Anderson Critique

7/29/2019 Anderson Critique

1/8

Running head: ANDERSON CRITIQUE 1

A Critique of a Theoretical Model: The Bondage Breakerby Neil T. Anderson

Surprize Stephenson

Liberty University


2/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 2

A Critique of a Theoretical Model: The Bondage Breakerby Neil T. Anderson

Summary

In his book, The Bondage Breaker,Neil Anderson (2000) presents a self-help work

planned for the Christian believer who may be vulnerable to forces of demonic nature. He desires

to free people from spiritual bondage. In doing this he separates his book into three parts; taking

courage, taking a strong stand and being free to lead a Christian to the third part of being free.

With the premise that Christians are struggling with bondage and are on a spiritual

warfare; Anderson (2000) begins by offering six common misconceptions about bondage that

Christians are blinded or confused by (p. 19). These misconceptions, which develop because

many Christians unknowingly do not have a biblical worldview, are (1) the belief that demons

only existed during the days of Christ, (2) the belief of science that the presence of demonic

actions is nothing but mental illness, (3) the belief that problems come two-fold either

psychological and spiritual, (4) the beliefs that Christians cannot be consumed by demons, (5)

the belief that only in wild aggravated instances is where demonic power will be present, and

lastly (6) in order to be free of bondage there must be a power encounter with demonic forces.

When a Christian recognizes these misconceptions takes some of the grip that Satan may have on

them. Anderson (2000) asserts that realizing that demons have very strong power and assertive

manipulative strategies will help one gain wisdom and put on the whole armor of God (p. 93).

When one is capable of addressing the fact that demons exist and have manipulative

influence, then Anderson (2000) says that it is possible to attempt to retrain a Christians

thinking. During this time Christians must recognize their place in Christ and the power they

have over the enemy; this allows for the separation from non- Christians. One then learns that


3/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 3

when attempting to discern if thoughts are lies or true that things should be questioned with a

fine-toothed Christ comb, seeking to discover the absolute truth.

In the second part of his book, Anderson (2000) states that one must begin to deal with

faulty spirits. Anderson (2000) poses three ways of handling the road blocks one may face on

their Christian journey. First, the Christians that are defeated allow the lies and demonic

influences to consume them. Second, Christians attempt to battle it out with the demons; he

reiterates here that one should examine every word with the light of Christ. Lastly, the response

that Anderson (2000) states is the most appropriate, is to choose the truth overall things. When

you consistently turn the other cheek to Satan and his demons and look to Christ you will

continue to be strengthened.

In closing out his book, Anderson (2000) presents his seven Steps to Freedom in

Christ; which he educates and prepares you early on to be able to follow. The first step is

counterfeit vs. real, one must deny any and all affiliation with occult practices, and non-

Christian religions. For step one Anderson (2000) offers a non-Christian checklist, as well as

other tools to help one evaluate things which need to be abandoned. Step two is deception vs.

truth, Gods word is the only truth and one must simply know that to be so. With step two

Anderson (2000) cautions one to not allow the world to pull the wool over your eyes or pull the

wool over their own eyes and he offers checklists and guides to ensure you stay away from

deceit. Step three is bitterness vs. forgiveness, one must learn to forgive to keep Satan from

having a strong hold on their life; Anderson (2000) allows you to know what forgiveness is and

how you should forgive from the heart. Step four is rebellion vs. submission, it is a must that one

obey the rules and laws set forth. Step five is pride vs. humility, establishes that one must fully

rely on God, and recognize that he is sovereign. Step six is bondage vs. freedom, in order to be


4/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 4

free one must not allow sin to win; you must give that and everything else to God. Anderson

(2000) names many sins that may be consuming some, and gives prayer suggestions for healing.

Step seven is curses vs. blessings, this step requires leaving the sins of your familys past and

claim new life in Christ. As in the other steps he offers prayers, interventions and other tools that

aid in simplifying evaluation. In conclusion, Anderson (2000) offers information for the unbound

Christian to aid others in the tearing down of their bondage.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Anderson lays a great foundation for the true Christian, who may be weak, but none the

less absolutely Christian. This model presents a self-help how-to guide to build trust and reliance

on God. It calls for an evaluation of on entire Christian self to help one see where they have been

deceived and bound by the enemy. This model offers a simplistic process that most anyone can

employ.

Unfortunately, this model will not be beneficial to someone that does not know God

already. Andersons (2000) model builds onthe values and teachings of Gods word, and it is not

very explanative of those things because a true Christian already knows them. What he does is

offer a reality check for Christians to thoroughly evaluate their behavior and to get back in-line

with the word of God. How will the lay non-Christian be able to grow with Christ from this

model? Simple, he wont; God desires for His people to help all men and to tell of His goodness

and mercy as a testimony of what He can do. Anderson (2000) speaks of how good God is, but

does not teach the unknower how to know.

Lastly, this model does not represent what I believe to be a comprehensive theory.

Anderson (2000) does not integrate psychology into his theory what so ever. In my opinion on

the surface it may appear that he multitasks, but in reality he does not (McMinn, 2011). I believe


5/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 5

he takes the stance that one may utilize all the practices and techniques of other disciplines that

theywant, but you wont find an answer there. Anderson (2000) believes that all problems are

spiritual, which I dont believe to be true.

Personal Reflection and Application

As a Christian I appreciated Andersons work; however as a multitasking soon to be

Christian counselor I had some trouble. I believe that we must lead people to God, not only

assume that they previously have known Him. For true Christian this model is a positive

reinforcement of what we are already taught. It expounds upon Gods word and teaching us to

use what God has given us as a fortress of protection, and that is what I plan to do.

I have always been a person to wear my heart on my sleeve, which has allowed me to be

deceived many times. God has already granted me the spirit of discernment and this model that

Anderson had proposed give me interventions that I will use to separate the counterfeit from the

real, deception from truth, do away with bitterness and forgive those people who have deceived

and attempt to deceive me, give in to my God and totally rely on Him, and live a blessed life of

freedom in Christ, Hallelujah!


6/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 6

References

Anderson, N. T. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.

McMinn, M.R. (2011).Psychology, Theology & Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale

House Publishers.


7/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 7

THEORY CRITIQUE GRADING RUBRICCOUN 507- Theology and Spirituality in Counseling

Please include the following topics for each section of your theory critique

Content

Points

Earned: Comments:

Concise Summary of Theory (40 points)

At leastone page of typed text Summary demonstrates a solid understanding

of the material presented

Summary presents the core ideas of eachChristian theory of counseling

Summary is sufficiently thorough (covers theessential concepts of the theory) but alsoconcise (tightly worded and eliminates

peripheral ideas)

Evaluation of Strengths and Weakness (25 points)

One page This section demonstrates critical thinking in

the analysis and critique of the material.

This section identifies thestrengths/weaknesses of the theory (from yourperspective) and provides your rationale for

your critique. With what do you agree and

disagree? This section does not merely add

more information about the theory, but

provides critique.

This section comments on the efficacy of thetheorydoes the theory provide a

comprehensive theory of counseling?


8/8

ANDERSON CRITIQUE 8

Personal Reflection and Application (20 points)

One page This section provides personal example(s) of

how you personally relate to the content of the

theory

This section provides clear connectionsbetween the life episode and the core concepts

(not peripheral ideas in the theory)

This section describes what you may use fromthe theory in your own counseling

Writing 10Points Points Earned Comments

Paper is written in an organized manner,following graduate level writing expectations

Paper is free from mechanical errorsAPA 5 Points Points Earned Comments:

The paper follows current APA guidelines forformat and includes a title page as well as a

reference page; each page utilizes a running head

and page number.

All pages double spaced, per APA. Citations andreference listings follow APA guidelines.

Total 100 PointsTotal Points

EarnedFinal

Comments

Documents

Anderson Critique