2007-01-28 16:50:58 · 15 answers · asked by WWTSD? 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
At best, yes. At worst, they are malpractice charlatans.
People are right to be scared of them, because many are completely unqualified to provide the kind of advise they are supposedly good for. I recall how Ann Landers used to routinely recommend that her disturbed writers should consult with their priest or pastor. How much misguidance (pray and all will be well) or even abuse (hug me, little boy) occurred because of such advise?
2007-01-28 17:03:15 · answer #1 · answered by HarryTikos 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Priests are definitely some of the most intelligent people you will meet. They do have extensive schooling in psychology, as a matter of fact. No, they can't write prescriptions but psychology isn't all about handing out medicine as a cure. I don't think amateur is the descriptive word to use here. It's not a hobby to them. They are not doctors in Psychology either nor do they claim to be. If a person wants good honest direction in life a priest will give you that or help you find someone who can
2007-01-29 01:08:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I hope not. If priests and pastors take their vocation seriously, they should be focused on articulating the set of truths Christianity provides and conducting public worship. They might also take on responsibilities to counsel people on occasion and visit the sick. They probably recommend psychologists to people who need them.
2007-01-29 00:58:31 · answer #3 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think any ethical person in the clergy would be quick to refer someone to a mental health professional if the person came to them with a problem that was of a nature that such help would be required.
Now, how many priests and pastors act ethically, in that regard? That, I couldn't say.
2007-01-29 00:56:46 · answer #4 · answered by RabidBunyip 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes and they do not charge $300.00 for a 50 minute hour like the
amateurs who have P.H.D.S
2007-01-29 01:01:48 · answer #5 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They offer low-priced counseling without all the mind-frying drugs and psychobabble.
Works well for a lot of people.
2007-01-29 01:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by angrygramma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.They want to believe not understand.
They also tend to encourage schyzoid delusional mental disorders instead of providing treatment.
2007-01-29 03:03:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the times yes. They quite often have some part of their education in this field of study as a prerequisite.
2007-01-29 00:56:35 · answer #8 · answered by Search4truth 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some have trainings in that area
God Bless You
2007-01-29 00:58:06 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
most do for their own goals of convincing you of their objectives....counseling you in a religious thought
2007-01-29 00:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋