Send Me Questions on Attachment

The complex relationship between faith and psychology takes center stage in this third installment of our shame series with theologian Jason Glenn. What happens when biblical understanding meets modern psychology? Can they coexist, or are they fundamentally at odds?

This rich conversation explores the suspicion many Christians hold toward therapeutic approaches, while acknowledging the growing recognition that faith practices positively impact mental health. Jason shares his perspective on how the counseling field has often prioritized making people "feel at peace with who they are" over addressing deeper spiritual needs, yet he also challenges harmful Christian misconceptions that equate mental health struggles with spiritual failure.

Through powerful personal stories, Jason reveals how his parents helped him navigate shame in psychologically and spiritually healthy ways. His mother's object lesson of burning written sins to illustrate God's forgiveness offered him a way to "disassociate my identity in Christ from my past sins" – creating resilience while maintaining appropriate conviction. Such formative experiences show how theology and psychology can work together rather than in opposition.

The discussion ventures into provocative territory when examining how church culture has shifted from fire-and-brimstone approaches to sometimes overcorrecting with therapeutic methods that prioritize affirmation over accountability. As Jason notes, "If the good news doesn't speak to your victimhood, it's not good news" has become an unspoken assumption in many congregations, reflecting how psychological concepts have subtly reshaped theological understanding.

For anyone struggling to reconcile their faith journey with psychological healing, this conversation offers a thoughtful middle path – one that honors both our complex psychological reality and timeless biblical truth. Whether you're a counselor, pastor, or simply someone navigating your own healing journey, you'll find wisdom for approaching shame in ways that lead to genuine transformation rather than either denial or identity-consuming guilt.

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My mission is to help you understand your attachment style to learn how you can heal from the pain you’ve experienced in your relationship with God, the church and yourself.

I look forward to walking alongside you as you draw closer to Christ!