Around the Web-September 2011

Keith Ward on the Mind-Body problem:  As Christian psychologists, in the age of the brain, our interest in the mind-body problem is very real.  Neuroscience, particularly secular neuroscience, has largely adopted a physicalist perspective, intimately joining what happens in the brain with our concept of soul.  Brian Auten, at the blog Apologetics 315, provides a thorough review of the book More than Matter by Keith Ward, a philosopher, theologian and Anglican priest who has authored more than 30 books.  According to Auten, Ward provides a robust philosophic defense of dualism.  The discerning reader may be interested in looking more closely at this book.

Definitions of Biblical Counseling: The Biblical Counseling Coalition collected definitions of biblical counseling from several well known biblical counseling ministries.  Although limited to biblical counselors, these assembled quotes try to flesh out what the field is about from those involved. 

Thomas Brooks on Silence: Tyler Horton has been blogging through his reading of Thomas Brooks’ works.  He wrote recently about Brooks’ view of silence (there are apparently 12 considerations) and how that fits in our distracted, 21^st century culture.  He asks whether we find it more difficult to focus now than we could perhaps 10 years ago, raising concerns about the distracting nature of our culture. 

Around the Web: January 2011

Radio Host and apologist Greg Koukl addressed the relationship between the mind and the brain on the Stand to Reason blog.  Modern neuroscience is typically characterized by materialist, physicalist assumptions about the relationship between the brain and the mind such that mind is entirely dependent on the brain.  A variant of this position was proposed by Dr Warren Brown of Fuller Seminary at last year’s Christianity and Psychology: 5 views conference.  Koukl, a philosopher by training, defends a dualist position in this article.  He writes, “If the mind is reduced to the brain, pretty soon everything is lost. Feelings become chemical reactions, beautiful objects become light waves, beautiful music is reduced to vibrating molecules. Where did the music go? Where did the beauty go? Where did the feeling go? It's all gone.”  Regardless of one’s viewpoint on this issue, seeking to understand the scientific and metaphysical implications of each viewpoint is important. 

Theologian C Michael Patton wrote about a time of despair he experienced last year.  He described 4 states of emotional wellness, and his journey through them.  Patton characteristically writes knowledgably, and from his heart.  We can often learn from the experiences of others going through trying times and Patton’s insights prove beneficial. 

Bob Kellemen shared ten trends in Biblical Counseling that he has observed in recent years, which he believes represents a changing tide.  Kellemen describes increasing collegiality amongst Biblical counselors, who are increasingly seeking to learn from one another in much the same way that SCP seeks to do.  He points to an increasing focus, or perhaps refocus, upon compassionate, gospel centered care.