Self-Help Through Use of the Bible
The above photo features a New World Translation of the Bible that was bestowed upon me by my dad on August 14, 1989. Regarding this specific translation, one source states:
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT, also simply NW) is a translation of the Bible published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society; it is used and distributed by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Unlike many of the other children with whom I attended Crawford Elementary School in Aurora, Colorado, and then West Middle school [now Aurora West College Preparatory Academy], I studied the Bible, as I said in Outlook: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same:
Between my fifth and seventh grade years, my dad focused on teaching me tenets of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith. Primarily, he taught lessons from a Bible textbook entitled The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, which is colloquially known as the “blue book.” As well, he offered his own perspective on verses from the King James Version [KJV] of the Bible.
It’s been so long since studying the Bible that I’ve since mistaken the NWT for the KJV. Alas, I’m a fallible human being who errs quite a bit. Also, I’m now agnostic (a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality, such as a supreme being, is unknown and probably unknowable).
In any event, I learned many lessons from biblical knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of life and death. Even though I’ve since abandoned religiosity, I continue valuing what I was taught, in the interest of self-help, which the American Psychological Association thusly defines:
[A] focus on self-guided, in contrast to professionally guided, efforts to cope with life problems. Self-help can involve self-reliance, in which one addresses such problems on one’s own (e.g., by reading self-help books), or it can involve joining with others to address shared concerns together, as in self-help groups.
This form of personal self-help was something I continued using after becoming a member of the Churches of Christ shortly before attending Amarillo High School, through use of the New International Version of the Bible. No matter which biblical translation I used, I received help.
Then, during my senior year of high school, Wu-Tang Clan lyricist GZA, a personal favorite of the group, released his second studio album, Liquid Swords (1995). The CD version contained the song “B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)” by lyricist Killah Priest.
A member of Sunz of Man, and a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, Killah Priest featured the track on his debut studio album, Heavy Mental (1998). On the song, he states, “I deal with the truth and build with the youth, and teach my son as he kneels on the stoop.” That line reminded me of my dad.
Even though I’m now agnostic, I appreciate the lessons delivered from the “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” Now, I’m reminded of self-help through use of the Bible while I steadily read a book.
As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) was formed by the late psychologist Albert Ellis, who reportedly developed the first cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) psychotherapeutic modality in 1955, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding his book, Ask Albert Ellis?: Straight Answers and Sound Advice from America’s Best-Known Psychologist.
Granted, not everyone encountering this blogpost will appreciate biblical knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Nevertheless, one could also learn self-help lessons from the Quran, Torah, Veda, and so forth. Concerning this assertion, Ellis stated (page 9):
Throughout history, untold numbers of people have significantly helped themselves by sermons, talks, workshops, articles, and books – including, especially, that most read of all self-help books, The Bible. Individuals who suffer from mental and behavioral problems had often better have individual or group psychotherapy.
But they can also considerably help themselves by effective writings and audio-visual materials. Yes, if they forcefully work at using some of the cognitive, experiential and behavioral methods that these materials urge them to apply.
Long since 1989, when my dad gave me a NWT of the Bible, I continue self-help through use of the Bible. If I can do this, as one who’s agnostic regarding religious matters, I imagine that you can also find utility of various self-help resources, even if you’re areligious or irreligious.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
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