ISN'T CHRISTIANITY JUST A CRUTCH THAT MEETS A PERSON'S PSYCHOLOGIAL NEED?
Individuals that ask this question are trying to convince you that you are a weak person psychologically and somehow you are making yourself believe that there is a God when in reality there is not. It is important to remember that the psychologist Sigmund Freud taught that anyone who believed in God was neurotic and needed psychological help. His teaching is the source of this question. How should you respond?
First, explain that man is made up of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). The real you is a spirit (2 Tim. 4:22) (1 Cor. 6:20). Your soul is reflected in your personality, your emotions, and your will (Heb. 4:12) (Mark 14:34). The Bible declares that before you came to Christ your spirit was dead because of your sins (Eph. 2:1). Paul also declared that those who live in the pleasures of immorality were spiritually dead while they physically lived (1 Tim. 5:6). Therefore, people are alive in body and soul before coming to Christ, but they are spiritually dead being alienated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18).
After explaining these truths then share your personal testimony of how you were dead and searching for real life. Declare how you realized that you were incomplete without your spirit alive. You were two-thirds of a person until you received Christ. I wouldn't call Jesus a crutch to help you walk and live. I’d describe Him a whole new life given to complete you as a person. Those who use crutches are still wounded and broken.
Then turn the concept of a crutch around and address their possible crutches. Explain that those who use alcohol or drugs, those who use people sexually, those who live to obtain material things are all seeking to use a crutch to fill the emptiness within their lives. Jesus isn't a temporary crutch; He is the answer that all mankind is seeking.
This study was written by Pastor Steve Carr. If we can be of any further assistance please contact us at
