Noted psychologist, author Larry Crabb speaks at convocation

Well-known psychologist, author and seminar speaker Dr. Larry Crabb spoke to Liberty University students at Monday’s convocation about “relational sin” and how to overcome it.

Relational sin is not always a specific action, but more of an attitude of self-centeredness — valuing one’s own personal needs above the needs of others, Crabb said. It is sometimes overlooked by Christians because it is not as easily identifiable as “one of the big, bad sins.”

“When you search for what the spirit of God is doing in your life, you have to cut through … some of the insecurities and fears, a demanding spirit and all the pride and impatience, all sorts of fleshly things,” said Crabb. “Only in brokenness over your relational sin will you discover God’s power in your passion to change the world.”

He challenged students to take a deeper look into the person they have become.

“Don’t be afraid to face your failure, to face how jealous you sometimes are, how insecure you can be, how mad you sometimes can be … because the more honestly you enter the mystery of the darkness of your own soul, the more you’ll discover your center and the mystery of God’s forgiving grace,” he said.

Crabb met with students after convocation and signed copies of his books.

This was Crabb’s second visit to Liberty. His last visit was about five years ago. He said Liberty has an atmosphere of “openness.”

“I don’t sense a rigidity that is sometimes true of Christian schools,” he said after convocation. “I don’t sense the Pharisaical mood that easily can infiltrate a Christian school or church and so therefore feel like I can say what I want to say, so I appreciate that very much.” And, he added, “There’s a real atmosphere of prayer here.”

• Crabb is the founder of New Way Ministries, based in Denver, Colo., which holds weekend and weeklong conferences each year with the aim to “ignite a revolution in relationships.” He has written more than 20 books, including “Understanding People,” “The Marriage Builder,” “Finding God,” “Connecting,” “The Safest Place on Earth,” “The Pressure’s Off,” “Shattered Dreams,” “SoulTalk,” and “The PAPA prayer.” He is currently the Scholar in Residence at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colo., and Spiritual Director for the American Association of Christian Counselors.