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The Christian Family and It’s Inherent Rights

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Family: Attacks from the World

The Christian Family serves as a beacon in the turbulent sea guiding others to the light of Christ.  It is blessed with an apostolic mission to preserve and preach the doctrines of Christ.  It is the Church in miniature.  It is of no wonder then that Satan would hope to destroy it.  Christian counselors, the church and the state have an obligation to defend the family from such onslaughts. 

Social pressures from beyond devalue the family.  Instances on the acceptability of divorce are widespread in the news and tabloids.  A desensitization has begun that numbs society to the lack of the binding nature of marriage. Beyond this exists the culture of death that promotes abortion , or other ideals that attempt to distort the nature of the conjugal act between man and wife.

If the attacks of the world do not come from social outlets they can also originate from the state.  Governments throughout the world, and in some cases even in America, hope to wedge themselves into affairs that do not concern them.  Issues of sex education arise as the state deems itself the authority to inform children of such sacred mysteries without parental consent.  Other agencies hope to strip parents of their inherent and God given right to educate their children.  Home Schooling has emerged as a counter revolt against the secularization and infestation of various heresies found in public schools.  Christian counseling should always champion these rights of the parents over the rights of the state in the raising and education of the child or children.

Sometimes the interference of the state goes beyond mere bureaucratic irritation but involves belligerent state interference.  In communist countries, the right of the parent and family to procreate is limited and in some cases, women and men are forced to become sexually sterilized.  Such satanic originated influence cries to God for justice.  The very nature of the family is assaulted by the government in these situations.

Christian counseling, the church, and the state need to become champions of the family.  Through the good advice of Christian counselors, families can understand their inherent rights and begin to show the fruits of their sacred union.

If you would like to become a certified Christian Counselor, then please review the program.

 

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

The Ideals of the Christian Family and Matrimony

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Christian Family and Marriage

The Christian Family as the first cell of society finds its conception in marriage.  It is interesting to note that even at the purely social level, marriage formed a social constraint for the formation of society and the bringing of order at the micro level.  Yet this natural social evolution had deeper yearnings at the center of man’s soul.  The yearning for spiritual communion took this merely social institution to a level that also satisfied the spiritual and theological needs of man.  Within the spiritual structure of humanity, the Mystical Body of Christ found marriage also as its most intimate cellular level where a man and woman took a vow before God to love each other and remain faithful.  Through this intense love, two became one and an unbreakable bond was created that transcended the societal order.  

This sacred institution received it distinctive Christian mark via Christ at the wedding feast of Cana where in Catholic theology, it became a sacrament.  Protestant theology while not proclaiming the institution as a sacrament, nevertheless, shares a common belief that marriage is sacred and carries a serious bond.  Christian counselors find themselves in difficult situations when attempting to preserve these bonds of matrimony.  Various marital issues erupt that threaten to tear the very fabric of the union.  With such a heavy burden, Christian counseling must establish first and foremost the sacred nature of matrimony.  With this ideal in place, issues of finance, career, children, infidelity, or other selfish motives can hopefully be overcome.
In addition to dealing with an already existing Christian family, Christian counselors also deal with soon to be Christian families.  A Christian counselor during premarital or pre-Cana sessions, must evaluate the maturity and spiritual lives of the man and woman who are to marry.  During these early sessions, one should become acquainted with the future spouses and review their spiritual, financial and career goals.  While love is important, it is imperative to illuminate possible differences prior to vows and to help the future couple understand the problems they may face.  Other issues of importance include faith, the raising of children and ideas on what marriage is. 
Most importantly, the counselor must emphasize the theological importance of the sacrament and ascertain if both parties understand the bond that will exist.  Obviously after various sessions, the counselor becomes more aware of the couples maturity, understanding of marriage and if their goals correspond.  During this period of time, the couple may also become more aware of any differences they may have previously dismissed.
Ultimately in the end, it is the couple’s love that will define the marriage. If true love exists, all problems can be overcome, especially if the couple dedicates their union to God.  Men should emulate St. Joseph, while women emulate Mary.  The couple should to the best of their abilities imitate the ultimate paradigm of the Christian family; the Holy Family.
If you would like to become certified in Christian Counseling, please review the program.

Religious Counseling through the Teen Dating Years

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Family and Dating

As adolescents grow, they finally begin to notice the opposite sex.  As parents and Christian Counselors, we should not shun this natural progression of life, but we must guide it.  It must be nurtured and kept within the natural limits of God’s plan or it will become overcome with lust and distorted by the evil one.  In this regard, Christian dating is essential to preserving purity and taming lust.  Religious counseling is very important during these teen years.
Christian Spiritual Counseling should avoid extremes in this natural curiosity of the other gender.  Sex should not be 

painted as evil but it should not be illustrated either as a viable option before marriage.  A strong moral theology should be taught to children in the pre-adolescent years that avoids vivid detail but simultaneously presents a sacred view of sex, marriage and the other gender.  Unfortunately, modern society is very counter-productive to the good work of parents via television, internet and movies.  The occasion of sin is strong and parents must be as vigilant as ever. It is during these formative years that children need to be not only taught about morality but also must be shielded from impure influences.  Parents should not allow their children to become to comfortable with the other sex in play and visits.  Natural barriers of awkwardness between boys and girls are good things especially prior to the explosion of hormones during puberty.
During the early stages of one’s teen, parents should allow more freedom but only at a limited basis.  If your child is between 13 and 16, interaction with the other sex should be limited to group functions and supervised studying only.  It is also extremely important to become aware of who are the friends at these functions.  Parents should also monitor dress as to avoid impurities of mind when their children attend these events.  Finally, a parent should be on the looking out for the signs of smoking, drugs and alcohol.
During the later years of High school, parents should relinquish some of the chains and pray that their moral teachings have given root.  This does not mean that full freedom should be granted but 17 to 18 yr olds should be permitted to date alone without supervision.  While this is debated, I feel one needs to eventually trust a young adult.  However, time frames and rules should be laid down that require prohibitions on drinking, hours beyond midnight and checking in times.
For adults beyond the parental reins one should consider a few things for choosing a mate.  While many people focus first on physical looks and financial means, the most important element that sustains the relationship is faith.  If dating is only leading one towards sexual occasions of sins, then maybe the person should consider a new relationship with another person that may bear good fruits.  This is not to dismiss physical attraction and falling in love but in one’s early adult phase, it is only to easy to become acquainted with multiple “friends” and become sexually promiscuous.
Christian Counseling can only lay the seeds for pure relations.  As a parent we can control much in the formative years but not everything.  Ultimately it is the hope and goal that our children are raised with the faith and have the morals to make good decisions in the later teens and early twenties that will last them a life time.  This is the goal of any Christian Counselor or parent when it comes to dating and the eventual consummation of dating into marriage.
If you are interested in the Online Christian Counseling Certification Program, please review it.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C
 
 

Christian Counseling and Modernism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling and Modernism

Counseling the doubtful is true when it comes to Modernism.  Unlike other isms that exist outside of the Church, Modernism originates from within the Church itself.  With this in mind, many followers become confused because of clergy or other teachers who support Modernistic ideals.  Hence when Christian Counseling people who are infected with Modernistic ideology it is important to have a clear understanding of traditional Christian concepts.
So what is Modernism?  Modernism was a philosophical movement at the end of the 19th and early 20th Century that hoped to marry the ideals of science with theology.  It wanted to modernize Christianity with new concepts of belief regarding Scriptural interpretation, the divinity of Christ and how God interacts with his creation.  The movement stemmed from within the Church and was quickly condemned by Church authorities.  Still, the movement survived and haunted the Church till the present day.  Whether during a sermon or at a lecture hall, the ideas of Modernism can be found. 

With these things in mind, Christian Counselors need to be aware of this heresy and its basic tenets.  Christian Counselors must also understand the correct orthodox theology and be able to articulate the truth to someone who is in doubt.
Christian Counseling can become an oasis of truth for many people.  This is especially important when we live in an era of Church history when the truth can even be distorted by those we trust most.   As Christ warned, there will be ‘wolves in sheep clothing’.  With this in mind, Christian Counselors should face the challenge of Modernism and present sound and true doctrine regarding Scripture and the divinity of Christ.
If you are interested in the Christian Counseling program and have a sincere objective to preserve and teach the truth of Christ, please consider and review the program and see if it fits your educational or professional needs.  Our program for Christian Counseling Certification is based on core courses that must be completed prior to certification.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C-, SCC-C

Christian Counseling Certification Program: The Gift of Children to the Christian Family

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Family: The Gift of Children
The child in marriage is the ultimate sign of reciprocal love between man and woman and is the ultimate gift to the Christian family.  It is the Trinitarian completion of the triangle of love that exists within the intimate circle of the family.  This outward sacramental manifestation of their love is a blessing from God.  It is one of the primary purposes of marriage and the conjugal act itself.  As Christian Counselors, we sometimes come across situations where we must advise in matters of rearing of children and in other cases comfort in cases of loss.  Other situations involve the frustrations couples can experience when attempting to conceive.  These and many other issues become sensitive issues in Christian Counseling.
Ultimately the gift of children in marriage fulfills many innate needs of man.  First, the biological and evolutionary drive to reproduce one’s genes to the next generation.  Second, the gift of children is a spiritual extension of oneself.  One’s legacy does not only exceed one’s life time but one’s memory and traditions are carried onward from generation to generation.  Not only is one’s physical attributes given but one’s ideals, religion, traditions and values are also carried on through one’s offspring.  Third, emotionally one is given something to cherish.  There is no greater love between parent and child.  These needs of caring are reciprocated as the parent cares for the child in his youth and returned as the child cares for his parent in the later years.

Theologically, the blessing of children is also a partaking and sharing in the creation of life.  As the married couple shares their intense love, God blesses this action with his presence.  God at the moment of conception touches the couple with the simultaneous creation of a soul.  A full human person, matter and soul at that moment come into existence becoming the ultimate manifestation of the couple’s love.
The blessings of children are indeed a great gift from God.  This is seen throughout Scripture as the Old Testament Patriarchs are blessed with fertility; Stories that reflect the extreme joy of conception from Sara to Elizabeth and even Mary’s own unique conception of Jesus portray this.  The joy of conception is revered within Christian circles and should be a time of great joy.  Religious Counseling should emphasize this joy and contradict the society of death that finds conception and children to be a hindrance to one’s materialistic life.  Instead Christian families should boldly declare to society that children are a blessing and not an inconvenience. 
In conclusion, Christ said let the little children come to me and that to enter into heaven, one must become like a child.  How could a family not want to be surrounded by such innocence?
If you are interested in the Christian Counseling Certification Program, please review it.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C
 

The Role of a Christian Counselor in Character Formation

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Role of a Christian Counselor

The role of a Christian Counselor during counseling sessions is aiding one who is in distress, sin, or suffering and offering to that person a Christian solution. While this solution may not be the solution of easiest choice, it must always be a solution that correlates with the moral law. This is why a Christian Counselor must also be well versed in Moral Theology.

Moral theology is the study of morality, virtue, and Christian law. A Christian Counselor must be aware of the Divine Positive Law that encompasses the study of the commandments. He or she must also be well versed in the ideals of the Natural Law or the law that is imprinted upon all souls that reflect the goodness and truth of the Creator. In addition to this, one must also have a clear understanding of virtues and vices and how they are applied to the soul. While this first element deals with the objective nature of moral theology that binds all men, there is also a subjective element that guides the inner compass of man. This part deals with the subjective nature of human acts. While human acts can be classified objectively as good or evil, one must determine the intent and knowledge of an individual who commits those actions to determine culpability. Obviously in most cases, this is left to the eyes of God which, unlike man, sees everything that happens.
Conscience is a key element in any counseling. This subjective element of human actions deals with the inner workings of the soul between the intellect and the will. Good consciences are formed in accordance with God’s law while bad consciences seek only one’s own end. Sociopathic consciences are devoid of these things, while narcissistic consciences only hope to fulfill the appetite of the passions that deal directly with their physical or personal pleasure and gain. In addition to this, there are consciences that have doubt and some consciences that are scrupulous in nature. All these pathologies need to be addressed when dealing with the formation and overall health of one’s conscience.
As Christian Counselors we want to guide our spiritual children in the formation of good consciences. In doing this, we must instruct and also help one understand the three important criteria for human actions in regards to culpability. First, what is the objective nature of the action. Second, what is the subjective nature of the agent and finally, what are the circumstances surrounding the objective action. Circumstance can sometimes change the nature of the action-much the same way murder and self defense differ due to intent and self survival.
As one can see, the importance of a strong moral theology is critical to good counseling.  If you are interested in courses in Christian Counseling, please review the program.
Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Certification in Christian Counseling: Reconciliation as Religious Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Certification in Christian Counseling: Reconciliation is also counseling

Within Catholic theology, the Seven Sacraments are outward signs that produce grace. Each grace that is particular to a sacrament has a particular function within the soul’s spiritual life. This sacramental grace helps the person carry out particular spiritual tasks within the domain of the sacrament. Christian 

Counselors within the Catholic tradition have a particular aid in helping their clients overcome sin, grief and despair via the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In fact, confession in itself is a religious counseling session. Many priests who administer the sacrament become Christian counselors by the very fact they lend their ear to the concerns and worries of the faithful. This ultimate form of counseling is followed with a dose of divine grace that refreshes the soul by removing sin, inclinations to sin, and a infusion of hope within the penitent.

The first aspect to consider is the psychological nature of confession. In all counseling, identifying problems and bringing them out into the open are keys for success. Within the sacred seal of confession, the penitent reveals his or her sins, issues and problems to someone. This exposure and admittance of problems opens up the channel for psychological healing and habitual corrections. The next psychological element involves advice from a third party. This advice comes from a trained pastoral professional; the better the counseling skills within the priest, the better the outcome. This is a nature of confession that many faithful discount. They consider it merely a verbal listing of bad actions without feedback for correction or healing. The role of a priest in this second part of confession is to guide and help the person amend his or her life. The third psychological element of confession is forgiveness. It is true within Catholic theology that God does forgive those who seek forgiveness outside the bounds of confession. It is also true, however, that the official sacramental infusion of grace is completed via the absolution by the priest. The priest, as an instrument of grace, represents Christ and as his representative infuses the grace of the Holy Spirit upon the penitent. If one believes this theology, the psychological benefits are immense. The person again feels hope, forgiveness and healing. Whether one is agnostic, atheist, or even non-Catholic, one cannot deny these three psychological benefits of confession. 
The second aspect involves the theology which while open to debate outside of Catholic circles remains a steadfast tradition within the Church. A Christian spiritual counselor  or one who is certified in Christian counseling who utilizes the sacramental graces of confession as a spiritual medicine for his or her client is utilizing a great tool. The sacrament spiritually nourishes the soul in healing. It forgives the stain of the sin and its odious stench, removing the attachments of vice. It is not enough to forgive the sin, but to find its root in its particular vice. This is the deeper element of the sacramental cleansing of confession. Furthermore, while removing the demons of vice and sin, it strengthens and heals the soul for future confrontations. This is why frequent confession is encouraged. It literally is a bathing of the soul.
Yet as Christian spiritual counselors, non Catholics do not have this psychological and spiritual tool at their disposal. This may be due to differences in theological beliefs or a different tradition. I recommend within Protestant circles, a strong emphasis during counseling on prayers to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the primary key within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and there is no reason why when two meet in the Lord’s name that his Spirit would not manifest and strengthen. Many counselors have various gifts of the spirit in which they can lay hands or invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit. Such outward signs of prayer and laying of hands can also give the spiritual and psychological benefits needed for non Catholic Christians.
In conclusion, while this article primarily focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a few things can be gained by counselors of all Christian denominations. First, outward signs of religious faith are essential for healing. We are composed of body and soul. Our physical senses are essential to spiritual healing. Human nature is intrinsically interwoven with both matter and spirit. Hence when treating a malady, one must treat both elements. Second, the psychological effects that correlate with the spiritual effects cannot be underestimated. While the psychological effects are manifestations of the spiritual, one cannot deny even from a secular view that such religious traditions are not worthwhile. On the contrary, religious traditions that foster forgiveness, healing and hope are instrumental to someone’s recovery. If one wants to merely believe this is psychological and not spiritual, then so be it, but the reality is man is a spiritual creature and innately searches for his creator which is God. Only God can give the satisfaction and happiness to overcome sin and despair.
If you are interested in a certification in Christian Counseling, please review the program. Our certification in Christian counseling covers many aspects of the practice and is based upon Christ and the Bible.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Biblical Counseling: Advent Preparation in Religious Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Religious Counselors Must Reintroduce Christ to Christmas

The secularization of religious feasts is common in America. The Christmas season which spiritually begins December 25th, begins on Black Friday after Thanksgiving. Instead of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ, the nation that night prepares wish lists and compares the best sale. Where Christian charity and giving should exist, there is capitalistic greed. This unfortunate side effect of secularization and materialism has driven the idea of spiritual preparation into the distant past. As religious 

counselors and leaders within the church, it is your obligation to help rejuvenate the ideals of Advent.

While Lent in the past has received a greater emphasis in regards to fasting, Advent also represents a time to fast.  While voluntary, fasting during Advent can be especially spiritually enriching as the soul prepares itself for the coming of Christ.  As Christians, we live in a world where Christ historically has already came and resurrected and we wait merely a month in commemoration.   However, the “Advent” period of the Old Testament started with the fall of Adam and was carried through the great Patriarchs to the simply “yes” of the Virgin Mary.  All the great prophets, from Abraham to Moses, awaited the coming of the Messiah.  After their deaths, they awaited in limbo.  This time of preparation of the “Old Church” is something the “New Church” recognizes within Advent.  It shares with the “Old Church” a time of spiritual preparation and anticipation of the greatest event in human history.  In Christian Biblical Counseling, one must make it evident to your spiritual children that the time for festivity must not take priority over this spiritual preparation.
As a Christian counselor one must emphasize the greatness of the Incarnation.  The miraculous event of the 2nd person of the Blessed Trinity, taking upon a human nature, but retaining his divine nature is an article of faith that transcends any preconceived notions of love.   This gift of love can be seen on two levels.  First, from a redemptive view, it was the gift of Christ himself to the world as both priest and victim, God and man, who placed himself upon the altar to be sacrificed for man’s sins.  From manger to cross, Christ’s life was for our redemption. Second, from a view of pure love, the 2nd person clothed himself in flesh, and became man to share and teach man how to live, suffer, and love. As a divine being, the 2ndperson was immutable. Any action against him could not harm him or hurt him, but only imbalance the weight of justice. As a human person, God allowed himself to experience the 

intimacy of human love with its interdependence and interaction. While the love of the trinity was perfect, the happiness of God could never be altered by a mere finite creation, but via the Incarnation, creature and creator could share in a personal love that was different and in some ways more intense. So, via the Incarnation, not only did the 2nd Person prepare himself for the redemption of man, but also prepared himself to love man at a different level and way that solely as a divine being he could never do.

With such a deep theology, a Christian spiritual counselor should prepare his spiritual children. As Mary said yes and prepared herself for nine months, so we are only asked to prepare ourselves for one month. Christian counselors can offer a variety of methods for preparation such as increased fasting, minor sacrifices, reading of scripture and more prayer. Traditions from the local church or parish should also be emphasized and attended. Also include in decorations a manager set that constantly reminds one why the season is being celebrated. Of course the final preparation is celebrating worship service or Mass at your local church.
While the Christmas tree, stockings, and the ideas of Santa Clause are important social traditions, one must understand that these festivities and traditions are merely the side dishes of Christmas. The main course is the Incarnation of Christ and his amazing love for mankind. Christ is born—Glorify Him!

If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program in Christian Biblical Counseling.

By Mark Moran, MA

The Seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy and Christian Biblical Counseling

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Christian Biblical Counseling and the Charisms of the Holy Spirit

The charisms of the Holy Spirit give each individual in Christ’s Body the ability to contribute to the bettering of the Church Militant on earth. As a body, each part plays a fundamental role. Your role as a counselor is an important one. While not only guiding people to a healthy state of life, you are also spiritually guiding them to Christian principles. The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy come to my mind here. As a young boy, my catechism listed works considered by Christ to be important in 

1.To Admonish the Sinner- This does not involve judgment but relates to a Christian’s obligation to give testimony to what is right or wrong.
2.To Instruct the Ignorant- This involves teaching. Ignorant does not relate to stupidity, it relates to ignorance and not knowing. The divine command to preach the gospel comes to mind here.
3.To Counsel the Doubtful- The word “counsel” is even used here. Clearly a Christian has a vocation to be a counselor in helping those in doubt and worry.
4.To Comfort the Sorrowful- One of the primary purposes of counseling is not only to help those in confusion but to help heal the broken.
The final three deal with a more personal level. The final three include praying for the living and the dead, bearing wrongs patiently, and forgiving ones enemies. I think these spiritual works are all pertinent to a good Christian Biblical counseling base because they fulfill the primary needs a counselor gives to someone. A counselor corrects bad behavior, gives instruction and advice, and comforts those in distress. In many ways, the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are the code of any counselor.
What one can learn from these seven acts of Christian spiritual charity is that everyone is called to be a counselor in some sense. We are all called as brothers and sisters in Christ to take a personal interest in our fellow man’s need; a need that is beyond the mere physical, but a need that touches the core of one’s soul. While counselors professionally offer this service, Christians in general must offer this service in their everyday life. This is the blessing that comes with Christian counseling. It produces a twofold blessing of not only a career but also a vocation.

If you are interested in Christian Counseling courses, please review the program. If you would like to learn where you can take online Christian Counseling courses, then please review the program.

By Mark Moran, MA

How Biblical Counseling Uses the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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Biblical Counseling and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

At Baptism, the Holy Spirit infuses into the soul, the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. Through the grace of God, the soul is infused with new life. These virtues if cultivated produce the four cardinal virtues or moral virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. They guide one’s soul in its interaction with the passions and other people. The receiving of the spirit completes these virtues. In Protestant circles this is referred to as the laying of the hands and within Catholic circles this is referred to as the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is important in Biblical counseling to cultivate these gifts.

Upon receiving the Holy Spirit in Baptism and the later laying of hands, a Christian is spiritually born and later turned into a soldier for Christ. The Holy Spirit then can impart certain gifts and upon the reception of such gifts produce beautiful fruits that can adorn the Christian soul. Let us look at them.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are referred to in Isaiah 11:2-3. The gifts are as follows:
1.Wisdom- Wisdom here refers to knowledge of spiritual and practical things; a knowledge that entails guidance. The wisdom of Solomon is a good example of this gift. Wisdom is clearly a gift needed for any Christian biblical counselor.
2.Understanding- Understanding refers to a person’s ability to see clearly the laws of God and apply them in a confusing immoral world. One understands how to follow Christ in this world.
3.Counsel- Again we see counseling as a God given gift from the Spirit. This has to do with right and wrong and proper judgment. It is an internal compass for you and your clients.
4.Fortitude- One of the moral virtues is found in this group. The ability to handle hardship with Christian hope.
5.Knowledge- This knowledge refers to spiritual affairs of knowing God, his laws and revelation.
6.Piety- Humility and reverence for God
7.Fear of the Lord- Awe for God’s omnipotence and greatness.
If you are interested in the Christian Spiritual Counseling Certification Program, please review. To become a Christian Biblical Counselor, you need to complete the required courses.