Theory Critique of Crabb and Hawkins
Kaitlin Clark
Liberty University

Summary In life we all experience situations and scenarios that are hard to cope with and with them they bring about problems and challenges. No one in the world is immune to these problems, however it is these problems we face that help us to mature as individuals. Nevertheless, the way that people approach their difficulties varies. Some people live in fear, other feel that since they have created their problems they are the only one who can fix it, and some believe that their problems are not from anything they have done but a product of their environment. According to Crabb our reactions to difficult life experiences take on one of three forms: guild, resentment, or anxiety (Crabb, 1977). Furthermore Crabb (1977) believes that many of our problems in life are simply the way we interpret our experiences. People who can have positive feelings towards situations are able to cope with their problems in a healthy way. And people who negatively view their experiences are more likely to fight guilt, resentment and anxiety. This is where counselors come in, for simple problems the counselor can just be a friend they do not need to be a professional simply someone who can listen and help sort out life experiences and offer simple advice. However, for the larger problems a professional counselor is needed. Dr. Crabb wrote Effective Biblical Counseling in an attempt to bridge the gap between psychology and religion, to use the principles and theories of psychology to enhance the practice of Biblical counseling (Crabb, 1977). Christian counseling is seen separately from secular counseling because Christian counseling relies upon Biblical concepts that are not recognized or used by secular counselors. These concepts are redemption and sanctification in Christ and the role of the Holy