again, George refused the emperor's offers, saying that his Christian faith was too important to him. Eventually Diocletian lost patience and had George beheaded on 23rd April 303. Christians were so proud of George's bravery that he made a saint. They built churches in his honour and George's story was used to demonstrate the power of faith and to convince others to become Christians. So those were the facts. Now for the fiction. Long ago in Turkey lived a solider called George. He sailed across the sea to a land called Libya. When he got there a man told him that his village was being terrorised by a dragon. Each day they had to feed a maiden to the dragon, and now only the king's daughter was left. He threw his spear at the dragon, but it hit his...

Words: 371 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Letter to the President

...sermons to about 80 million people and millions more over radio or television. For about 3 million people, he helped by guiding them in their decisions to join Christ and has given confidence to countless more Christians. Billy Graham, as you may know, has helped at presidential inaugurations and presidential funerals. He has been comfort in times of need and even influenced Christians during the civil rights movement by stating his belief that all people of America should be treated equally, including black people. The most honorable characteristic of Billy Graham is the fact that he does all that he does simply because he believes it is the right, Christianly thing to do. He has definitely contributed a lot to the Christian society and it would probably be very different without him, seeing as he was a major factor of developing contemporary Christianity. Not only is the Christian community different, but possibly also the African American society. During the civic dispute about the rights and freedoms of black Americans, Graham invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over to discuss the issue. He made it clear that he was in favor of equal rights. This set an example for Christians and could possibly have been a huge factor in many decisions. As a Christian, I am personally grateful to...

Words: 434 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Theory Critique Crabb

...for the Course in Theology and Spirituality in Counseling PACO 507 D02 LUO 201240 December 2012 About the Author Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Crabb Jr. has a PhD. In Psychology and has been writing books for over 35 years. He is a popular conference and seminar speaker, teaches Bible classes, and is the founder and director of NewWay Ministries. Since 1996 he has been the scholar in residence at the Colorado Christian University and currently serves as the Spiritual Director for the American Association of Christian Counselors. He has a minor in speech therapy and philosophy of science from the University of Illinois where he obtained his PhD.. He and his wife, Rachel, live near Denver Colorado. Once Dr. Crabb suggested that should he ever write a book about himself, he will entitle it: “Sovereign Stumbling” as God has led him on a journey where he stumbled and God picked him up and carried him through with Sovereignty. Summary of Theory Dr. Larry Crabb is a very spiritual writer whom has integrated the psychological aspects of secular counseling with that of the Christian counselor in such a way that multitasking can be implemented by way of running everything past the Biblical principles presented in God’s Word. There are three types of counseling that are thought to be important with the third being the focus of this book. Although many believe that trained professional counselors are helpers who lead their clients to happiness; Crabb (1977, p. 29) maintains that the goal...

Words: 2010 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Christianity in Todays World

...Learning to be a Christian Leader in Today’s World. There is more to running a Christian based business than hanging a Cross in your window. Gerald J. Zalecki Bluffton University Whether it is in business or our own personal life we all will face struggles in the choices we make. Many times we know the right thing to do but do the opposite because the outcome is more to our liking. It takes more than talking the good talk to really impress and change the world around us. We all need to let our actions and deeds speak the loudest for how we think. The common business ideology is growth and success often mean more then integrity, but what about the Christian in business? For a Christian to succeed in business they need to do more than push their beliefs on others, it means a style of doing business in your community. As we began our look at what it took to be a Christian in the business world we needed to first look at what God wanted from us. Looking into what God wants us to do and how he wants us to treat each other is as simple as opening the Bible. As I read the Sermon on the Mount, in Mathew 5, I heard how God wants us to treat each other fairly and nicely. We are not to make a show of the good things we do we are supposed to just do them. Again in Mathew 6:3 we read, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” In other words do not do good deeds for rewards do them because it is right. Too often we get caught up in...

Words: 2520 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Kingdom and Culture

...University Christian Worldview and Contextualization HTH 655 Professor Robert Prescott-Ezickson October 09, 2013 Kingdoms and Cultures Oscillatory has exercised vast inspiration by what method we abstract the link among Christianity and philosophy. The situation has converted several societies’ circumstances to vision their culture of resistance to foremost characteristics of the common philosophies as rather of which to be humiliated, as well as rather that desires to remain rejected with the intention to convert traditionally liable. Niebuhr debates that Yoder’s forceful analysis of his book has not been offered the extensive revelation it justifies, particularly his reason that Niebuhr's situation is vitiated with a fragile Christology plus an abuse of the policy of the Triad. Niebuhr has initiated vast misperception into the argument by considering the Christ against Culture method as principle imperfect, while the subject remains his personal situation that advances from “Nicene orthodoxy” (Carter, 2003). Culture comprises of the traditions, knowledge, ability, conducts and community relationships that a culture develops. Culture is the contextual in which all individual predictably their daily existence (Atkinson, 1995). The delinquent of “Oscillatory” is generally engaged to define the connection concerning Christians and the fundamental culture in which we reside (GCU, lecture). On the other hand, this disguises a significant opinion: similar when Christians discard...

Words: 1695 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Importance of a Christian Worldview

...experiences. For Christians, worldview is formed by one’s faith. Even though some people might not recognize it, everyone has a worldview. It is especially imperative for believers to know their worldview so that they can apply it to their everyday lives. It is important for Christians to develop a worldview in order to be a witness for Christ, defend one’s faith, and discern what is good. Being a witness for Christ is one of a Christians primary purposes. Scriptures say that people were created for God’s glory and to proclaim his praises (1 Chronicles 16:23-25); therefore, a worldview is necessary in order to know exactly what to believe and teach it. A worldview is a person’s ultimate beliefs and assumptions about the universe. In order to be a witness for Christ, believers must follow the basic set of beliefs Christianity teaches. For example: there is a God, God is everything, we were created by God in his image, morality is grounded in Gods character, etc. Without these basic principles there is no basis for what is being taught and what the prophet believes. Jeremiah 1:7-8 says, “But the LORD said to me,’ Do not say I am too young, you must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you declares the LORD.” The Bible teaches that Christians are expected to spread the Lord’s message no matter what the circumstances may be. In conclusion, in order to witness as the Bible instructs, Christians must develop...

Words: 726 - Pages: 3