Recently I was asked if I would be willing to debate the psychology issue with someone on the other side. My position would be anti-psychology, meaning anti-psychotherapy and its underlying psychologies. The other side would of course be pro-psychology. The title of the debate was to be “Can You Trust Psychology?” which is the title of a book by Dr. Gary Collins, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). I accepted the invitation.
I suggested that he ask Collins if he would debate me. Or, if he would not, to select one of several people listed on the AACC stationary. I named several from their alphabetical list, beginning with Steve Arterburn and ending with H. Norman Wright. The person setting up the debate inquired. Collins’ response was negative.
The person setting up the debate then asked me who else I could suggest. I named Hank Hanegraaff, who heads Christian Research Institute, or Bob and Gretchen Passantino, who were the subjects of our book CRI Guilty of Psychoheresy? The person called Hanegraaff’s office requesting his participation in a debate and was referred to the Passantinos. He then contacted the Passantinos and their response was negative. However, the Passantinos suggested Dr. William Backus. This person called Backus’s office and left a message. Backus called back and declined.
We have made efforts over the years to engage in public dialog over this important issue with those whom we critique. Thus far the results have been negative. Others such as Dave Hunt have also tried with the same negative responses. At one time John Ankerberg actually set up a debate with three psychologists on the pro side and three of us on the anti side. At the last minute the three psychologists backed out. Maybe someone could explain why this is so.
(From PAL V6N5)