> From: Robin Pearce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Re: question for all of you
>
> On Thu, 1 Mar 2001, Mike Scoles wrote:
> >
> > Is it possible to keep this "Jesus is the only way" perspective out of a
> > counseling relationship? I have heard good Christian counselors say,
> > "There is no way I could deal with a gay client." (Well, I suppose that
> > the person *might* be able to deal with a gay client if the client
> > wanted to be saved and go straight.)
> >
> I wonder about this myself. How could a Biblically-literal Christian even
> bring him- or her-self to treat a nonbeliever? If you believe someone will
> be tortured forever for not believing in the right way, isn't helping them
> to be better-adjusted here on earth a major case of rearranging the deck
> chairs on the Titanic?
That is a constant struggle for any religious therapist -- "WHat good is
helping someone with anxiety if it doesn't bring them closer to God?"
But if you take that position, I think you run into the wall. You would see any
good deed as worthless, and that not only violates most people's
sensibilities but runs counter to biblical principles as well.
Certainly there, for example, fundamentalist Christians out there selling
houses, treating physical illnesses, paying bills, paying taxes, etc.,
endeavoring in non-religious activities or activities that benefit, collaborate
with non-religious people.
This very issue comes up in the New Testament, and Christians are
admonished to work for the welfare of others, regardless of the other person's
belief.
There's absolutely nothing biblical about "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm not going to feed
a hungry person unless he loves Jesus first."
Yes, I realize that mentality and behavior does exist, however. Very sad.
************************************************************************
Jim Guinee, Ph.D.
Director of Training & Adjunct Professor
President, Arkansas College Counselor Association
University of Central Arkansas Counseling Center
313 Bernard Hall Conway, AR 72035 USA
(501) 450-3138 (office) (501) 450-3248 (fax)
"No one wants advice -- only corroboration"
-John Steinbeck
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