Was Sigmund Freud right about religion and faith?

A guest blog from Dr. W. Rod MacIlvaine…

In his book The Future of an Illusion (1927) the father of psychiatry, Sigmund Freud, argued that religion is a false belief system. He likened the various religions of the world to “childhood neuroses” and “wishful illusions” that can only lead to a “disavowal of reality.”

Like other atheists of his day, his words were particularly rancorous against the Christian faith. He believed human beings created the God-concept as a means of wish-fulfillment, nothing more.

Clearly for Freud, no real truth could be found in the Christian faith, nor in any other religion, for that matter. On the contrary, Freud believed that only science can lead us into reality.

These truth assertions, however, were never tested scientifically through rigorous experimentation and research. Therefore, they were faith-assertions and mere opinions, nothing more! And yet, they were almost blindly accepted on the basis of Freud’s reputation as a physician and theoretician.

But now, 85 years later, these claims have been tested! And Freud has been proven wrong in his own arena, the arena of science.

In the past 40 years, mountains of research have been published seeking to answer this one simple question: Does active adherence to the Christian faith provide any measurable results in terms of wellness – both physical and mental?

The Bible clearly indicates that adhering to its precepts and commands should indeed lead to significant patterns of mental wellness.

• In the Old Testament, Psalm 16:11 is a case in point: “In your presence is fullness of joy at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
• In the New Testament, Galatians 5:22-23‘s the fruit of the Spirit is a vibrant picture mental health: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

But does adhering to the Christian faith also produce clear patterns of physical wellness?

When Dr. Jeff Levin began to research this emerging field in 1982, he was surprised as he noticed a pattern: Frequency of attendance in weekly worship services was associated with diverse patterns of physical wellness, including better cardio-vascular functioning, lower blood pressure, faster wound healing and better recovery from surgery.

One study even examined the relationship between church attendance and mortality rate. The study tracked over 21,000 people from the ages of 18-65 over a 9-year period. The found that non-attenders lived to an average of 55.3 years beyond the age of 20, but attenders lived for an average of 61.9 years after the age of 20. That’s nearly seven years longer!

One possible explanation for this was that religious people follow healthier habits. And yet, in one study, religious adherence had marked benefits, even if the person did not necessarily engage in healthy eating habits.

So radical were these emerging claims that researchers subjected them to very stringent testing protocols, and yet in each new study the pattern was clear: adhering to the precepts presented in the Bible was a predictor of overall wellness.

Today the most published researcher in this field is Dr. Harold Koenig of Duke University Medical School. He is a professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences and the director for the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. Other scholars in this field include the epidemiologist Jeff Levin and practicing physician Dr. Dale Matthews.

At Teleios we too have actively sought to add to this growing body of literature. We are not only passionately convinced that the Bible is God’s Word – we believe that adhering to its precepts increases the health and vitality of the whole person. This is an exciting field because it leads us back to a statement that Jesus made on the night before he was crucified: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

About Rod MacIlvaine – Director of Faith-Based Research – W. Rodman MacIlvaine, III, DMin is on the adjunct faculties of both Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the founding senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Northeastern, Oklahoma – a church that has worked extensively to serve educational needs in the Spanish Speaking Caribbean. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Dr. MacIlvaine works with men and women in transition, especially those who are shifting into second careers. Dr. MacIlvaine specializes in apologetics from an historical and theological perspective. His emphasis is in showing how adhering to God’s word has generated many benefits to societies, cultures and individuals.

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How young believers view Christian counseling

Christian counseling has become very common within church-based society, being utilized both by individuals and as referral sources by churches. Christian counselors themselves are trained both by established academic institutions and by gaining certificates from independent groups.
To better understand the experience and impressions of Christian counseling among young Christians, Teleios recently conducted a survey. Of the 235 respondents, the majority were: female (71%), 18-34 years (77%), and from the United States (58%).

Participants overall viewed Christian counseling as positive with 9% currently in counseling, 7% stating they had been in therapy before and would start again and 30% indicating they have never been in counseling, but planned to go. Overall, 22% reported they had seen a Christian counselor. Further, 27% said that every Christian should be in counseling now or at some time in their life; while 35% indicated they should go only for specific problems.

The greatest benefit of counseling (of all respondents) was: it saved their life (6%), it improved depressive symptoms (8%), it helped them recover from a psychological illness (3%) or from addiction (1%), it reduced anger (8%), or improved relationships (11%).

Spiritually, counseling helped participants seek God through prayer, fellowship, knowledge of the Bible or praise (about 10% in each case), but was less helpful in causing participants to teach the Bible to others (3%) or spread the gospel (4%).

Importantly, wellbeing did not differ statistically between respondents based on their current or past participation in Christian counseling (P>0.05).
Our survey speaks to the broad popularity of Christian counseling among young evangelicals. However, the clinical and spiritual results of Christian counseling remain undescribed. What are the potential pros and cons?

Potential pros of Christian counseling, it may:

• Provide a resource for busy pastors to extend the church’s help to individual believers in their congregation
• Give a mechanism for Christians to discuss their emotions and pain to a concerned listener
• Supply secular and spiritual advice to bring about emotional healing
• Fortify the participant’s life emotionally and spiritually
• Help further integration of the participant into the Christian community
• Provide an important gateway to psychiatric services to deal with profound or emergent mental issues that might lead to self-harm or violence

https://www.guystuffcounseling.com/christian-counseling/christian-counseling-benefits
https://www.christian-works.org/benefits-christian-counseling/

Potential cons of Christian counseling:

• The scientific results of Christian counseling, compared to secular counseling or no counseling, largely are unknown
• The methodology of Christian counseling and counselors’ training are not well-proven
• The interaction between Christian counseling methods and the Bible is unclear, varies by institution and probably by the counselors themselves (https://teleiosresearch.com/christian-counseling-degree-courses/).
  • From our survey, most young Christians who participated in counseling did not receive instruction in any of the 5 basic elements of the Christian faith that underpin maturity (Acts 2:42,47)
  • Universities training Christian counselors typically do so from a secular and not a biblical basis (https://teleiosresearch.com/christian-counseling-degree-courses/)
  • Christian counseling, while it may help in with practical advice and even some spiritual direction, may not provide the basis for growing Christian maturity as described in the Bible
• In our survey, the average wellbeing was not different among participants who received prior or current counseling, or if they expressed a desire for counseling in the future. This might signify that Christian counseling may not always be beneficial.

In summary, Christian counseling appears to provide a practical step in helping believers deal with issues in their lives and a vital resource for the church.
However, Christians should be careful in assessing their care to ensure it does provide guidance into biblical maturity through obedience in His word, or otherwise assuring these tools to maturity and the fruits of the Spirit are supplied by other sources.
More research is needed specifically regarding the outcomes of Christian counseling and ways to further benefit participants.

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://teleiosresearch.com/how-young-believers-view-christian-counseling/).

Millennials and Fellowship

What do millennials believe about fellowship?

Teleios recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding Christian fellowship and community. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 161 participants the majority were: female (72%), <35 years old (81%), from the United States (63%), and evangelical (73%).

A small majority (52%) of respondents indicated they participate in Christian fellowship at least once a week where biblical topics are discussed. In contrast, just over 25% noted they either never have fellowship, or do so only a few times a year. Fellowship generally is based around church events, most usually during and after church (61%), small group (48%), or other associated church events (46%).

Young believers recognize typically that the Bible teaches that Christians fellowship not only with each other (83%), but with all the members of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost [≥75%]). Further, 75% noted that fellowship is necessary for the Christian life.

Participants generally know they should actively seek fellowship with other Christians and they accomplish this most commonly by scheduling specific times with other believers (68%) and by acknowledging the good things Christ has done in others (63%).

Participants also responded that fellowship is good for them because of the joy it brings (81%), their gain from the godly example of other believers (77%) and the mental correction to the greater purposes  God has compared to their own (76%).

Importantly, respondents who noted that fellowship was imperative for living the Christian life demonstrated higher wellbeing than those who did not (P=0.005).

The study suggests that adolescents and young adult Christians generally hold biblical views on fellowship. The results are encouraging as they suggest that fellowship concepts are learned early by believers and are generally biblically-based.

How do we fellowship as Christians?
Fellowship is foundational in the Christian life. How do we do it?

• Definition – The biblical word ‘fellowship’ is most closely expressed in the Greek by the word koinōnia (κοινωνία), and its derivatives, which mean basically ‘communion’ as well as the word metochē (μετοχή) which means ‘participation.’
• What does the Bible say about fellowship? – The Bible describes fellowship in the most general ways:

• It occurs only between Christians – This is because we cannot be encouraged or learn from those who do not have the Spirit or who do not understand the Christian faith (1 John 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
• Do not neglect – We are not to avoid fellowship. This is because it is good for us. It is also good for other people to see God working in us (Hebrews 10:15-18; Hebrews 13:15).
• Functional definition – In reality, the Bible does not give a lot of detail, or a singular text, defining ‘fellowship.’ However, functionally any interaction between Christians that is spiritually based, as described in the Bible, might be considered fellowship (Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 5:15-20).

• Why do we need fellowship? – The benefits of fellowship are assumed in scripture. As Christians, we need the example, as well as the verbal encouragement and reminders of God’s word from others, to help promote our own walk with God (1 Timothy 4:12-16). Likewise, our actions and speech provide this to other believers.
• What biblical fellowship is not – One benefit we derive from church is social fellowship around food, games, sports, weddings, parties, etc. However, these events may or may not include true fellowship which should have a spiritual basis.
• How do we fellowship? – True biblical fellowship can occur in many settings. Regardless the setting, biblical fellowship is framed in a lifestyle that is upstanding (1 Thessalonians 2:10) and speech that helps and encourages others (Ephesians 4:29). How do we do this? Here are some ideas:

• Know God’s word – This is important so you are speaking to others correct biblical truth and not church based jargon such as ‘That is not my gift’ or ‘I do not have a peace about that so I will not do it.’
• Plan ahead – Consider before meeting with a person how you might encourage them specifically with: gratitude, commendation, thought-provoking questions, sharing God’s word or recounting what God has done in your life (Colossians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:16). If you don’t know what to ask, check their social media accounts and learn about them. If you are attending a gathering, then choose one person to target for fellowship.
• Listen – Be sure and listen when conversing so you can learn and discover how you can even better encourage them (James 1:19).
• Control the environment – It can be very difficult to discuss godly matters in environments that are controlled by other people, such as festive activities or groups of people who are unbelievers or non-serious Christians. If you’re finding it difficult to have fellowship then create your own environments in which proper fellowship can occur, such as:

• Choose a meeting place that is quiet, where you will not have interruptions and where Bible-based topics can be discussed.
• Choose the person or the people specifically to join you who also seek Christ and with whom excellent fellowship can occur.

Although your church may provide activities and worship services that can promote building relationships with other believers, generally fellowship is up to the individual to plan, pursue and accomplish. It takes a little effort, but God will use it in your life to encourage and teach you. Make true Christian fellowship a routine part of your life!
Join us again soon for another informative blog to help you in your Christian walk
All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-WGHZ9QXPL/).

Church and biblical resources - How should we use them?

As Christians, we are blessed with a number of resources that can help us grow in our Christian life.
Teleios recently surveyed young Christians to evaluate opinions about accepted forms of church and biblical resources. Of the 185 participants the majority were: female (63%), <35 years old (72%), from the United States (70%), and evangelical (70%).

This survey showed that these mostly young evangelical, Christians viewed their local assembly as a valid form of the church (86%). However, many also considered broader community-based Christian relationships (61%) and online fellowship or Bible study (46%) to be legitimate manifestations of the church.

Regarding their spiritual life, the local church was noted most often as benefitting expressions of the Christian growth in: prayer (86%), praise (90%), fellowship (90%), outreach (81%), and learning scripture (86%).

However, community Christian contacts apart from church also helped Christian growth (range of the 5 expressions noted above (41-51%). In addition, online interactions with individual Christians (31-43%), and organizations (26-33%), especially in learning the Bible (56%), were important in helping Christian growth. In contrast, local parachurch organizations were reported as meaningful by just 12-22%.

Within the local church itself, the resources that most helped participants' Christian life were: the lead pastor's sermons (79%), the worship service (70%), fellowship (59%), and Bible studies (58%). In contrast, the least important resources were identified as: accountability groups (22%), and non-teaching church-based service such as a helps ministry or assisting with childcare (21%).

Parachurch organizations assisted just over a third of participants, most typically with Bible study (38%) and fellowship (37%). Online resources also helped through streaming other church’s worship services (40%) or sermons (27% or their own pastor's worship services (35%) or sermons (34%) Internet-based Bible study groups (35%) and fellowship (30%) also were identified as beneficial.
How can we best use Christian resources?
Here are some hints:

• Mindset - Realize that it is up to us ultimately to assure that we provide sufficient resources in our lives for Christian growth. No one can do this for us.
• What to include? - We call these the five tools to maturity listed in Acts 2 verses 42 and 47 which describe the activities of the 1st church in Jerusalem. They are:
• praise
• prayer
• fellowship
• Bible study
• outreach

These experiences need to be in your life in balance to assure proper Christian growth.  Further, no individual source such as a pastor’s sermon, as good as it may be, can supply all our needs.

• Set a goal - consider carefully the resources available and be proactive in making sure that all the five tools for maturity are developed in your life
• Service mindset - while you greatly will benefit from the fruit of your planned experiences to enhance maturity in your Christian life, realize ultimately your goal is to give to others, the resources from which you now take, to other believers. Consider carefully how you can give back to them in actions and in speech.

Our survey demonstrates that young Christians intend to take advantage of a variety of resources to assist their spiritual life, which most commonly derive from the local church. However, they also utilize online resources and other local individual and parachurch organizations to further their Christian life.
Christian should plan carefully to include these resources in their Christian life in balance including: praise, prayer, fellowship, outreach and Bible study to achieve a mature Christian life.

Complete results of this survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-WPGWGDDRV/).

What is discipleship?

Thank you for reading my blog. It is a privilege to create this blog and to have you visit. I hope you find the information encouraging.

Teleios’ mission is to show the truth of the Bible through scientific research and produce practical tools for scriptural understanding and confidence.

We recently performed a survey on the Instagram account, InstaPray, asking participants about their Bible study and discipleship beliefs. We had 822 participants of whom 25% were <18 years of age and 55% between 18 and 30. Half resided outside the United States, 80% described themselves as evangelical and 85% as saved by grace. Please visit https://teleiosresearch.com/what-are-young-christians-bible-study-habits/ for the full findings. We discovered many interesting points about Bible study and discipleship.

What is discipleship?

Our participants most commonly defined discipleship as seeking God ‘the best way they know how’ (62%). This is a fascinating finding. The general definition of a disciple is variable, but commonly means ‘a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher’.

The Greek word in the Bible for disciple (mantetes, Μαθητής) is a learner or a pupil (Strongs dictionary). Christ’s 12 disciples were taught by Him and there are other examples are shown in the New Testament such as Paul and Timothy.

Therefore, the word discipleship importantly suggests some measure of direction to the learner from a more authoritative source, not pure self-direction. 

More consistent with the definition, the second most common choice by our survey participants was ‘being taught by a more mature Christian’ (50%) or ‘being in a small group’ (40%). The latter structure can be effective if it is scripturally based.

Mentoring is a modern term for a type of discipleship. Indeed, young Christians generally are helped by mentoring at some level because it is very difficult to determine efficiently the Christian life without some help to start you on your way.

Less frequent choices were ‘to have a prayer partner’ (40%) or ‘accountability partner’ (30%). These also could be effective if the partner is a more mature Christian who can provide life and biblical insight and guidance. However, if both partners are young it might be a ‘blind leading the blind’ scenario.

Be careful. Your time is valuable! Seek resources that can help educate you most efficiently in scriptural knowledge so you can be the best servant of God that you can be as soon as possible, but also avoid life's mishaps which could have permanent and long-lasting results in career, family and marriage.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please join us again next week as we discuss more interesting findings from Teleios!