TIL 563: Is There Neutral Ground in Counseling (feat. Keith Evans)

In this episode of Truth in Love, host Dale Johnson engages Dr. Keith Evans, Associate Professor of Christian Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary, to explore the controversial concept of 'neutral ground' in biblical counseling. The discussion centers on whether secular insights—such as those from psychology or neuroscience—can be safely integrated into Christian counseling without compromising biblical authority. Evans argues that true neutrality is impossible because all observation and interpretation are shaped by worldview. He draws on Cornelius Van Til’s philosophy to assert that the Christian worldview, grounded in Scripture, provides the only true lens for understanding humanity, sin, suffering, and sanctification. Rather than integrating secular models, Evans contends that unbelievers actually need 'supplementation' from the Christian worldview to make sense of reality. The episode warns against the dangers of 'clinically informed' counseling, which Evans sees as a regression to a Roman Catholic model of authority where Scripture shares equal footing with human tradition. Instead, he calls for fidelity to Scripture, integrity over innovation, and courage to be seen as 'basic' rather than trendy. The conversation underscores that counseling is not just a methodological choice but a theological one with real consequences for how people are transformed.