Faith-Based Counseling vs. Dianetics: A Respectful Comparison
Comparing pastoral counseling and prayer with Dianetics for lasting mental health solutions.
Faith and Mental Health in South Africa
According to Pew Research Center, **80% of South Africans identify as Christian.** For many, the church is the first place they turn when struggling with depression, anxiety, or relationship problems. Pastors provide counseling, prayer groups offer support, and scripture provides comfort.
But here's the difficult question: **Does faith-based counseling actually cure mental illness?** Or does it provide spiritual comfort while the underlying problem remains unresolved?
This article isn't here to attack Christianity or diminish the value of faith. It's here to provide an honest, evidence-based comparison so you can make an informed decision about your mental health.
Important: Dianetics is not a religion and does not conflict with Christianity. Many Christians use Dianetics to resolve mental distress while maintaining their faith. This comparison is about effectiveness, not belief.
What Is Faith-Based Counseling?
Faith-based counseling (also called pastoral counseling) is when you seek help from a religious leader—usually a pastor, priest, or church elder—for mental health or life problems.
Common Approaches in Faith-Based Counseling:
- •Prayer: Asking God to remove your depression, anxiety, or problems
- •Scripture Reading: Finding comfort and guidance in Bible verses
- •Spiritual Warfare: Viewing mental illness as demonic oppression or spiritual attack
- •Submission to God's Will: Accepting suffering as part of God's plan
- •Confession and Repentance: Believing sin is causing your mental distress
The Problem with "Pray and Wait"
Many Christians are told: **"Just pray about it. God will heal you in His time."** While prayer can provide comfort and hope, it doesn't address the **root cause** of mental illness.
Why Prayer Alone Doesn't Cure Depression or Anxiety:
According to Dianetics ("Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" by L. Ron Hubbard), mental distress comes from **engrams**—traumatic memories stored in the reactive mind. These engrams contain physical pain, emotional pain, and unconsciousness from past incidents.
Prayer doesn't erase engrams. It can provide emotional relief and spiritual strength, but the traumatic memories remain in your mind, continuing to cause depression, anxiety, and irrational behavior.
In Simple Terms: If you broke your leg, prayer might help you cope with the pain, but it won't set the bone. You need a doctor. Similarly, prayer can help you cope with depression, but it won't erase the traumatic memories causing it.
Is Depression a Lack of Faith?
One of the most harmful beliefs in some Christian communities is that **depression is a sign of weak faith.** If you're depressed, it's because you're not praying enough, not trusting God enough, or harboring secret sin.
This is **not true**. Depression is caused by engrams—traumatic incidents stored in your reactive mind. It has nothing to do with the strength of your faith.
In fact, many deeply faithful Christians suffer from severe depression. Their faith is strong, but their reactive mind is burdened with unresolved trauma.
Personal Responsibility vs. "God's Will"
A core principle in Dianetics is **personal responsibility**—the idea that you are the cause of your life, not the effect. You have the power to change your situation by addressing the root cause of your problems.
In contrast, some faith-based counseling emphasizes **submission to God's will**—accepting your suffering as part of God's plan and waiting for Him to act.
But here's the question: **Did God give you free will?** If so, doesn't that mean you're responsible for taking action to improve your life?
Dianetics Perspective: God gave you a mind and the ability to think. Using Dianetics to resolve your reactive mind is an exercise of that God-given ability. You're not replacing God—you're using the tools He gave you.
Pastoral Counseling: Well-Meaning but Untrained
Most pastors are not trained mental health professionals. They have theological training, but they don't have expertise in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions.
This creates a problem: **Pastors often give advice that sounds spiritual but doesn't actually resolve the problem.**
Examples of Ineffective Pastoral Advice:
- ✗"You need to forgive and move on." (Forgiveness doesn't erase engrams)
- ✗"This is a spiritual attack. We need to pray against the enemy." (Mental illness isn't demonic)
- ✗"God is testing you. Stay strong." (This encourages suffering instead of resolution)
- ✗"You need to repent of hidden sin." (Depression isn't caused by sin)
Comparison Table: Faith-Based Counseling vs. Dianetics
| Aspect | Faith-Based Counseling | Dianetics |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Prayer, scripture, spiritual guidance | Precise technology of the mind (auditing) |
| Goal | Spiritual comfort, submission to God's will | Eradicate the source of distress (engrams) |
| Duration | Ongoing (lifelong support) | Finite process with defined end state |
| Cost | Free (but time-intensive) | One-time investment in book/auditing |
| Training | Theological, not mental health | Specialized auditor training |
| Outcome | Comfort, but problems often persist | Permanent resolution, state of Clear |
| Compatible with Faith? | Yes (part of faith practice) | Yes (many Christians use Dianetics) |
Can You Be a Christian and Use Dianetics?
**Yes.** Dianetics is not a religion. It's a technology of the mind—a set of principles and procedures for resolving mental distress.
Many Christians use Dianetics to resolve their reactive mind while maintaining their faith in God. In fact, resolving your engrams can **strengthen your faith** by removing the mental barriers that were preventing you from experiencing peace and spiritual clarity.
Think of it this way: If you had cancer, you'd pray for healing—but you'd also go to a doctor. Using Dianetics is like going to a doctor for your mind. It doesn't replace prayer; it complements it.
When Prayer Isn't Enough: Real Stories
Many South Africans have spent years praying for relief from depression, anxiety, or anger—only to find that the problems persist. This doesn't mean God isn't listening. It means the **root cause** (engrams) hasn't been addressed.
Dianetics provides a practical, effective solution. Once the engrams are erased through auditing, the depression, anxiety, or anger disappears—permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
If you've been praying for relief from depression, anxiety, or anger—and the problems persist—Dianetics offers a practical, effective solution. It doesn't replace your faith. It gives you the tools to resolve the mental causes of your suffering so you can experience the peace and freedom God wants for you.
To explore how Dianetics complements your faith journey, order the Dianetics book for R400 with free shipping across South Africa. Many Christians have found that Dianetics helps them overcome mental barriers that were preventing them from fully living their faith.
Professional Dianetics auditing services are also available if you prefer guided support.
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Tony Peacock
Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate
Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025
Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.