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Counseling and Physiology Class: Psychiatry

This past Monday we started our exploration of psychiatry and psychiatric diagnoses. I asked the class what particular questions and concerns they brought to the table when considering this topic. Here are a few of their responses:

Psychological tests: are you for or against?

Yes, that is a polarizing way to ask the question. It certainly doesn't leave room for nuanced biblical thought. This is better: how do we even begin to think biblically about psychological testing?

It’s a two-step process. First you have to know something about psychological tests. Second, you bring that knowledge to Scripture and shed light on it. The first part is a little complicated. There are thousands of psychological tests out there. Some try to get at the details of intellectual functioning (e.g., the Wechsler Intelligence tests), some try to identify personality themes - good and bad - that impact our work and relationships (e.g. the MMPI*), others are less popular tests that are deeply embedded in a particular theory of the person and are trying to apply that theory to everyday life. When we talk about psychological tests we are usually talking about the personality tests, especially those used in pre-marital counseling.

Mike Emlet discusses the importance of understanding both the physical and spiritual well-being of someone God has called you to help. More information about Dr. Emlet’s courses and writing are available by visiting our website at CCEF.org.