The Idol of Psychology

Psychology has so infiltrated the Evangelical Church that taking a stand for the purity of the Word of God often brings division among Evangelicals. The few voices who speak out against integrating psychology with the Bible are often criticized. They are accused of being unloving and divisive. The focus has become their personalities rather than whether they are doctrinally correct or not. As a result, there has been a blurring of the true doctrinal issues.

On the other hand, many Christian psychologists have become so popular that to criticize their teaching is almost like attacking the Bible. Undoubtedly, most Christian psychologists are well intentioned people with a desire to help others. Good intentions, however, are not the issue. Nowhere in the Bible do we find God accepting of people with good intentions who put aside the clear teaching of the Word. Much damage can be done with good intentions. Therefore, intentions, sincerity and earnestness are not the issues in this debate. The issue is whether today’s Christian psychologists are mixing men’s ideas with the Bible. When I analyze the doctrine of these men, I am convinced they are promoting doctrine that is contrary to the Bible and are addressing man’s spiritual problems from an unbiblical viewpoint....

~Gil Rugh (italics in bold, original)