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A Study on Application of Object-Relation Theory in Christian Counseling: Based on Fairbairn’s Object-Relation Theory and Hoekema’s Created in God’s Image

  • Journal of Counseling and Gospel
  • Abbr : Jocag
  • 2019, 27(1), pp.149-175
  • DOI : 10.17841/jocag.2019.27.1.149
  • Publisher : Korean Evangelical Counseling Society
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology > Pastoral Counseling
  • Received : March 27, 2019
  • Accepted : May 4, 2019
  • Published : May 30, 2019

Anna Park 1

1서초구 청소년상담복지센터

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to suggest the proper use of the Object-Relations Theory for Christian counseling. In order to achieve this goal, this article reexamined Fairbairn's Object-Relation theory in the biblical perspective. As a result of comparison of Fairbairn's theory and 'Created in God's image', a book on biblical humanity written by Hoekema, Reformed theologian, there was a remarkable differences in many aspects. The theory explains that human being desire the relationship and consider mom as a crucial object to divide the self. Therefore the goal of the counseling is to integrate the self. The theory emphasizes therapeutic relationships. However, the Bible regards the mind as the decision maker to satisfy oneself and the dependence on the Holy Spirit is the unit of measure of maturity. The purpose of biblical counseling is the self-denial. In conclusion, there is a serious and critical limitation in using this theory in Christian counseling as a framework of problem analysis because both the theory and the Bible are in opposition to the goal of counseling, despite the commonality of human beings as a relationship-centered entity. Based on these findings, this study suggested that Christian counselors should identify the motive for self-integration and use the theory to strengthen therapeutic-relationships with incarnate attitudes.

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