Each reply must be a minimum 300 words APA format referenced bible worldview verse cited. Reflect and respond thoughtfully to two of your peer’s post. References for assignment: https://learn.liber

Each reply must be a minimum 300 words APA format referenced bible worldview verse cited. Reflect and respond thoughtfully to two of your peer’s post. 

References for assignment: https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-28372239-dt-content-rid-343426170_1/xid-343426170_1

https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-28372240-dt-content-rid-343423993_1/xid-343423993_1

https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-28372241-dt-content-rid-343425877_1/xid-343425877_1

https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-28372242-dt-content-rid-343425119_1/xid-343425119_1

https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-28372245-dt-content-rid-343423968_1/xid-343423968_1

http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ccfs_fac_pubs/36/

http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ccfs_fac_pubs/47/

Aimmie Post-One theme that really stuck out to me was the fig tree parable.  Hindson (2018), stated, “It shares the heart of our Lord.  He is the God of second chances.  He is the Lord of third, fourth, and fifth chances.” (8:55).  Just as the gardener intervened and saved the tree, Jesus has intervened by giving his life for us… if we accept His sacrifice.  That is what the cross is all about: Second Chances.  The fig tree parable also illustrates another important fact in the life of a Christian, judgment – and death – are imminent.  This is what I originally thought this parable to mean.  Because judgment and death are imminent, fruitfulness is the true test of repentance.  However, for the atheist, Hindu, or Buddhist, this would be a challenge.  

Another theme that helped me was incorporating the client’s faith in treatment.  Because I work with many Muslims, I will use the Islamic faith.  This week, two of my clients attempted suicide – one of them, a Muslim.  (Side note: both attempts were unsuccessful, thank God!)  One of my colleagues suggested I not try to talk to him because the “Quran delights in suicide” (D. Donovan, Personal communication, February 28, 2019).  Though I knew better, I decided not to get into a debate.  Suicide is not glorified in the Quran, in fact, the Quran states, “Do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever merciful.” sūrat l-nisāa 4:29.  Just as a verse from my Bible would be beneficial to me, it was for him as well.    

One thing I find to be a particular challenge is counseling an atheist.  However, I have to admit, though I do not integrate spoken scripture, I certainly do with my actions.  Jesus said the greatest commandment was, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV).  I love them anyway.  Sometimes I secretly giggle because a client has said that I was too nice to be a Christian.  I thought to myself, I am just being Jesus…

Hinson, V. (2018). Spirituality, spiritual diversity & counseling. Liberty University.

Richard Post- I chose option three for this assignment: What are 3 themes that stand out in helping you understand spirituality and religious diversity better? Discuss some important considerations and potential challenges when integrating a Christian worldview in counseling. Be sure to support your argument with sources.

Theme 1: Psychologist religious demographics. While I was not surprised to see these demographic numbers in Dr. Garzon’s (2018) presentation, it was the first time that I saw research data to confirm it.  

Take a look at those percentages compared to the U.S. population. 16% of psychologists sampled espouse the category “none” (agnostic, atheist, or no religion) compared to 6% for the U.S. 15% adopt “Other” as their religious category. This would include Eastern religions. This is compared to 1% of the U.S. population. As for the importance of religion, the % of the U.S. population who state they base their whole approach to life on their religion is over twice as high as the % of psychologists claiming to do the same. These differences may account for some of the writing style differences (Garzon, 2018a).

The disparity between the general U.S. population who claim to be Christian (76-87%) verses psychologist (46%) must be considered when reviewing writings from psychologist. One can only predict that their writings will be skewed to fit their own personal belief system. 

 Theme 2: My own religious bias. I must be very careful not transfer my own beliefs onto others, especially in the counseling setting. While I hold a very strong Christian moral and value system, I cannot expect others to hold them. Even within the Christian culture, there are different levels and interpretations of biblical principles. Ultimately, I must avoid doing any harm. According to the American Counseling Association (2014, p.5) A.4.b. Personal Values: it states, “Counselors are aware of-and avoid imposing-their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors”. I think its interesting that it uses the word “avoid” rather than “must not”.  To me, this indicates as humans it is difficult to withhold ones one values and beliefs at all times in and in all circumstances. 

Theme 3: Christian worldview: It is important, prudent, responsible, and ethical as a Christian to keep up with current research, theories, modalities, writings, and other significant information in the counseling profession. 

“A sensitivity to community also has implications for the therapist. It implies that therapists should not practice in isolation but in the context of the larger community. This community provides support and accountability. For the professional, the wider community is both a source of sustenance and a group to which one is responsible” (Sanders, 2013, p.16). 

This is an example of when the apostle Paul stated that we are in the world, but not of it. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” Roman 12:1-2. Knowledge allows Christians counselors to test and approve what God’s will is. 

References

ACA Code of Ethics (2014). 2014 Aca code of ethics-as approved by the aca governing council. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/ethics/2014-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=2d58522c_4

Garzon F., (2018). Religious diversity. Liberty University. Retrieved from: https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/courses/COUN504_B54_201920/Master/COUN504_LUO_8WK_DEV_ImportedContent_20110315104750/COUN504_LUO_8WK_MASTER_ImportedContent_20110221024733/COUN504_LUO_8WK_DEV_ImportedContent_20100805024058/Presentation_Religious_Diversity/index.html

Sanders, R.K., (2013) Christian counseling ethics. A handbook for psychologists, therapists and    pastors. (Second ed.). Downers Grove, Il: Intervarsity Press