Coun 507 Theory Critique Anderson
Counseling Theory Critique: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
Brianna Zuver
L24770662
Liberty University
Course and Section #: 201120 Fall 2012 COUN 507-D12 LUO
Sub-term D; Deadline: 12/02/2012 Instructor’s Name: Dr. James A. Laine Date of Submission: 12/01/2012
Counseling Theory Critique: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson “Dealing with the demonic should be seen as a truth encounter rather than a power encounter” (Anderson, 2000, p. 258) this quote by Anderson, 2000, basically sums up his entire counseling theory in The Bondage Breaker. Anderson believes that the majority of what is construed as mental illness by psychologists today is actually demonic strongholds over the mind. Throughout his book, Anderson relays stories about patients he has dealt with whom he says have experienced some sort of physical ailment or mental illness such as hearing voices or physical deficiencies, and after completing the 7 steps in his counseling theory have seen remarkable improvements in their physical and mental health. Anderson believes that we wage a war against spiritual forces in our daily lives and even Christians are not free from the attacks of evil. As an example to his theory, Anderson illustrates a road Christians walk towards Christ with demonic forces leering on either side; his theory is that if a person is to engage in activity with these forces, they become overcome and their minds are controlled by demonic powers. Anderson stresses that everyone has a right to be free and that if they will regain control of their minds and “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (Anderson, 2000, p.69), they will have the ability to overcome the forces which control them. The steps to freedom recommended in Anderson’s theory are: #1 Denouncing any involvement in satanic customs, #2 Overcoming deception, #3 Learning to forgive, #4 Submitting to higher authority, #5 Learning to be humble and caring towards others, #6
Brianna Zuver
L24770662
Liberty University
Course and Section #: 201120 Fall 2012 COUN 507-D12 LUO
Sub-term D; Deadline: 12/02/2012 Instructor’s Name: Dr. James A. Laine Date of Submission: 12/01/2012
Counseling Theory Critique: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson “Dealing with the demonic should be seen as a truth encounter rather than a power encounter” (Anderson, 2000, p. 258) this quote by Anderson, 2000, basically sums up his entire counseling theory in The Bondage Breaker. Anderson believes that the majority of what is construed as mental illness by psychologists today is actually demonic strongholds over the mind. Throughout his book, Anderson relays stories about patients he has dealt with whom he says have experienced some sort of physical ailment or mental illness such as hearing voices or physical deficiencies, and after completing the 7 steps in his counseling theory have seen remarkable improvements in their physical and mental health. Anderson believes that we wage a war against spiritual forces in our daily lives and even Christians are not free from the attacks of evil. As an example to his theory, Anderson illustrates a road Christians walk towards Christ with demonic forces leering on either side; his theory is that if a person is to engage in activity with these forces, they become overcome and their minds are controlled by demonic powers. Anderson stresses that everyone has a right to be free and that if they will regain control of their minds and “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (Anderson, 2000, p.69), they will have the ability to overcome the forces which control them. The steps to freedom recommended in Anderson’s theory are: #1 Denouncing any involvement in satanic customs, #2 Overcoming deception, #3 Learning to forgive, #4 Submitting to higher authority, #5 Learning to be humble and caring towards others, #6
References: Anderson, N.T. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR.: Harvest House.