Is psychology a false religion?

Is psychology a false religion? Some Christians think it is and believe that it tells people to condone doing things that are forbidden in the Bible. That psychology tries to take the place of God and the Bible.

One example often quoted is choice of abortion. Although, the Bible says it is wrong to kill, some argue that psychology would help the women exercise getting an abortion. How should we treat it or view it?

To answer the first question about whether psychology is a false religion, it would be appropriate to first clarify the focus of modern-day psychology by briefly discussing its history.

In the past, psychology was considered to have one foot in the natural sciences and another in the social sciences. However, towards the late 19th century, psychology researchers have collaborated extensively with experts in the field of genetics, immunology, and neurosciences to establish evidence-based treatments.

Evidence-based treatment (EBT) basically means treatment that is established on extensive scientific research, experimentation and proven to be successful. Hence, many of the therapies used in counselling today are evidence-based therapies. 

Having recognised that psychology is a science, let’s look at the focus of psychology as a discipline. 

There are three parts that make up the whole human being: the spirit, soul and body. Present-day psychology is described as the scientific study of the “soul”, which refers to the thinking processes within one’s mind, brain activity, and willpower. The focus is all about identifying patterns of behaviour. Patterns of unhealthy feelings, actions, or thoughts are drawn out to intentionally replace them with helpful and constructive thoughts and beliefs.

For such change to occur, individuals choose to get help from a mental health counsellor, counselling psychologist, or a pastoral counsellor. Those who reach out for counselling would agree to work along with their therapist to discover these patterns, identify the unhealthy sequences, and further tap into the unrealised potential to adapt to beneficial ways of thinking and behaviour.

Now, the question still remains: is psychology a false religion? 

Faith and psychology

Calling psychology a ‘religion’ would not be appropriate because it operates in the same manner as any other science discipline. Is science a religion? 

What does science offer humanity? It is simply offering knowledge that brings solutions to the problems faced by mankind. Many hold the belief that the science of psychology offers a ‘rationale for human suffering’ and, hence, can effectively replace the purpose and function that religion served up until now.

This is plausible, i.e. if one were to look at following Christ ‘as a religion’. However, as children of God, we know that the Christian walk is beyond religion. Christ came to end religion and establish a relationship with God by claiming, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

As children of God, we know that the Christian walk is beyond religion. Christ came to end religion and establish a relationship with God

Psychology does not act as a threat to our faith; it simply offers solutions to improving the condition of the human mind, just like medication or surgery improves the condition of the body. It is interesting to note the double standard we tend to hold when it comes to this topic, because we approve of medical treatment for ailments/injuries as God’s tool for healing the body but condemn psychotherapy as God’s tool for recovery of a disturbed mind and emotions. 

Counselling as a tool

As born-again believers, we believe that once we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and the Lord of our lives, we are set free from the punishment and power of sin over our lives. However, this does not necessarily mean that we live in the freedom to which Christ has called us. There is a tendency for some to function from one’s past default settings. And our past default settings were controlled by sin. 

Unknowingly, we may carry our past baggage into the new life in Christ. This will hinder us from walking in the freedom Christ offers us. Some of the past baggage could include unresolved hurt from the past, unmet needs, idols of comfort/approval/power/control/fear etc.

These painful pasts influence our core beliefs about God, others, and ourselves. Most often, the beliefs attached to negative situations could lead us to have a negative or wrong thought about God, the world and ourselves. These thoughts will prevent us from walking in the abundant life that God intends for us. 

It is in this context where counselling — particularly, Christian counselling — comes in. It provides an avenue to fight unbelief by replacing the lies with the truth. It gives practical strategies to “fix one’s mind on whatever is true”, and eventually this truth will set us free.

Counselling — particularly, Christian counselling — provides an avenue to fight unbelief by replacing the lies with the truth

A medium of healing

To summarise, it is God who transforms our spirits from death to life, and no science can take the place of God and His Word. However, psychology’s tools/resources can act as God’s medium of healing, to help us “lay aside every weight” towards the abundant and free life.  Every tool provided by psychology requires that it be used with discernment. 

When we look at the historical roots of any discipline like biology, economics, physics etc. We will find conflicting and contradicting concepts that outrightly oppose biblical values and principles. 

The biological sciences find their roots in the Darwinian philosophy of evolution and survival of the fittest. However, does this mean that every medical doctor condones the practice of euthanasia and abortion? No. 

Can we deem physics as a redundant subject simply because the Big Bang Theory challenges God’s role as creator? No. 

Can we refuse to be part of contemporary society by saying that technology and capitalism is against the Christian way? No. 

This drives home the point that knowledge in itself is not evil. However, it is the ‘use of knowledge’ that matters in the eyes of God. Let us not over-spiritualise the Christian life by remembering that we live “in the world, but not of it”. 

Knowledge in itself is not evil. However, it is the ‘use of knowledge’ that matters in the eyes of God

Think about Daniel, Joseph and Nehemiah, who presented integrity and honoured God through their professions in the marketplace. 

• Daniel was targeted when he refused to comply against God’s law. 
• Joseph used his power appropriately when God exalted him as a leader. 
• Nehemiah took a bold stand and used his position of influence wisely. 

This conveys that one can use discernment to live an uncompromising life in the workplace. This principle applies just as much to practitioners in the mental health field. Just because a few psychologists promote abortion, one cannot assume that every therapist does. There may be a few Shadrachs, Meshachs and Abednegos who take a stand about such practices in the workplace. 

Invitation to change

Let’s answer the second part of the question: is psychology, by default, pro-choice? No, psychology as a subject is not inherently pro-choice. 

Therapists simply play a neutral role of helping the client gain clarity in decisions and focus mainly on the emotional distress involved in such cases. A Christian counsellor can go one step further and provide an invitation to the client for spiritual guidance (if the client is interested) to know about a loving God who genuinely cares and has a plan for their future.

Hence, we understand that counsellors may offer an empathetic listening ear, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they condone ungodly practices. Christ also offered a compassionate and non-judgmental listening. Yet, we see Him also say to His followers, “Go and sin no more” as an invitation to make the right choices.

Whether it is our personal or professional lives, when we speak the truth, let us be careful to speak in love and not use “you have to” statements which induce fear or dread. As believers, we trust the Holy Spirit to do the work of conviction and respect each individual’s free will. 

In conclusion, we can say that psychology is not a false religion and neither does it propagate abortion. It simply offers practical resources and useful knowledge which, when placed in the hands of a professionally equipped servant of God, can bring about incredible changes and growth in the life of the weary soul.