24. The Implication of Regeneration and Atonement for Psychology

• Jul, 14 2025

Modern pastoral counseling has been infiltrated by humanistic psychologies that deny the biblical doctrines of sin, regeneration, and atonement. These secular approaches treat problems like depression, addiction, and anxiety as sicknesses, avoiding moral responsibility and downplaying sin. This is a profound departure from Scripture, which views such issues not as illnesses but as moral and spiritual problems stemming from man’s fallen nature.The biblical model—advanced by counselors like Jay E. Adams—rejects the “medical model” in favor of the “moral model.” Rooted in Reformed theology, it affirms that the root of man’s psychological struggle is sin, and the solution is regeneration through the Holy Spirit and atonement through Christ. This model calls for nouthetic counseling (admonishing based on Scripture), not psychological neutrality.Rushdoony emphasizes that psychology must distinguish between regenerate and unregenerate man. These two are governed by radically different natures and operate from opposing spiritual presuppositions:The unregenerate are driven by autonomy, guilt, and attempts at self-atonement, often expressed through violence, masochism, and sadism (seen in culture, media, and even sexual perversions).The regenerate, though still sinners, are governed by a new nature, desire righteousness, and are freed from condemnation (Rom. 8:1–2), no longer needing to punish themselves through destructive behavior.The central error of humanistic psychology is that it fails to account for man’s moral rebellion against God, treats symptoms as causes, and denies the necessity of supernatural rebirth. Without regeneration, there is no true transformation, only behavioral modification or self-deception.Furthermore, Rushdoony argues that pastoral counseling must begin with diagnosing the spiritual condition of a person. Counseling cannot be neutral—it must point people to the cross, call for repentance, and promote sanctification through obedience to God’s law. Christian psychology that ignores atonement and regeneration is not Christian at all.Key Takeaways:Mental and emotional problems are moral, not merely medical; sin is at the root.There is a fundamental difference between regenerate and unregenerate man in motivation, desire, and spiritual orientation.Self-atonement drives the unregenerate toward destructive behaviors, while Christ’s atonement frees the redeemed.Christian counseling must reject neutrality and embrace Scripture as authoritative and directive.Without rebirth and the work of the Holy Spirit, there can be no true healing or sanctification.

Author

R.J. Rushdoony

Chalcedon Founder

Narrated by

Nathan F. Conkey

Narrator, teacher, missionary