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Christian Counseling Training Program: “Sexual Atheism”

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Training Program: “Sexual Atheism” and Christian Moral Compass Regarding Sex Outside Marriage

Christians are losing their moral compass.  Eroding away at the core of Christian values is humanism and self gratification.  It comes in the way of mass media and an indifferent value of morals that bases the wrong of an action on the basis of injury.  If noone is hurt, then it cannot be wrong?

This type of moral indifference and mass humanism has led to the coining title “sexual atheism”.  Where Christians profess God in everything but sex outside marriage.  In their minds, God does not care about sexual sin.  The sin of Sodom us a distant memory.

As long as I give to the poor, care for others, read the bible and go to church, then all is fine.  God does not care what I do with others in the shadows at night.   This type of thinking has infecting many Christians.  The article below discusses it.

“The guy sitting across from me is a professing and practicing Christian. He drops by my office unannounced today to talk to me about his new online dating life. Specifically, he wants to talk about the over-willingness of Christian women he has encountered on several of his dates who want to jump right from a very public conversation and vanilla latte at Starbucks to very private whispers and physical exchanges between the sheets back at his place.”

To read the entire article, please click here

While it is human nature to desire, we cannot dismiss the evil of sexual sin.   A good Christian Counseling Training Program will acknowledge that we fall, but when we do fall, we acknowledge the sin and try not to sin again.   Sexual atheism does not even acknowledge or seek to change.

We must as Christians not allow our conscience to become lax or improperly formed but must be ever vigilant in our examination of conscience and acknowledgement of sin.  God understands the difficulty with the sins of the flesh, but he expects us to try and change inappropriate sexual life styles.    Are these not the words of Christ to Mary the prostitute.  He told her to repent and sin no more.  He easily forgave the sin but expected one to acknowledge and repent.

Counselors trained from a good Christian Counseling Training Program need to help their spiritual children form good and vigilant consciences that reflect scriptural teaching that mirrors the commandments of God.  The conscience should continue to patrol one’s moral actions and when one fails, to push within an acknowledgement of failure and repentance.

Secular Humanism rejects this premise and like the serpent promises one to be the god of their own sexual impulses.  Instead of giving to God our body as he intends us to use it, we seek to gratify our senses as our own god.  While it is easy to understand the nature of hormones and the sexual urge to reproduce, we can still focus on strengthening our will to fight temptation through fasting.

Atheistic Psychology denounces this type of sexual repression.  The reality is that sexual repression is not to be confused with a practice of virtue.  How can something that is noble and good be repressive to our overall health?  It is today and modern society that see sexual control as foreign, odd and out of place before marriage.  Yet they fail to realize the reason for sexual control and the downward trodden path the sin of lust leads to.  God understands our fallen state.  He is patient and compassionate but he also understands the danger of unchecked extremes.  This is why he has wisely taught us how to use the gift of sex for ourselves and our partner in the sacred state of marriage.

God also understands the integral part our sexual expression plays beyond mere pleasure but towards love and ultimately propagation.   Sexual promiscuity and unchecked desires lead to distorted views on sex and love as selfish means to one’s end-reducing the other person to an object.  It is also devalues the sacred nature of the act to mere pleasurable action no less sacred than a back rub.

Christian Counselors must not just teach something is wrong but why it is wrong and why God intended it to be utilized a certain way.  In this way the forming of conscience which is of the will can properly work in union with the intellect in decision making.  We must guard the youth from this new assault of sexual atheism.

We must also applaud the virtue of purity and not see it as a psychological act of sexual repression but a noble and true route to salvation where man controls his animal impulses and acts more like one made in the image and likeness of God.

If you are interested in learning more about our Christian Counseling Training Program, then please review the program at your leisure.

To become certified one must merely complete the required courses.  Qualified professionals can then become Christian Counseling certified. Christian Counseling Certifications last three years.  Re-certification involves academic and professional hours within the field.

Qualified professionals include ministers and licensed counselors.   Other qualified members can have general social science degrees including history, counseling, sociology, health care, psychology, theology and pastoral care.

Thank you for your interest in the blog and program. If you have any other questions regarding our Christian Counseling Training Program, then please let us know.

Spiritual Sloth and How to Become a Certified Christian Counselor

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Spiritual Sloth and How to Become a Certified Christian Counselor

Spiritual sloth is a deadly thing.  As one of the seven capital sins it can lead the soul to  many vices.  According to Pope Francis, spiritual sloth is also a threat to apostolic zeal.  It can strip the soul of the zeal and energy to not only care for itself but also one’s brother or sister in need.

Like any vice, we must be alert and aware.  Sloth can quickly make work on an industrious soul’s pray life and divert the soul’s attention to other worldly things or play on the body’s condition.  It can be as innocent as a day without a morning pray or sleeping in instead of going to church.  It can work its way into the soul and create a habit of sloth instead of isolated incidents.

This is why we must be vigilant in our spiritual hygiene.  We must care for our soul with regular doses of scripture, grace and the sacraments.   We must strive to force ourselves in moments of desolation to feel for God even if the reward of his presence eludes us.  I promise you, his presence is there but we are spiritually growing.

The article below has more on this subject.

“In his homily on Tuesday, Pope Francis lamented the many Christians who close the door to God’s grace out of spiritual laziness, urging them to instead receive healing from the Lord so they can spread the Gospel.

“This is the disease of sloth, the acedia of Christians. This attitude that is crippling the apostolic zeal, which makes Christian people stand still and at ease,” the Pope exclaimed in his April 1 Mass.”

To read the entire article please click here

Pope Francis is emphasizing the need for us to also remain industrious in our spiritual zeal for others.  We need to remain ever aware of the need of others and not allow this type of spiritual sloth to overcome us.  How many times do we sit in comfort when our brothers and sisters suffer?  We need to take time a week to help others, donate to others and bring the Gospel to others.  Spiritual hygiene is not just a personal goal but a social goal.  As Christians we belong to the Body of Christ which is a very social element.

Thank you for your interest in our blog.  If you have any interest in learning how to become a certified Christian Counselor, then please review.

Our program is excellent for ministers, lay apostles, church counselors, or spiritual advisers.  Counselors who wish to present the Gospel with counseling are also encouraged to review the program.

The program consists of core courses in Christian Counseling.  Once completed, qualified professionals can apply for certification.

If you have any questions on how to become a certified Christian Counselor, please let us know.  In the meantime, avoid spiritual sloth and remain spiritually industrious in your spiritual maturation.

With Time and Grace God Can Help Good Change

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “No Quick Fixes in God’s Plan”, by Cortni Marrazzo states

“The beginning of a new year is so full of possibilities. I personally love this time of year because I always love a fresh start.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

This article looks at how New Year Resolutions come and go, but it takes more than a quick vow to change something or a few days.

 

If we are targeting a vice, we need to focus on eliminating and not become distraught when we fall, or too eager when we succeed.  Habits are difficult to overcome.  Quick fixes are a myth.

With God, we grow and part of the journey is overcoming our sinful nature and reflecting the will of God.  This takes time.  It also means a lot of bruises, but God understands this and the harder we try the more he blesses us.  When we do fall, we get back up and his loving hand is there to lift us.

 

In moral theology, when one is trying to remove themselves from a sinful habit, the chance of a habit reoccurring is understood.  This can reduce the culpability of the agent.  God’s mercy is thrown at us if we have even the slightest intent of changing and if we fall.  God understands that vices and habits are hard to change.  As a man, Christ experienced the ways of the world, and as God and man, he understands the struggles we go through.

 

If you are interested in learning how to become a christian counselor, then please review the program.  We also list an info page on our website on how to become a Christian counselor and other requirements needed.

 

#howtobecomeachristiancounselor

See on www.crosswalk.com

Advent as Grateful Waiting for God’s Gift of Spiritual Companionship

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “Advent as Grateful Waiting for God’s Gift of Spiritual Companionship”, by Donovan Ackley III, Ph.D. states

“Waiting has been a powerful spiritual theme in my life, especially with regard to decades of delay in being able to live as a fully adult man, delayed for decades as a transgender person stalled by both doctors and religious mentors in a wilderness experience of confusion and falsehood.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

Christian Counselors await the birth of Christ, like all Christians.  Advent is thus a time of waiting and preparing ourselves as the patriarchs of old awaited the coming of the Messiah.

Spiritual reflection, fasting and good works are an important element of Christmas, especially during the Advent season where we re-celebrate the birht of Christ. Those who are thinking of becoming a certified Christian Counselor can help prepare their spiritual children during Advent.  Whether Protestant, Orthodox or Catholic, any form of spiritual preparation is acceptable.  Advent or in the Eastern Church, Phillip’s Fast does not need to be just for one form of Christianity but can be shared by all, as one Church prepares for the coming of their Savior.   While the spiritual preparation is not as intense, as for Easter,  one should remember it is still a spiritual time.  The amount of parties and Holiday sensationalism sometimes switch the time of preparation as a time of celebration.

The reality is that the Christmas season starts December 25th, in which the Eastern Church proclaims, Christ is born! and our response, Glorify Him!

If you are interested in becoming a certified Christian Counselor, then please review our program in Christian Counseling.  By simply taking the core courses in the Christian Counseling Program, those thinking of becoming a certified Christian Counselor can become certified.

The certification can be renewed after three years.  Within those three years, the certified Christian Counselor must take fifty hours of continuing education and practice five hundred hours worth of Christian Counseling.

In the meantime, if you are thinking of becoming a certified Christian Counselor, then please review our site and blog.  If you have any questions, please let us know.

#howtobecomecertifiedaschristiancounselor

See on www.huffingtonpost.com

A Christian Counselor’s Perspective on the Dangers of Pornography

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “A Christian Counselor’s Perspective on the Dangers of Pornography”, by Chris Chandler states

By Chris Chandler, MA, LMHC, CSAT-C , Seattle Christian Counseling, PLLC References “Wired for Intimacy” by William M. Struthers, Ph. D. What’s so bad about porn?”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

A very good article from a Christian Counselor about the evils of pornography–the supposed victimless sin.
The reality is as the Chris Chandler points out, it objectifies the participants as well as men and women in general who perform in these vile acts.  It also defiles the intimacy of the sexual union and makes sex a sport instead an act of love.

The people themselves commit fornication and also sin in their corruption of others.

The fact is pornography is far from innocent and is an ever growing evil as it takes people to greater depths of moral deprivation.  If you are a Christian Counselor, how do you deal with this habit among your spiritual children?  Like any sinful habit it can be a trying time as pornography can dominate the soul and ruin relationships.  Christian counselors need to focus on the healing Spirit and pray together with the person.  If Catholic, frequent confession is advisable.  For both Catholics and non-Catholics, meditation, pray and scripture are key to finding purity.  If the person falls, get back up without shame, and know the Lord sees your effort and will eventually cleanse you.  Many times, falling teaches us that we cannot defeat a vice without the Lord

For those interested in becoming a Christian Counselor, please review the program

#howtobecomeachristiancounselor

See on bellevuechristiancounseling.com

Pope Francis’ Stunning Critique Of Capitalism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “Pope Francis ‘Evangelii Gaudium’ Calls For Renewal Of Roman Catholic Church, Attacks ‘Idolatry Of Money’”, source; Huffington Post

“(Reuters) – Pope Francis called for renewal of the Roman Catholic Church and attacked unfettered capitalism as “a new tyranny”, urging global leaders to fight poverty and growing inequality in the first major work he has authored alone as pontiff.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals‘s insight:

Evangelli Gaudium by the ponitff, Francis, should not surprise many.  Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII also condemned many capitalistic aspects of greed.

Trickle down economics though really touches the nerves of many Conservative Capitalists, namely Republicans, who have for the longest time said it works.

Not according to the Pontiff. While only a spiritual leader, the Pope touches upon the fact the needs of the poor or put last in this system and left to the greed and decision of those with power of what trickles down or not.

Christian Counselors of course should avoid politics as much as possible, but when issues of care of the poor arise, they should be social activists.  Giving to the poor first, is key.  Awaiting arbitrary decisions by the elect and powerful is a scary thought.

If you interested in Christian Counseling or wish to learn how to become a Christian Counselor, then please review the program.

#learningmoreaboutchristiancounseling

See on www.huffingtonpost.com

Giving Thanks to God: Losing a National Tradition

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “Giving Thanks to God: Losing a National Tradition”, by Michael Craven states

“As we, once again, approach this national day of “thanksgiving” I thought it necessary to reflect upon our nation’s long history of acknowledging and giving thanks to the Almighty God.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

A good article about the need to be thankful to God from two of our greatest presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  In times of stress and grief, these men would issue how as a nation we should be thankful and pray to God to continue to bless our nation.

Today, people are becoming more secular and forgetting the purpose of Thanksgiving and turning into a shopping day. It is important to avoid secularism and the wanting more culture and embrace thankfulness and to remember others during this Holiday Season

Certified Christian Counselors can remind people of their need to be thankful during visits for even the smallest things.  Whether life is rough or not, we all have something to be thankful to God for.  Certified Christian Counselors have an excellent opportunity to incorporate thanks into their sessions with clients.

If you are interested in learning more about Christian Counseling or would like to find out where you can take online Christian Counseling courses, then please review the blog and site.  The program consist of seven core courses.  After completion of these core courses, qualified professionals are eligible for certification.

Once a certified Christian Counselor. one needs to renew every three years.  They also much practice five hundred hours of service and fifty hours of continuing education.

#wanttobecomeachristiancounselor

See on www.crosswalk.com

Philippines typhoon aftermath: Religion as solace

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “Philippines typhoon aftermath: Religion as solace”, by Jethro Mullen states

“The day after the typhoon, Father Edwin Bacaltos stepped out of the compound of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in central Tacloban and began his work.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

Where was God admits such suffering and pain?  This is a good question and even Christians in moments of despair, feel the need to call it out.  It is human nature to question and become frustrated but like Job, we must find true understanding.

If our life revolves around a contract with God instead of a covenant, then we do not truly love him.   We are his servants and love him for him, not what he does or does not do.

His will is beyond ours and while blatant suffering is not good, nor willed by the Father, nature nevertheless, in this fallen world does strike.

Human free will can also strike us.  So we must be ready for man made evils as well.  The fact is God is there with us during these things.  The world, as a fallen place, is what hurts us, never our Lord

But in these dark times, God’s presence is felt through the help of other good people, or aid.

Christian Counselors should remind their clients as well, that our God did not merely abandon us and teach us through word only but became man and suffered for us and shared in every discomfort we have.  This is a God of action not a God speaking from a distant throne.

If you would like to earn a certification in Christian Counseling, then please review the program.

#christiancounselingcoursesonline

See on www.cnn.com

In Faith We Find Forgiveness

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counselors and Helping People Receive God’s Forgiveness

This Sunday, I heard a very interesting sermon on the healing of the bleeding woman and about faith.  I would like to surmise it for Christian Counselors to maybe also use when helping people receive the grace of forgiveness from Christ.

In the Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus cured the bleeding woman.  She was considered unclean by Jewish law.  While the Book of Job demonstrated that sin is not directly correlated with sickness, the Jewish people of that time still held strong to the opinion that sickness and sin were directly related.  Due to this, she was considered a sinner and an outcast.

With great faith and great courage she touched the garment of the Jesus.  Jesus later told her, “your faith has healed you”.   After she was healed, she no longer dwelt upon the past but embraced her healing and new life.

Our faith also heals us.  When he have faith that God will forgive and heal us of our spiritual maladies, then we find a peace and love of God.  Through the sacrifice of Christ, our sins are forgiven and the grace of the Holy Spirit fills our soul, but we must have faith that through Christ, our sins are forgiven.  We must also embrace our new life.  Like the woman who was healed through faith, she did not later again begin to bleed, but remained healed.  We too must understand that God will heal us spiritually.  We cannot fall back into sin or linger in the past but instead rejoice in the present for our healing.

Once healed, the time for remorse is over, it is now time to rejoice and spread the mercy of God to others.  The woman did not fall back into sickness but became a follower of Christ, so we must too after receiving our spiritual healing, not fall back into sin, or remorse, but instead allow the Spirit to flower within us and bring Christ to others.

If you would like to become a Christian Counselor, then please review the program.  If you have any questions, please let us know and we will be happy to help you

Mark Moran, MA

Resolving Marital Conflict: A Christian Counselor’s Guide, Part I

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article, “Resolving Marital Conflict: A Christian Counselor’s Guide, Part I”, source; seattle christian counseling states

“By Rick McGregor, MA, LMHCA, Seattle Christian Counseling, PLLC No matter how much you may want to ignore it, conflict is common to all marriages.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

Marriage is a sacred union that however falls into the profane world of vice.  Marriage is subjugated to divorce, infidelity and selfishness.

In marriage counseling it is important to keep an eye on the sacred nature of marriage and to translate that to the world.

This article looks at conflict and selfishness as two issues in marriage.  Conflict is natural as with our fallen nature, selfishness as well.  Practicing as one, instead of two can help reduce the tension that create these issues.

This is an excellent article for Christian Counselors to read who are helping couples overcome conflict.

If you are interested and wish to learn more about becoming a Christian Counselor, then please review the program.  In the meantime, enjoy the blog and articles.

#iwanttolearnmoreaboutchristiancounselingtraining

See on seattlechristiancounseling.com