An analysis of the convergence of existential counseling and contemporary Christianity
Date
1974
Authors
MacIntyre, Donna Mary
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the compatibility of the belief systems existential counseling and contemporary Christianity in an attempt to make available to man a conceptual tool by which he may integrate his psychological and religious development, lessen conflicts between the two processes, and attain an integrated functioning wholeness as a person.
The General System Theory as proposed by Bertalanffy (1968) with the notion of a system as a complexity of interacting elements establishing and maintaining an integrated wholeness provides the theoretical construct for the compatibility and convergence of the two systems such that a hierarchy of systems is formed. Thus while each system functions in its own right they both operate as subsystems serving to contribute toward the goal-directed wholeness of the supersystem. The rules of the language system: syntax, semantics and pragmatics are the criteria which determine the compatibility of these two subsystems. Their respective interacting elements and goal are analyzed accordingly. The elements of each system (process goals) are identified as; exercising personal freedom, improving encounter and discovering meaning with the goal (ultimate goal) being self-fulfillment.
The data analyzed are extracted from the writings of two recognized existential counselors, Rollo May and Adrian Van Kaam, and two equally reputable contemporary Christian theologians, Gregory Baum and Rubem Alves. The similarities between the elements and t he ultimate goal of each system as represented by the above authors are tabulated and a common language devised.
The results indicate that there seems to be compatibility between existential counseling and contemporary Christianity with regard to their respective "process goals" (interacting elements) and their ultimate goal. The similarity is such that there appear to be points of convergence as well as of compatibility and a hierarchy of systems appears to exist.
This being so, the existential counselor who accepts this integrated tool in relating with a Christian client who seeks personal growth through therapy but conceptually and experientially separates his personal growth from his Christian living, can provide his client with an opportunity to integrate the whole of his life. The client is encountering a person who will enable him to confront all of his inner conflicts, religious and otherwise, to become a more complete, whole person, rather than a compartmentalized being.
The priest or minister implementing this supersystem can assist those persons with whom he comes in contact in much the same way. He can lead them to find that their personal growth and self-fulfilment is part and parcel of their participation in and identification with the redemptive life of Christ; that man's growth in humanness, in wholeness is the redemption of mankind in process.