UpwardForward Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God. Link to post Share on other sites
Anela Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 What if God somehow encourages some people to seek therapy? Serious question. I don't know whether or not I believe in God, and I am wary of trusting just any therapist/psychiatrist. My sister had a bad experience with one of each, and that put me off when I was younger, but I also know of people who have really turned a corner, and received excellent care from great therapists. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
M30USA Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Take the specific example of Alcoholics Anonymous. The last I heard (in 2003) the success rate of the standard Christian-based AA was 12 times greater than the modified AA for non-religious people. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
eleanorhurting Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 some people worship money and material things but that does not mean I am going to stop making money or having material things Therapy can be great. It can help you without you turning it into your "god". 3 Link to post Share on other sites
WeAllMightBeNuts Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Why must they be "vs."? Can they not co-exist and both be helpful? Link to post Share on other sites
M30USA Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Yeah, I would be very skeptical of those results. It would be very hard to gain accurate rates because AA is anonymous. You don't have to state whether or not you are a believer. Who knows. That's why I said "last I heard". It was info I was given during a college psych/counselling class. Considering that it was a liberal college, I assumed they wouldn't give anti-liberal information unless it was pretty solid. But who knows. Link to post Share on other sites
M30USA Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I have excess to several professional journal sites. It is useful when reading about stats knowing the sample size and limitations. It shows whether or not it can be generalized to a larger population or show any trends in a certain direction. I guess it has become sort of a habit for me. No argument on my part. This is an area I can't claim any expertise. Link to post Share on other sites
writergal Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Although I think psychiatry is a sham (re: medication etc.), I'm a proponent for CBT or DBT types of therapies, or for integrative medicine (music therapy, art therapy, accupuncture, etc. with nutrition and some type of counseling. But if people believe in God then they should seek support from their church. I think you need to remove the "versus" because both can and do co-exist. Plus people have their own preference based on what their belief system is. Otherwise why would Scientology still exist. Talk about a sham religion... Link to post Share on other sites
Feelin Frisky Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 No offense but god is a crock. There would be zero human progress--no significant civilization or discoveries if religion were true and there were a god who answered prayers--suspending the laws of nature and physics periodically to accommodate individual requests. You can listen to preachers, priests, your mother and grandma all you want and watch the 700 Club 24/7/365 but none of it makes on bit true. The only reason we have a modern civilization with order, science and the chance to keep ourselves from going extinct is because people mostly don't really believe there's a god. If there were a god, they'd spend all their time prostrated on the ground or on bended knee or rocking like schizophrenics with tardive dyskinesia in front of a wall in Jerusalem muttering mumbo jumbo from prayer books waiting for their realities to be customized for them. If there is a god, he wouldn't have given people free will and an intellect if he wanted blind subservience and tribute for favors. Grow up. Wake up. Get up off your knees and get on the ball before you get squashed. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Author UpwardForward Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 (edited) laws of nature and physics QUOTE] The thread speaks to being able to hear from God, whether a believer or not. And that the voice or His Word, can be above that of man's reasoning. Edited July 4, 2012 by UpwardForward Link to post Share on other sites
BetheButterfly Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God. I don't agree with " therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods." Now, it is possible for people who believe in God to trust in them more than in God, but I very strongly believe that people need each other and need support in life. Many people also need medical attention. When I was depressed, I got free counseling and group therapy from a wonderful Christian psychologist. She helped me a lot, as well as meeting with the group. I am thankful to God for them. They helped me through a rough time, especially when I didn't want to burden my family with my poor decisions. This was around 3 years ago. My Dad is bipolar, as well as one of my sisters. My Mom, other sisters, extended family, and I have seen marked improvement in how they are doing when they are on medication prescribed by their knowledgeable psychiatrist. It would be awesome if they didn't need medication, and yes we have prayed that God heals them, and we continue to pray. However, we do not believe in refusing medical care. Rather, medical care has for centuries been a way that many Christian doctors/nurses/founders of hospitals have followed Jesus' example in taking care of those who need medical attention. Another sister is an RN and works at a Catholic hospital. She very much believes her calling in life is to help those in need. Therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists also have and do help people in need, whether it be emotional support or medicines that help people who have a hard time without those medicines. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
BetheButterfly Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Take the specific example of Alcoholics Anonymous. The last I heard (in 2003) the success rate of the standard Christian-based AA was 12 times greater than the modified AA for non-religious people. I like the AA I have friends who have succeeded in being sober for a year + after that program. They help out and go to meetings still today, which is cool! I didn't know them before, but I met them in the meetings. My mentor was a lady who was an ex-druggie, who was in charge of the group along with her husband. She is an amazing lady!!! Link to post Share on other sites
BetheButterfly Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 But if people believe in God then they should seek support from their church. I think you need to remove the "versus" because both can and do co-exist. Plus people have their own preference based on what their belief system is. Agreed. Good points 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author UpwardForward Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God. Probably, we should add drugs to the mix. Link to post Share on other sites
TheFinalWord Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God. I've used both I've used psychotherapy on myself! haha I've also had God miraculously deliver me from serious drug addition instantly (long story). God can use both; miracles and man-made medicine. Luke was a physician. This was a good broadcast by Perry Stone. He had a mental health counselor that talked about mental health and how addictions affect the brain. Important stuff. As a church, we have not done a good job promoting physical or mental health. We should have these resources available to people! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 laws of nature and physics QUOTE] The thread speaks to being able to hear from God, whether a believer or not. And that the voice or His Word, can be above that of man's reasoning. Sure can't argue or even debate this:D Link to post Share on other sites
denise_xo Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Like someone else said, a therapist is not there to be worshipped. It's just one tool in life, like many others. Link to post Share on other sites
todreaminblue Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God. I believe in God.......my shrink isn't a god nor do i idolise or worship him..my acute care team who will come and see me any time of the day or night are not gods they yawn often due to lack of sleep and come with luggage under their eyeballs...god doesn't sleep...or have bags under his eyes i do however appreciate that he listens to me,i am grateful that my acute care team actually answer my calls when my prayers are not helping me>god gave them the compassion, the passion and the ability to study so they can help me...... and I thank god every night that they care who i am even when i am screaming at them its my time to leave ......they never give up on me....i sure as hell would......and they are supportive of me attending church..... Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 laws of nature and physics QUOTE] The thread speaks to being able to hear from God, whether a believer or not. And that the voice or His Word, can be above that of man's reasoning. That's very convenient for everyone who thinks you should simply believe rather than question! Of course I don't hear from God, that entity doesn't exist. It's a myth thought up by superstitious people who should widen their horizons more (and get a passport to start with) 2 Link to post Share on other sites
todreaminblue Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 (edited) What if God somehow encourages some people to seek therapy? Serious question. I don't know whether or not I believe in God, and I am wary of trusting just any therapist/psychiatrist. My sister had a bad experience with one of each, and that put me off when I was younger, but I also know of people who have really turned a corner, and received excellent care from great therapists. God does encourage people to seek help......and then God gave the mental health doctors the knowledge and intelligence to do the best that they can...the epiphany of a course of treatment that might help us ....and then an infinitely constant thinking God gave us license to accept the help as free will......and then when we pray he doesnt answer because we have chosen to take our medication as prescribed.......and the last thing we want to hear is another goddamn booming voice to confuse us again... so he gives us the silence and the answers to our prayers we need to kick ass down here on earth....God is good...deb Edited July 4, 2012 by todreaminblue 1 Link to post Share on other sites
KathyM Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Like someone else said, a therapist is not there to be worshipped. It's just one tool in life, like many others. That's very true. Therapists/doctors/medication are tools to achieve good health. I know several people IRL who live much better lives because of psychiatrists/medication. People who were suffering from the symptoms of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, depression, who were greatly helped by psychiatrists and medication for their symptoms. I think psychiatrists deserve respect and appreciation for all the good that they do for people, but they are not to be worshipped or idolized. I've also known people who were healed from their physical and mental ailments through the power of God alone and without human intervention, much the same way as TheFinalWord was healed from his addiction--immediately after prayer, and without doctors or medication, which could only be explained through the power of prayer. Link to post Share on other sites
Stellar Wench Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God.Non-Believers who seek counsel have nowhere to go but to a false prophet. Haven't you ever noticed that it's the non-believers that need the most help? Just look at the number of non-believers on Love Shack! Link to post Share on other sites
Ross MwcFan Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 If anyone hears the voice of god (in other words hearing voices in your head), then that's even more of a reason to seek therapy/a psychiartrist. Seriously, I'd be concerned for anyone who heard any voices in their head that weren't their own. Link to post Share on other sites
Ross MwcFan Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 In my opinion therapy/counseling/psychiatrists/psychologists can be considered as false gods. Or people with whom too much importance is placed. Also, I think we can still hear from God, whether a believer or not. However looking toward false gods/idols, can hinder us from hearing from God. Who on Earth considers their therapist/counsellor/psychiatrist/psychologist as a god? I know I don't, I just see them as human beings. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
TheFinalWord Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Ross, this is just a standard case of projection that humans so often engage in. In this context, because theists generally build their worldview around what they claim is an absolute and inerrant standard, they subconsciously apply that standard to any "alternatives" to their belief system. Because they have prophets, ministers, clerics, popes and whatnot, who tell them what to think, so to must atheists. Evolution, therefore, is our dogma, and scientists are our prophets. Because they believe their Bible is unchanging and inerrant, therefore so must science textbooks. They treat anything short of absolute certainty with making things up, and regard science's greatest strength (self-correction) as though it were a weakness. Because they put their trust in, and pray to, god, therefore anything we put our trust in to get the job done (including ourselves) must be god as well. It's just a case of taking a worldview that is completely alien to them, and massaging it to fit their existing framework. They take certain objects and place them into the best fit equivalent. LOL So misinformed. Link to post Share on other sites
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